~ Davina ~ Dawn Devine
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Top 10 Costuming Tips
Costuming is one of the most fun – and most challenging – parts of being a performing dancer. Your costuming reflects your taste, style, budge and if you make your own costumes, your talent! It’s a well-known style axiom - you have only one chance to make a good first impression. Here are some new twists on classic costuming tips to help put your costume wardrobe to work for you!
1 – Fit is it! Regardless of the style of your costume, your size, shape or even the cost of the garment, fit is extremely important. The bra should support and enhance the bust. The belt shouldn’t slip or twist. Skirts shouldn’t be too short or too long. Good fit will instantly make your costume look more expensive.
2 – Invest in quality construction. Buy the best you can afford! If you are making your costume, use construction techniques that you are most accomplished at for the best results. When you are shopping, be sure to inspect your costume pieces for good construction details. Strong seams, well applied surface details, firm beadwork and sturdy fringe.
3 – Prep your costume before wear. To extend the life of your investment, prep before wear. Strategically placed drops of glue on the back-side of your costume pieces will secure knots and prevent embellishments from flying off in a spin. On hip-wraps – often prone to abuse and breakage – mount hooks and eyes rather then relying on tying – which will abrade the embellishments. Take care of any hanging threads, repairs and fitting issues before you take the costume out first its performance.
4 – Coordinate your performance. Matching your style of music, movement vocabulary and costume choice will create the most balanced and harmonious performance. Tribal costuming, with classical Egyptian movement, and Greek music might lead to confusion – especially if you are performing to a discriminating audience.
5 – Don’t forget the “five layers” of costuming. Bring all five layers up to the same level. These five layers – Base Grooming – Makeup & Hair – Costume – Jewelry & Accessories – Props. The costume is just one, though large, part of your total presentation.
6 – Don’t forget class-room and event attire. Your belly dance wardrobe is not composed of just what you wear on stage. Dancers appear in three major settings: in performance, at events, and in class. Be sure to invest in buying clothing and costume pieces that will support all of the areas of your dance life.
7 – Keep a “Look Book” As your costume wardrobe grows and develops, making your own “look book” will help keep you on target with future shopping and sewing plans. What do you put into a look book? Whatever you helps you document your costumes. Photos of different combinations, spreadsheet of parts and pieces you own, notations about costume and accessory pairings, swatches of cloth – really – anything that helps. Use a binder, sketchbook, journal or go electronic with a blog, website or simply a folder with your dated photos.
8 – Build good costuming relationships. Consider your favorite vendors as part of your personal wardrobing team. Let them know what your long-term goals are so they can assist you in building your wardrobe. Most dealers keep their clients needs in mind when shopping – so establish a good working relationship with a vendor and they will keep your ideas, goals and budget. Not good at sewing? Find a seamstress, tailor or costumer who can fit your costumes for you.
9 – Invest in a good bag and check it twice. No matter what type of bag you prefer, be it a tote, suitcase or backpack, invest in the best quality you can afford and keep it stocked with performance basics so you don’t have to repack each time. Tuck in a packing check-list so even if you are in a hurry, you can consult your list to ensure you’re not leaving home missing an important component.
10 – Care and repair before storage. Develop an after the show routine that will allow your costume to completely air out before putting it way. Take care of any cleaning or repair issues before you put your costume away. If your costume gets stored in a clean and wearable state, then you can pull it out in a moment’s notice to go to your next performance.
Dawn Devine ~ Davina - Sept. 2009
Author • Costumer • Dancer • Historian
www.davina.us
