For years, dance parents have sought out medical assistance to recover from sticker shock when costume prices are announced. It’s been happening for so many generations that it’s become a ritual-a part of what we expect in dance. But it doesn’t have to be that way! Whether you’re a dance teacher or stage mom looking for an inexpensive, do-it-yourself costume for this year’s recital, or the mother of a little one who wants to be a dancer for Halloween, these tips can help you create a custom costume that will wow both your audience AND your wallet!
Step 1. Think theme! Before any other decisions can be made about your costume, you have to decide on a theme. If you have a song in mind, listen to the lyrics. What is the song about? Is country-western your style? If so, a rhinestone cowhand look may be what you want. Is your theme prehistoric? Then you’ll want faux fur, bone jewelry, and a big stick. Want something a little more tropical? Flowers, grass skirts, and bold prints are your new best friends. Other theme ideas might include: 50s sock hop, flappers and gangsters, classic ballet, fairies and pixies, 60s hippies, WWII uniforms and Andrews Sisters style, 80s break dancers, secret agents, animals, circus/carnival, futuristic/space and many more fun ideas-your imagination is unlimited!
Step 2. Visualize! What is your costume going to look like? Especially if the costume will need to be vibrant for an on-stage performance, you need to visualize something big and bold! Remember, dance costumes take the idea (your theme) and jazz it up! Cowgirl dance costumes don’t just have hats, vests, and chaps with boots. Cowgirl dance costumes have hats in bold or metallic colors, vests and chaps studded with rhinestones, and boot-looking spats covered with sequins and glitter. Our 60s hippies don’t just wear jeans and gauze shirts-they wear jeans decorated with brightly painted peace signs, shirts with broad swirls of vivid colors, and shimmery scarves tied around their heads. Our WWII era performers don’t sit under the apple tree in any old khaki uniform-they have a uniform made of shimmery gold material that hints at the prototype, but jazzes it up!
Step 3. Collect and Make. Now it’s time to start putting together the costume. You may want to look through sewing patterns, but think of ways you can modify them-maybe change a fabric, add some sparkle, make it perfect for bright lights and center stage! Doing a period costume theme? Take a look at local thrift shops! The costumes don’t all have to match, as long as the theme is consistent. And remember that extra sparkle-you can always dress up a thrift store find with rhinestones, marabou, sequins, rick rack, ribbons, patches, and appliqués. Don’t forget to check out the toy section, dollar stores, and party stores-props really make a difference! With a little creativity and a few craft supplies, you can really help your little star to shine!
Some ideas:
Swim suit, faux fur, faux leather cord, and plastic bones from party store make a great Cave Dweller Costume!
Sparkly stretch denim jeans, white shirt, rhinestones and stud-applicator, thrift store jean jacket, metallic rick rack, cheap plastic hat from party store, spray-glue, and glitter make a sharp Cowhand Costume!
Leotard or unitard in a jewel or earth tone, long strips of sheer coordinating fabric, and clearance-rack flowers woven into a headpiece make a whimsical Fairy or Pixie Costume!
Dance pants, brightly colored shirt, oversized dress coat, big, bold flower for pocket, wing-tipped shoe-spats, and a fedora from party or thrift store make a smooth Gangster Costume!
Straight-leg pants, neon sweatshirt, matching bandana tied around head, and a pair of old Reeboks spray-painted a bold or metallic color make an awesome 80s Break Dancer Costume!
Got the idea? Great! Have fun making your new dance costume!
