Ballet Recital Costume Question?

[budbeerlady]

This is DD's first time in ballet, so I am really lost on this one. I intend to call and ask when they open later tonight but I cannot figure this out,

Her costume is really cute, it is yellow with see throughish white sleeves. But when she puts it on there is nothing holding it up. I know that sounds funny but the sleeves are just tacked to the top sides so the whole thing kinda flops around. There is nothing that goes around the neck or even over the shoulders.

Are the costumes ordered basic and then the parents find a way to pin them so they stay on the kid or what do you do? DD is so skinny I think it will really show alot if I pin it to stay up.

Poor DD was so excited to try it on for me and I just sat there going "Hmm, how is this going to work?"

 

[BeNJeNWaFFLe]

When you call later I would ask what the costume is supposed to look like. I.e. off the shoulder, on the shoulder.

I was in many recitals and have many costumes. I have had to put together probably about 50% of them. I remember having one that came with a long strip of stretchy sequined material that I had to cut and sew together to make wrist bands and a head band. I've had to sew on strings of beads and feathers. So your DD's costume might need some sewing. It might also just be big. Dance costumes don't come in a wide range of sizes. It is mostly S,M,L, and maybe an XL if you're lucky.

Just a hint of advice. I would also ask how they want her hair and makeup for the recital. I don't know how strict her school is but I have seen many dance teachers get pretty worked up if one dancer doesn't have the right hairstyle or right color makeup on. Yes, even with the little ones.

 

[AprilShowers]

You're probably going to need to sew in some of those clear straps where you need them. You can buy them at ballet supply stores. They also make skin toned ones.
DD is in ballet, and we haven't had one of those costumes yet, but some of the older dancers do.
That's just my guess.

 

[Stitch1404]

I am an adult now, but I did ballet my entire life starting when I was 4. I also danced professionally and I now teach ballet classes, so let's just say I've gone through my share of tutus!! I do not remember having one costume, not one that I didn't have to alter. They are made rather generically and usually have to be adapted to fit the individual. I would definitely call, and I agree that you should be clear on hair and makeup. Dance teachers are often very particular and rather dramatic if they aren't happy...lol! Hope that helps and you have a wonderful time watching your little dancer!

 

[budbeerlady]

Thanks!!!!! Once I know more I will have to figure out how best to make it fit. I do like the idea of using the clear straps. Looks like I am going to have to call up my Mom, pack up DD w/ her costume and drive over. I can hardly sew on a button!

They have pictures Saturday afternoon in these costumes so I have little time to get this thing figured out. I wish they would have sent home a picture and some instructions if you are supposed to alter it to fit. I was even thinking I might find some of that body adhesive tape to keep it up on her!

Thanks!!!!! (I was trying to find a picture of it but havent had any luck on the web)

 

[Sleepy]

I also danced professionally

With which companies did you dance professionally and do you teach at a small school now or a pre pro?

 

[budbeerlady]

Oh Good, I called her and she suggested taking some in, in the crotch area and then some of the brown bra strap type things to help hold the whole thing up and on her. Poor DD was worried everyone would see her ribs when her top fell down!

 

[BeNJeNWaFFLe]

Oh Good, I called her and she suggested taking some in, in the crotch area and then some of the brown bra strap type things to help hold the whole thing up and on her. Poor DD was worried everyone would see her ribs when her top fell down!

That's too cute. But I can almost guarentee you she wouldn't be the first one it happened too!

Good luck altering the costume. Just wait until she gets older, when bra straps start to become a problem. Or when you have to tape up and spray paint your shoes because the teacher wants them to be silver! My poor tap shoes never looked the same after that.

Have fun at the recital! I miss watching all the little girls and their cute dances.

 

[froglady]

DD's costumes were always custom made, and anything similar to what you described had narrow elastic straps (similar to the ones on her shoes) which had to be covered with face make-up so it would match her skin tone. From the audience, it appeared strapless.