There are so many stunning costumes that you probably love but aren't able to use do to competition rules. But don't eliminate those favorites completely! Instead of moving on to a new costume idea, try modifying an existing costume to make it rule compliant. Read on to check out 3 easy ways you can modify your costume to make it competition ready.
If you compete in Minnesota, odds are you are familiar with the rules requiring a dancer's torso and shoulders to be covered by an opaque fabric. So many striking costumes use sheer materials like mesh or lace - but this doesn't mean they are on the no list! Solution: Add a lining to the shoulders or torso shoulders under a sheer fabric, OR wear a separate piece, (like a rule-compliant leotard) underneath the sheer outer layer.
What if rules require that a dancer's shoulder blades do not show? Don't be afraid to modify those open backs! Solution: Close up the back with either a smaller keyhole opening, or a zipper back. It's a simple swap that won't change the structure of your costume. And from the front, it'll look exactly the same!
The place where most people want more modesty is in the neckline. Solution: Move the neckline up a couple inches, or fill it in with a nude material. Over the years, we've found that nude mesh over a nude solid fabric gives the most natural flesh-toned look if your costume needs to be completely opaque. From a distance, it is really hard to tell the difference between skin and nude fabric!
There you have it - 3 simple ways that you can alter a uniform or costume to fit within your competition's guidelines. Most custom costume companies will work with you and provide solutions to easily modify styles to meet your needs, and it doesn't have to be a complicated or expensive process. So go back to the drawing board ... and see if you can find the design possibilities in your non-rule compliant favorite looks!