Costumes, Hair & Makeup

Costume Care & Stage Makeup     

Costume Care - All costumes will be fitted in class by our front desk staff and/or instructors. Minor alterations may be needed, and we are happy to recommend our seamstress, Mary Haag (610-781-1161), should you require adjustments.

Costumes will be sent home steamed, performance-ready, and packaged in a zippered garment bag with all included accessories and tights. Please make sure your dancers' first and last names are labeled on the inside of their shoes and on the tag inside their costumes. We recommend writing their name on a piece of tape with a permanent marker and affixing it to the tag to identify their costume.

Please note: Opened tights cannot be returned for hygienic reasons. Before opening, double-check that you have received the correct color and size. If your dancer receives tights that are one size larger than their costume, this is intentional and reflects the recommendation from our costume supplier.

Once your costume has been sent home, families are responsible for keeping all pieces, including accessories, tights, and the costume itself, safe and complete. Replacement costs will apply for any lost or damaged items.

To ensure everything stays in perfect condition, please do not allow dancers to wear their costumes for dress-up or play until all performances have concluded.

Make-up - Foundation, brown eyeshadow (unless otherwise noted), black eyeliner, black mascara (fake eyelashes preferred), and blush. Our recommended lipstick shade for this year's show (unless otherwise explicitly stated for your class) is a bright magenta red to match, such as SeneGence's Rich Ruby Hydramatte. (If you do not wish to purchase this particular brand, please use the link to match this shade as closely as possible.) Regardless of hairstyle, all should be slicked back with no flyaways.

Students ages 5 and under can do as much or as little as they feel is appropriate.

Caring for your Costumes

Please ensure your child does not wear their costume for any event other than picture day and show. Costumes should be stored out of direct sunlight, away from pets and smoke. Do not eat in your costume during rehearsals or picture day. Costumes with tutus should be hung upside down to retain their fullness. Please don't hesitate to let us know if you need help unwrinkling your tutu.

Shoes & Tights

As previously mentioned, all required tights are included with the costume purchase.  You will find all your tights in your costume bag.

All required shoes can be purchased at our online store and have direct shipping to your home using our virtual shop https://www.shopnimbly.com/branchesofdance

Undergarments 

Underwear is typically not worn under dance costumes, as tights fulfill both hygienic and modesty purposes. In the case that your dancer feels most comfortable, undergarments must be skin-colored and must not be visible beneath your child’s costume. Bras must have clear or skin-toned straps. Bras that are not skin tone are not permitted. Undergarments/modesty liners can also be purchased at Branches of Dance Online Store.

Please have your child wear recital undergarments on picture day so we can ensure they are appropriate for performance. Additional costume information:  Any dangly earrings, necklaces, bracelets, or accessories not included with the costume shall not be worn to picture day or the recital. No socks, corsages, jewelry, etc. These items will be removed by our backstage staff and returned at the end of the show.

Makeup Artist/Hairdressers

 Feel like you need help? See our hairdressers and makeup artists before the show. More information coming soon...