Costume Care
Whether you've purchased a new costume or you're renting one from the studio, as a dancer, it is your responsibility to maintain it in its best possible condition. Before you wear it, you will want to hang your tutu upside down by its crotch to let gravity help it stay full and floaty. Be sure all the straps have been adjusted and pinned to fit you well -- you won't dance your best if you're not comfortable. Don't let any extra strap length poke out of your bodice! Fasten it in place if it won't stay tucked.
When it is time to get dressed, be sure you are wearing the appropriate undergarments (or not wearing, as the case may be). Nude-toned body stockings or leos with clear straps will keep you modest without panty lines or peeking straps. Check with your teacher if you are not sure what is appropriate for your costume. Girls who are wearing deodorant should use the Degree brand. It will not damage the costumes. Please buy some to keep in your dance bag, and you'll always have the right thing for rehearsals and performances.
Have the Right Tights and Shoes!!
Be sure you have the proper tights and shoes -- the dancers should match each other. You should purchase your tights and shoes from the studio. When you put your shoes on to dance, be absolutely, positively certain that your ribbons are secure and will not come loose while you're dancing! There are several "tricks," including spraying them with hairspray (not while you're in your costume!), fastening them with "Knot Keepers" by Bunheads, or using CLEAR Band-Aids -- ask an older dancer for tips!
Check to see that you understand how your headpiece is to be worn, and bring the proper hairpins to fasten it into place. Give your head a good shake when you're done, to be sure the headpiece stays in place. It's hard to dance with ribbons and flowers flopping loosely around your head!
DO NOT USE HAIRSPRAY ONCE YOU HAVE PUT ON YOUR COSTUME!! It will coat the costume with shellac, which will attract dirt and grime. Do not use body sprays, perfumes, or body glitter when you are wearing your costume -- the oils and alcohols will damage the fabric.
DO NOT EAT OR DRINK ONCE YOU HAVE PUT ON YOUR COSTUME!! Water is acceptable, but be careful. Avoid other people who may be using spray products, pens, markers, candles, cigarettes, or anything else potentially messy or flammable.
DO NOT SIT ON YOUR SKIRT or TUTU ONCE YOU HAVE PUT ON YOUR COSTUME!! After all this hard work, practice, and care, you don't want to arrive on stage looking rumpled. When you come off stage, remember that your costume is an investment, and still requires careful treatment to look its best next time.
When it is time to get dressed, be sure you are wearing the appropriate undergarments (or not wearing, as the case may be). Nude-toned body stockings or leos with clear straps will keep you modest without panty lines or peeking straps. Check with your teacher if you are not sure what is appropriate for your costume. Girls who are wearing deodorant should use the Degree brand. It will not damage the costumes. Please buy some to keep in your dance bag, and you'll always have the right thing for rehearsals and performances.
Have the Right Tights and Shoes!!
Be sure you have the proper tights and shoes -- the dancers should match each other. You should purchase your tights and shoes from the studio. When you put your shoes on to dance, be absolutely, positively certain that your ribbons are secure and will not come loose while you're dancing! There are several "tricks," including spraying them with hairspray (not while you're in your costume!), fastening them with "Knot Keepers" by Bunheads, or using CLEAR Band-Aids -- ask an older dancer for tips!
Check to see that you understand how your headpiece is to be worn, and bring the proper hairpins to fasten it into place. Give your head a good shake when you're done, to be sure the headpiece stays in place. It's hard to dance with ribbons and flowers flopping loosely around your head!
DO NOT USE HAIRSPRAY ONCE YOU HAVE PUT ON YOUR COSTUME!! It will coat the costume with shellac, which will attract dirt and grime. Do not use body sprays, perfumes, or body glitter when you are wearing your costume -- the oils and alcohols will damage the fabric.
DO NOT EAT OR DRINK ONCE YOU HAVE PUT ON YOUR COSTUME!! Water is acceptable, but be careful. Avoid other people who may be using spray products, pens, markers, candles, cigarettes, or anything else potentially messy or flammable.
DO NOT SIT ON YOUR SKIRT or TUTU ONCE YOU HAVE PUT ON YOUR COSTUME!! After all this hard work, practice, and care, you don't want to arrive on stage looking rumpled. When you come off stage, remember that your costume is an investment, and still requires careful treatment to look its best next time.