Costuming for Competition
Dawn Devine aka “Davina”
You've trained for months, you're piece is polished and you're now ready to hit the stage and dazzle the judges with your grace, skill and style. But, what are you going to wear? The costume you select can add points or detract from your overall score. Your costume reflects your taste and style and from the moment you appear in the room, before you even begin dancing. Below is a list of things to keep in mind as you select and prepare your competition wardrobe.
* Select the Highest Quality. Regardless of whether you buy your costume "off the rack" from a dealer, fly abroad to have one costume made, sew it yourself or hire a local seamstress, keep in mind the details of finish. Be sure there are no missing rhinestones, dangling threads or falling hems. Even with non-beaded styles, the workmanship needs to be of the highest quality no matter what style. Before you take the stage, make sure you give your costume the once-over for any flaws that may have developed. Broken fringe, missing sequins and dangling threads if observed by the judges will be reflected in the scores.
* Make your costume match! As you step onto the stage, you want the judges to see that your costume style, music and dance technique flow in a cohesive whole. You wouldn't wear a tribal costume, a traditional ethnic ensemble or even a Gypsy outfit to perform an upscale cabaret routine. Instead, be sure to pick a costume that falls into the same theme as your performance to enhance your dance. The proper costume selection reflects on your level of professionalism and skills at putting together a complete dance package.
* Fit is IT! Perhaps more than style or quality, the fit of your competition costume is of the utmost importance. A simple and elegant costume that really fits your body well will garner higher points than the most extravagant, yet poorly fitted imported bedlah set. If you are not a seamstress, hire one to tailor your costumes to your body. Even if the costume was made to fit, your body may have changed or the costume stretched or relaxed between purchase and performance, so make sure to test drive it on your figure and be prepared to make minor fit adjustments before hitting the stage. The worst possible scenarios are those feared moments when a costume piece shifts, a dancer finds herself tugging and adjusting or the very worst, an important piece falls off! Good fit will help prevent these situations from happening.
* Figure Flattering. Not every costume is flattering EVEN if it is expensive, suits your overall style and is perfectly fit. Take an honest evaluation of your costume and cast a critical eye on yourself in it. Does it emphasize a part of your body you don't like or want emphasized? Will the costume support you, or will it emphasize and not over-shadow your dance technique? If you are concerned, be sure to run your choice past an honest friend, dance coach or instructor to give you the low down on the effect it has on your physique. You want to present yourself in the most positive light.
* Resist going over the top. While you want to appear "finished" with a perfect accessories, jewelry and shoes to accentuate your costume, try not to layer too much icing onto your cake. The judges will be looking for a level of finish and polish, but will detract points if you have too much layered on. Some costumes come with headband, collar, cuffs or sleeves, ankle bands and more accessories designed to mix and match. Resist the urge to wear them all at once, and pick a few key elements that play up your best features, without overwhelming the ensemble. Also keep in mind that you can pair your costume with elegant jewelry instead of using matched accessory pieces for a different, and possibly more elegant effect.
* Keep an eye on the bottom line. Shoes are one of the most often overlooked parts of the full ensemble. While you don't want to be breaking in a new pair on the competition stage, neither do you want to be wearing a pair of very beat-up dance shoes. Make sure that your shoes match your ensemble, are clean and in good repair. Your shoes should also enhance your costume, so match the style to the rest of your ensemble. If dancing barefoot, be sure to have well trimmed toes. What better reason for hitting a good pedicure palace?
* Make-up and Grooming. Make sure you look clean, well groomed and beautiful. Makeup is critical and should not be rushed or skimped on. One of the most frequent comments on judging sheets is "too little" makeup. Remember, you will be on stage, so bright bold lips and eyes will help draw attention to these features for emphasis. If you are unsure, consult a professional by take a makeup class or get a makeover. Regardless of how you wear your hair, it should be clean and brushed. Avoid styles that could potentially fall or come undone in unsightly ways during your performance. While brushing the hair out of your eyes once for effect can be effective, swatting at it frequently throughout your dance would detract from your professionalism.
* Under Wraps - Many judges begin their evaluation of you, the contestant, from the moment you appear. You may have to stand in line in view of the judges, and if so, a cover-up is essential. Even if you are simply standing in a hallway, a random judge may wander buy, being discretely covered will help emphasize your professional demeanor. Remember, your wrap, while it may seem unessential, preserves your costume and helping control the moment when you do your big reveal!
* Veils - While some people consider the veil a prop, others consider it a part of the costume. Regardless of your position on this classic debate, the same rules for costuming apply to the veil. Be sure it is clean, in good repair and well matched to your ensemble. Beware of "matching" veils and skirt sets where one of the two items has received more use or washing and no longer matches in color or texture. Keep a can of anti-static preparation to avoid an overly clinging or unresponsive prop. Be prepared to steam or iron out wrinkles and fold marks that may have happened during travel.
This little list is designed to get you thinking about the importance costume selection and preparation figures in on your overall judging scores. Ask your friends, coaches and teachers for their top tips when it comes to selecting and preparing your costume for competition. Good Luck!
Costumes for Competition © 2006 Dawn Devine
aka: Davina * www.davina.us * www.ibexa.com
