NOTE: No jewelry or underwear is to be worn with costumes. This includes during dress rehearsal, recital and when class pictures are taken.

Tights

To ensure that there are no discrepancies in color and style, tights are included with your costume order. Additional pairs of tights can be purchased for $10.

NOTE: Having a second pair of tights on hand offers students and parents a great sense of security.

Shoes

Be sure that all shoes are cleaned prior to the recital. You can clean leather ballet shoes with toothpaste and wipe tap and jazz shoes off with Windex.

If you purchase dance shoes just before the recital, please break them in (indoors) so that they are pliable and comfortable for the recital.

Alterations

Although rare, alterations are sometimes needed after the costumes have been distributed and are the sole responsibility of the student’s parent or guardian. When hemming pants, please ensure the dancer wears the required dance shoes during fitting so the pant do not get hemmed too short. Please contact the studio office for recommended alteration shops.

Distribution

Costumes will be distributed during a scheduled observation. As a group we will try on all costumes and accessories (except for tights). This allows you to account for all accessories and determine whether alterations are needed. Doing this well in advance of the recital minimizes stress at performance time.

Costume care

All Recital costumes will include a garment bag. We recommend that you label all costumes, shoes, accessories, and tights with your child’s name. Pack accessories in a clear plastic bag (labeled with your child’s name). Hats should be stored in a hatbox or similar container to prevent damage. Please do not wash costumes in your washing machine; dry clean them only (after the recital). Remove any tags that could hang out of the costume.

If costume straps do not have snaps or are not attached, please sew them prior to picture day. Never cross the straps unless specified by the teacher.

Many costumes come with headpieces or hats. We will determine how the headpieces will be worn during costume distribution.

NOTE: To ensure that there are no costume problems at recital, students should not wear costumes, accessories, or tights prior to the recital performance except as directed for dance photo session and dress rehearsal.

Costumes with fringe

You will notice a string at the bottom of most fringe skirts, which is to keep the fringe from getting tangled before pictures or performance. Please do not pull the string until picture day. After that date, please place fringe skirts on a hanger to keep them from getting tangled.

Ironing

We do not recommend using a traditional iron when pressing costumes. Silks can burn, sequins can melt, and fabric colors may change. Please use only a steam iron. Iron costumes with caution because of glues that may have been used to attach appliqués and/or trim.

Tutu maintenance

Grasp the waist and give it a gentle shake, then use your fingers to “comb” out any pieces of tulle that are wrinkled. To store a tutu, put it on a hanger upside down. To help remove persistent wrinkles, hang the tutu in the bathroom during a shower or use a handheld steamer.

Costume racks

A wheeled clothing rack is a smart investment if your child has several costumes. It keeps the costumes organized, prevents wrinkles, and provides some privacy during costume changes. Hang costumes on the rack in the order they will be needed during the show.

Quick costume changes

During the recital, some students may have quick costume changes. A special team of staff and/or moms will assist these students, whose costumes and accessories will be placed in the backstage area.

Costume cover-ups

Students must wear a cover-up when in costume but not performing. A bathrobe, zip-up or sweats work best. The cover-up helps keep the muscles warm and prevents costumes from becoming soiled. Students may not wear costumes in the audience at any time during rehearsal or recital.