Answers to Every Dance Costume Question
Let's get one thing straight - Dance costumes aren't outfits you wear to work or the grocery store. A costume will be the most sparkly one-of-a-kind article of clothing in your closet, and the best garment to showcase your dance skills.
But even for the costume informed, it's always good to get an expert opinion.
So we sent Nick and Lena Kosovich a list of costume questions, and they turned the answers into a segment on their new Youtube channel: Life with Lenique.
Questions About Dance Costumes with Nick and Lena Kosovich
Watch the Full Video
Below is a list of bullet points and some supporting thoughts
AML: What are 5 Things Everyone Should Consider Before Buying a Costume?
1. Talk to your teacher or studio manager before you shop online for a costume
While shopping online, or buying overseas, may reveal some less expensive options - they rarely create satisfied customers.
2. You Must Try it On
You won't know if the costume is age appropriate, style appropriate, or the true fit of the garment until you try it on.
3. Color
Keep in mind that you're dancing on a light brown floor, with intense lighting, so you could look washed out without the right color. Even if it's a color that you might not wear very often.
4. Budget
"You want to get value for money" says Nick Kosovich, and while new students may have no idea what to budget for a costume, there are options.
5. Plenty of Supervised Dress Testing
By trying a wide variety of garments, you'll get a better sense for what works best. It also helps to have someone there who can offer an objective point of view.
AML: If someone decides to purchase a used costume, what should they look for first?
1. Wear and Tear
Are the seams ripped? Threads snapped? Start from the inside out and do a careful examination.
2. Check the Stones
Watch out for lower quality rhinestones.
3. Care Instructions?
Tough to clean without one of these little tags.
4. Fit
It may be a beautiful garment, and at a great price, but it may not be the one that's best for your body.
AML: What are some costume options for a full figured dancer?
1. For Gents - The Cut of the Suit
2. For Gents - Higher Waisted Pants
3. For Gents - One great accessory
4. For Gents - Fit and Fabric
5. For Ladies - Know Your Plus and Minus
6. For Ladies - Fabric Options
7. Both - Consult an Expert
AML: There are a lot of guys that are a little hesitant about purchasing a costume. What are some advantages a costume will give them?
1. Added Comfort
2. Tame That Tummy
3. The Right Proportions
AML: What are the current trends in Dance Costuming?
1. Daring to be different
2. Feathers, feathers, and more feathers
3. Black is back, and Jewel is cool
4. Pastels with Matching Shoes
5. Ballroom Gowns are Full
6. Undo the Untucked
Final Thoughts
While costumes are typically worn for a dance competition, or for a well rehearsed solo dance routine, Nick and Lena have presented some great benefits that costumes can bring for the casual social dance hobbyist. A costume, even practice wear, is a uniform for your hobby, "You walk into a gym and you never see anyone working out in jeans or dress shoes" says Lena.
There just may be some feathers in your future, or just a tailor made dance outfit.
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