How to buy ballet recital costumes

Ballet recital costumes should help students express the character of the dance.

A ballet recital costume is intended to help student dancers give a complete performance. The right ballet recital costume can help any dancer feel in character as she pirouettes across the stage. When ordering ballet recital costumes, make sure to take accurate measurements, order from the right supplier and allow enough time for the costume to arrive.

Things You'll Need

• Flexible tape measure

Instructions

1. Ask the ballet school exactly what costumes your child needs. A costume might be of a specific design that comes only in certain colors, but teachers might let you choose one in a slightly different color or material than the approved outfit.

2. Ask the school about the specific composition of the costume. Many ballet costumes are composed of different parts. The dancer might wear a plain black leotard underneath her multicolored tutu and jeweled top, or just a simple jacket over his leotard.

3. Follow the teacher's instructions about any specific stores or brands that she wants students to use. Some dance studios prefer that students buy all their costumes from a single supplier, and the school may even handle the ordering. This helps ensure that all costumes will match. Other dance studios allow students to choose from a list of suppliers.

4. Measure the dancer's arms from the tops of his shoulders to the ends of his wrists, using the tape measure. Measure each leg from the tip of the pelvis to the top of the ankle. Measure his waist, placing the tape at his belly button.

5. If ordering the costume yourself, tell the store sales associates the dance being performed and the studio presenting it. Give the dancer's age and dance class; schools sometimes give more than one performance for each class. Ask how much time the store needs to fulfill the order. A typical time frame is two to three weeks.

6. Submit your costume order, including measurements, either to your ballet school or directly to the costume company.

Tips & Warnings

• Take each measurement twice, to ensure accuracy for proper fit. The costume should not impede the dancer's ability to stretch. Clothing that is too tight can be a distraction; too loose, and it could cause her to trip or fall during a performance.

• If the costume is custom-made, it probably will not be refundable. Be sure of your order before placing it.

Resources

• Wolff Fording
• Curtain Call Costumes