-Trudy Garfunkel
Costuming can be a make or break in the execution of a
performance. So much can go wrong with costume malfunctions, and at the same
time the costuming can completely transform the piece, making it come to life
and feel so real within a manner of two to three minutes. Costumes are
everywhere, from second hand stores, to online costume resources, fabrics and
gems from local craft stores, or just a simple leotard. Dance costuming is an
endless opportunity.
Sometimes, for a more vintage, old time piece you might be
looking for a raggedy costume that you can’t quite find anywhere other than a
second hand or antique store. Dancers can magnify these pieces to their old
former glories by representing them in their time era piece. It is in my
opinion somewhat fresh, incidentally to see an old, worn clothing item on the
stage bringing new art to an audience. Not to mention that when you can make an
old costume seem new, it is much less expensive, a very affordable option.
Online resources are easy. There are such a wide variety of
options among online costume companies. To name a few there is Art Stone,
Weissman, Curtain Call and Kelle. With so many options, sizes and styles across
many genres of dance these websites are able to grant dancers matching costumes
to help bring their piece to life. One of the greatest benefits to ordering
costumes online from a company is the guarantee that they will all look
identical, most especially important in large group number pieces. The trouble
however is that sometimes the costumes do not fit precisely to the dancer’s
body it was ordered for, as they are not designed specifically, but generally.
This can lead to tightness limitations, as well as droopiness, ultimately
ending multiple costume malfunctions. Also, ordering online needs to be taken
well into advance to ensure all aspects of the costume are taken care of and
will be received well in time of the performance date.
Costumes do give you the opportunity to be personally
stitched, sewed and stoned to fit exactly to the dancer’s body. Most commonly
done for solos, or smaller groups, because the detail and time required to pull
off an originally tailored costume needs to be meticulous. On my team many
parents design and create the costume from simple leotard, sports bra and
spandex articles, adding fabrics, gems, and décor pieces to fit the style,
song, and form of the dancer. Handmaid costumes that are original pieces are
also made by professional seamstress private businesses at dance boutiques and
online dance boutiques. These range to be highly expensive, so I would suggest
to invest money, time and dedication to basic dance wear with additions from
craft stores like Michaels and Jo Ann Fabrics.
Simplicity is a magical device. Not every costume as to have
huge flowers, ruffled bottoms, a million bedazzles or be extremely risqué.
Sometimes the dance can be focused on greatest with the simplest costume. Glitz
and glamour is not for everyone on the dance floor. A plain leotard, matching
booty shorts and tight crop top, or plain black dress may be the hitch a dancer
needs to make a lasting impression. In the end it comes down to the dancing,
and although a beautiful, full sequences, feathered costume is gorgeous, it is
about the dancer’s personality and technique. A costume is a small part of that
masterpiece, it can best be done high profile or within a low key simple piece.
All are great options, just be sure to fit the costume to the dancer, style,
song and vision of the choreographer.
~Julia Brewer
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