Why Dance Costumes?

Sparkles, sequins, glitter and rhinestones!  If you have even been to a dance performance, then you are familiar with these common costume embellishments.  But why are dance costumes so important? 

Dancers work very hard at bringing their choreographer’s vision to life, and dance costumes are a great way to to complete the look.  Costumes are meant to enhance each dancer and their movement across the stage and to help tell the story of what the dance’s theme is.

Costuming for each style of dance serves a different purpose.  For example, ballet costumes should be simple enough as to not distract from the movement and should focus on displaying the beauty of the dancer’s technique, fluidity and grace.  Specifically, the classic tutu and leotard of a ballet costume embodies the history and evolution of ballet.  Comparatively, for styles like jazz, tap and hip hop, costumes are typically more elaborate, similar to the style of movement, and are playful, bright and eye-catching to the audience.  Costumes are meant to complement the song and create uniformity amongst the dancers, which brings the entire dance to life.

A key element that choreographers look for when choosing the right costume is that it enhances the performance, fits with the theme of the dance and does not hinder the dancer’s movement.  Costumes should fit comfortably and bring out the dancer’s confidence.  The excitement that a dancer gets when putting on their costume and the memories they create when wearing it at their performance is priceless! 

As the lights reflect on each costume’s sequin and sparkle and the dancer chasse’s in their tulle tutu, you quickly realize that costumes are more than just another piece of clothing.  They encapsulate a memory, a vision and sense of joy for each dance performance.