--- title: The Line Up Blog | Planning Tips description: Planning Tips | Resources for creative performance apparel that fuels your imagination and captivates your audience. --- - [Contact](http://thelineup.com/contact) - [About](https://www.thelineup.com/about) - [Sizing](http://thelineup.com/sizing) - [Fabrics](http://thelineup.com/fabrics) - [My Account](http://thelineup.com/account) - [My Cart](http://thelineup.com/cart) [![the line up](https://blog.thelineup.com/hubfs/2018.TheLineupTheme/logo.png "the line up")](https://www.thelineup.com/) - [Shop](http://thelineup.com/) - [Design](http://thelineup.com/services-design) - [Learn](http://thelineup.com/learn) - [Inspire](http://thelineup.com/inspire) . # [Blog](https://blog.thelineup.com/) ## [Two Ways to Shop with The Line Up](https://blog.thelineup.com/two-ways-to-shop) Posted by [Courtney](https://blog.thelineup.com/author/courtney) on Aug 21, 2026 - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) Two Ways to Shop for Your Dance Team with The Line Up  [Read More](https://blog.thelineup.com/two-ways-to-shop) 0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://blog.thelineup.com/two-ways-to-shop#comments-listing) Topics: [High School](https://blog.thelineup.com/tag/high-school), [Cheer, Pom & Gameday](https://blog.thelineup.com/tag/cheer-pom-gameday), [Dance](https://blog.thelineup.com/tag/dance), [Character & Theme](https://blog.thelineup.com/tag/character-theme), [Coaching Tips](https://blog.thelineup.com/tag/coaching-tips), [Costume Design Resources](https://blog.thelineup.com/tag/costume-design-resources), [Costume Trends](https://blog.thelineup.com/tag/costume-trends), [Planning Tips](https://blog.thelineup.com/tag/planning-tips), [Color Inspiration](https://blog.thelineup.com/tag/color-inspiration), [College](https://blog.thelineup.com/tag/college), [Tribe 99](https://blog.thelineup.com/tag/tribe-99), [Dance Life](https://blog.thelineup.com/tag/dance-life) ## [10 Things to Consider Before Designing Your Next Dance Costume](https://blog.thelineup.com/10-things-to-consider-before-designing-your-next-dance-costume) Posted by [Courtney](https://blog.thelineup.com/author/courtney) on Jul 31, 2026 - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) ## **![Cover](https://blog.thelineup.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Cover.jpg?width=485&height=628&name=Cover.jpg)** ** Team: Mountain View Toro Pom** [Read More](https://blog.thelineup.com/10-things-to-consider-before-designing-your-next-dance-costume) 0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://blog.thelineup.com/10-things-to-consider-before-designing-your-next-dance-costume#comments-listing) Topics: [High School](https://blog.thelineup.com/tag/high-school), [Cheer, Pom & Gameday](https://blog.thelineup.com/tag/cheer-pom-gameday), [Dance](https://blog.thelineup.com/tag/dance), [Character & Theme](https://blog.thelineup.com/tag/character-theme), [Coaching Tips](https://blog.thelineup.com/tag/coaching-tips), [Costume Design Resources](https://blog.thelineup.com/tag/costume-design-resources), [Costume Trends](https://blog.thelineup.com/tag/costume-trends), [Planning Tips](https://blog.thelineup.com/tag/planning-tips), [Color Inspiration](https://blog.thelineup.com/tag/color-inspiration), [College](https://blog.thelineup.com/tag/college), [Tribe 99](https://blog.thelineup.com/tag/tribe-99), [Dance Life](https://blog.thelineup.com/tag/dance-life) ## [Q&A with Dance Photographer Cobey Rouse](https://blog.thelineup.com/cobey-rouse-dance-photographer) Posted by [Lindsey](https://blog.thelineup.com/author/lindsey) on Jan 26, 2024 - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) ![University of Minnesota Dance Team, College of St. Benedict Dance Team, and MN Mankato State Dance Team](https://blog.thelineup.com/hs-fs/hubfs/_Blog-Images/Cobey-Rouse-Feature-2-1.jpg?width=790&height=445&name=Cobey-Rouse-Feature-2-1.jpg) ###### [University of Minnesota Dance Team |](https://www.instagram.com/uofmdanceteam/?hl=en) [College of St. Benedict Dance Team |](https://www.instagram.com/csbdanceteam/?hl=en&img_index=1)[MN State Mankato Dance Team](https://www.instagram.com/maverickdanceteam/?hl=en) About 18 months ago, we noticed a dance photographer pop up in our feed named Cobey Rouse, from [Rouse Productions](https://www.rouseproductions.net/)  Since then, we've slowly watched his connection in the dance community grow - from photographing high school dance teams in his Lakeville, Minnesota community to traveling to UDA nationals with some of the most talented collegiate dance teams.   What's been even more fun to see is Cobey's approach to his photography and business.  We've never interacted with a more humble and giving photographer, and his mission - to promote the sport of dance - comes through in so much of his work!  It's clear he has a passion to elevate the sport, and this passion fuels his photography.  We asked Minnesota local, to give us a little more insight into his passion for preserving these extraordinary moments, particularly when working with dancers.  Check out his answers and some of his work below!  [Read More](https://blog.thelineup.com/cobey-rouse-dance-photographer) 0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://blog.thelineup.com/cobey-rouse-dance-photographer#comments-listing) Topics: [High School](https://blog.thelineup.com/tag/high-school), [Cheer, Pom & Gameday](https://blog.thelineup.com/tag/cheer-pom-gameday), [Dance](https://blog.thelineup.com/tag/dance), [Jazz, Lyrical, & Contemporary](https://blog.thelineup.com/tag/jazz-lyrical-contemporary), [Planning Tips](https://blog.thelineup.com/tag/planning-tips), [College](https://blog.thelineup.com/tag/college), [Competition & Event Recaps](https://blog.thelineup.com/tag/competition-event-recaps) ## [You don't need your team to get started : How to plan ahead to take advantage of early bird costume specials](https://blog.thelineup.com/blog/2023/01/27/you-dont-need-your-team-to-get-started) Posted by [Jessica](https://blog.thelineup.com/author/jessica) on Mar 3, 2023 - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) ![FreshCoast_TheLineUp_HQShoot_202212-0678_790](https://blog.thelineup.com/hs-fs/hubfs/FreshCoast_TheLineUp_HQShoot_202212-0678_790.jpg?width=790&height=527&name=FreshCoast_TheLineUp_HQShoot_202212-0678_790.jpg)   One of the easiest ways to save on dance costumes is to plan ahead and take advantage of early bird discounts.  Dance is a highly seasonal business, and when everyone wants their costumes in the fall, this can translate to an increase in lead-time and cost to you, the coach. To help offset this seasonality, every year The Line Up hosts an "early bird" sale from January to May, where teams can save on their custom dance costumes. However, the most common objection we hear is this "I don't have my team yet"! Here's a simple hack that many haven't considered: ## You can take advantage of early bird savings by getting started with your design and prototype before you have your team formed.    [Read More](https://blog.thelineup.com/blog/2023/01/27/you-dont-need-your-team-to-get-started) 0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://blog.thelineup.com/blog/2023/01/27/you-dont-need-your-team-to-get-started#comments-listing) Topics: [Costume Design Resources](https://blog.thelineup.com/tag/costume-design-resources), [Planning Tips](https://blog.thelineup.com/tag/planning-tips), [Budget Tips](https://blog.thelineup.com/tag/budget-tips) ## [What to Do When You Get Your Dance Costumes](https://blog.thelineup.com/what-to-do-when-you-get-your-dance-costumes) Posted by [Trista](https://blog.thelineup.com/author/trista) on Nov 30, 2018 - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) ![what to do when you get your dance costume](https://blog.thelineup.com/hs-fs/hubfs/_Blog-Images/openingt.jpg?width=1920&name=openingt.jpg) There's nothing better than a fresh box of apparel, and since it only happens a couple times a year, celebrate it! Make the most out of your purchase by opening your box and checking your order right away.  If something isn't quite right, the last thing you want to do is scramble to fix it the day before competition.  Here are five tips for what to do when your dance costumes arrive.  [Read More](https://blog.thelineup.com/what-to-do-when-you-get-your-dance-costumes) 0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://blog.thelineup.com/what-to-do-when-you-get-your-dance-costumes#comments-listing) Topics: [Coaching Tips](https://blog.thelineup.com/tag/coaching-tips), [Planning Tips](https://blog.thelineup.com/tag/planning-tips) ## [How to Get Started on Your Dance Costume (Even If You Don't Have Your Team or Funding Yet)](https://blog.thelineup.com/get-started-designing-dance-costume-early) Posted by [Meagan](https://blog.thelineup.com/author/meagan) on Mar 22, 2018 - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) ![how to get started on your custom dance costume design early](https://blog.thelineup.com/hs-fs/hubfs/_Blog-Images/Faribault%202A%20High%20Kick2-1.jpg?width=790&name=Faribault%202A%20High%20Kick2-1.jpg "how to get started on your custom dance costume design early") Competition season has wrapped up, your team's hard work has paid off, and it's already time to begin planning for next season. Starting early on your custom dance costume design can save you time, stress, and money, but one of the main constraints we hear is, **"I don't have my team or money yet!" ** No worries, there may be a solve for you! **There are ways to get started even**** without your team assembled OR your funds in place for the year. **Read on to find out how. [Read More](https://blog.thelineup.com/get-started-designing-dance-costume-early) 0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://blog.thelineup.com/get-started-designing-dance-costume-early#comments-listing) Topics: [Coaching Tips](https://blog.thelineup.com/tag/coaching-tips), [Costume Design Resources](https://blog.thelineup.com/tag/costume-design-resources), [Planning Tips](https://blog.thelineup.com/tag/planning-tips), [Budget Tips](https://blog.thelineup.com/tag/budget-tips) ## [Transform Your Dance Team Photos With These 10 Photoshoot Tips](https://blog.thelineup.com/transform-your-dance-team-photos-with-these-10-photoshoot-tips) Posted by [Trista](https://blog.thelineup.com/author/trista) on Aug 30, 2017 - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) ![behind the scenes dance photoshoot tips](https://blog.thelineup.com/hs-fs/hubfs/_Blog-Images/behind%20the%20scenes2-crop.jpg?width=790&name=behind%20the%20scenes2-crop.jpg "behind the scenes dance photoshoot tips") Behind the scenes at one of our recent photo shoots at [Steve Lucas Photography](http://lucasphoto.com/) Once fall rolls around, we know the first thing [on the to-do list](http://info.thelineup.com/competition-season-planning-guide-for-dance-team-coaches%20) as a newly formed dance team is pictures!  When it comes to photoshoots, TLU has definitely had lots of practice.  With over 8 photoshoots a year, we've got things down to a science!   And we don't do it alone either!  With a little help from the experts below, we've compiled some of our best tips for getting your best photos as a dance team. Read on to hear what the experts have to say. - ***Pam Gleason** - Our photoshoot choreographer, Pam, is a master at creative posing!  When not working at The Line Up, she's also an instructor at [Dance Arts Centre](https://www.danceartscentre.net/) and co-founder of [Matrixx Pro](https://www.danceartscentre.net/matrixxpro).* - ***Steve Lucas** - We've been working with [Steve Lucas Photography](http://lucasphoto.com/AboutUs) for over 10 years, and with his 20+ years of experience, he has perfected the art of capturing the perfect dance action shot!  * - ***Dawn Ruschmeyer** - Our resident photo editor and Photoshop Wizard, Dawn is also Steve Lucas's assistant and photo editor.*   [Read More](https://blog.thelineup.com/transform-your-dance-team-photos-with-these-10-photoshoot-tips) 0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://blog.thelineup.com/transform-your-dance-team-photos-with-these-10-photoshoot-tips#comments-listing) Topics: [Behind the Design](https://blog.thelineup.com/tag/behind-the-design), [Planning Tips](https://blog.thelineup.com/tag/planning-tips), [Choreography](https://blog.thelineup.com/tag/choreography) ## [9 Team Building Exercises That Aren't Lame](https://blog.thelineup.com/9-team-building-exercises-that-arent-lame) Posted by [Meagan](https://blog.thelineup.com/author/meagan) on Jun 15, 2017 - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) --- ![St Charles High School MN STATE 2017 Jazz 2-1.jpg](https://blog.thelineup.com/hs-fs/hubfs/St%20Charles%20High%20School%20MN%20STATE%202017%20Jazz%202-1.jpg?width=790&height=527&name=St%20Charles%20High%20School%20MN%20STATE%202017%20Jazz%202-1.jpg)  We know the importance of building a strong team. But we also know that there is a lot of advice out there on team building activities that are ***so lame!  ***It's important for your team to mesh together nicely, but a new season and a new team can be intimidating both for coaches and the team members. To help with transition, we've compiled a list of 9 Team Building Ideas you can **implement with your new team this fall! ** [Read More](https://blog.thelineup.com/9-team-building-exercises-that-arent-lame) 0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://blog.thelineup.com/9-team-building-exercises-that-arent-lame#comments-listing) Topics: [Coaching Tips](https://blog.thelineup.com/tag/coaching-tips), [Planning Tips](https://blog.thelineup.com/tag/planning-tips), [Practice](https://blog.thelineup.com/tag/practice) ## [Expert Coaching Tips: Advice from 5 NFL Cheerleading Coaches](https://blog.thelineup.com/expert-coaching-tips-5-nfl-dance-and-cheerleading-coaches-share-their-advice) Posted by [Stephanie](https://blog.thelineup.com/author/stephanie) on May 15, 2017 - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share)   This February, directors for NFL's prestigious cheer and dance teams got their 2018 season off to a start at the NFL Director's Conference in Philadelphia! We were able to chat with a few of our coaching friends while attending the event, and asked them if they had any advice for fellow coaches.  Here's what these experienced and talented women had to say! [Read More](https://blog.thelineup.com/expert-coaching-tips-5-nfl-dance-and-cheerleading-coaches-share-their-advice) 0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://blog.thelineup.com/expert-coaching-tips-5-nfl-dance-and-cheerleading-coaches-share-their-advice#comments-listing) Topics: [Professional Cheer - NFL](https://blog.thelineup.com/tag/professional-cheer-nfl), [Coaching Tips](https://blog.thelineup.com/tag/coaching-tips), [Planning Tips](https://blog.thelineup.com/tag/planning-tips) ## [Expert Coaching Tips: Advice on Planning for the Upcoming Season](https://blog.thelineup.com/expert-coaching-tips-planning-for-the-upcoming-season) Posted by [Stephanie](https://blog.thelineup.com/author/stephanie) on Nov 10, 2016 - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) ![Planning for the upcoming dance team season](https://blog.thelineup.com/hs-fs/hubfs/_Blog-Images/planning-sm.jpg?width=1024&name=planning-sm.jpg "Planning for the upcoming dance team season") We've asked some of our coaching friends to share their unique insights with you for this new series: **EXPERT COACHING TIPS**. In case you missed it, [last week we talked about how to create the best practice](https://blog.thelineup.com/expert-coaching-tips-how-to-create-the-best-practice-ever)! This week, we're talking about planning for the season. We know that coaching a dance team involves A LOT of coordination and details. From tryouts to practices to designing costumes... there's a ton to keep track of and get organized. To help, see what these expert dance team coaches had to say about staying on top of planning! [Read More](https://blog.thelineup.com/expert-coaching-tips-planning-for-the-upcoming-season) 0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://blog.thelineup.com/expert-coaching-tips-planning-for-the-upcoming-season#comments-listing) Topics: [Dance](https://blog.thelineup.com/tag/dance), [Coaching Tips](https://blog.thelineup.com/tag/coaching-tips), [Planning Tips](https://blog.thelineup.com/tag/planning-tips) [All posts](https://blog.thelineup.com/all) [Next](https://blog.thelineup.com/tag/planning-tips/page/2) ### What do you think? Add a comment below! [![New Call-to-action](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/1594707/c1c64d41-84fa-45a7-a438-b0c0741348b1.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/1594707/c1c64d41-84fa-45a7-a438-b0c0741348b1) **SUBSCRIBE TO OUR BLOG!** Receive weekly emails with our latest blog posts.   --- ### Recent Posts ### Posts by Topic - [Team Spotlight (458)](https://blog.thelineup.com/tag/teamspotlight) - [High School (159)](https://blog.thelineup.com/tag/high-school) - [Professional Dance - NBA (148)](https://blog.thelineup.com/tag/professional-dance-nba) - [College (127)](https://blog.thelineup.com/tag/college) - [Cheer, Pom & Gameday (113)](https://blog.thelineup.com/tag/cheer-pom-gameday) - [Dance (110)](https://blog.thelineup.com/tag/dance) - [Life at The Line Up (89)](https://blog.thelineup.com/tag/life-at-the-line-up) - [Synchronized skating (84)](https://blog.thelineup.com/tag/synchronized-skating) - [Competition & Event Recaps (64)](https://blog.thelineup.com/tag/competition-event-recaps) - [Professional Cheer - NFL (45)](https://blog.thelineup.com/tag/professional-cheer-nfl) - [Jazz, Lyrical, & Contemporary (40)](https://blog.thelineup.com/tag/jazz-lyrical-contemporary) - [Costume Design Resources (38)](https://blog.thelineup.com/tag/costume-design-resources) - [Behind the Design (37)](https://blog.thelineup.com/tag/behind-the-design) - [Dance Studio (35)](https://blog.thelineup.com/tag/dance-studio) - [Costume Trends (34)](https://blog.thelineup.com/tag/costume-trends) - [Coaching Tips (25)](https://blog.thelineup.com/tag/coaching-tips) - [High Kick (22)](https://blog.thelineup.com/tag/high-kick) - [Tryouts & Auditions (22)](https://blog.thelineup.com/tag/tryouts-auditions) - [Budget Tips (21)](https://blog.thelineup.com/tag/budget-tips) - [How to Design a Custom Dance Costume (18)](https://blog.thelineup.com/tag/how-to-design-a-custom-dance-costume) - [Character & Theme (17)](https://blog.thelineup.com/tag/character-theme) - [Hip Hop Dance (17)](https://blog.thelineup.com/tag/hip-hop-dance) - [Team Apparel & Warm-ups (17)](https://blog.thelineup.com/tag/team-apparel-warm-ups) - [Dance Life (13)](https://blog.thelineup.com/tag/dance-life) - [Looks We Love: Costume Round-ups (13)](https://blog.thelineup.com/tag/looks-we-love-costume-round-ups) - [Planning Tips (13)](https://blog.thelineup.com/tag/planning-tips) - [Competition Resources (10)](https://blog.thelineup.com/tag/competition-resources) - [Semi-Pro & Other Cheer (10)](https://blog.thelineup.com/tag/semi-pro-other-cheer) - [Choreography (9)](https://blog.thelineup.com/tag/choreography) - [Rhinestones & Sparkle (9)](https://blog.thelineup.com/tag/rhinestones-sparkle) - [Tribe 99 (7)](https://blog.thelineup.com/tag/tribe-99) - [Professional Hockey Cheerleaders - NHL (6)](https://blog.thelineup.com/tag/professional-hockey-cheerleaders-nhl) - [Color Inspiration (5)](https://blog.thelineup.com/tag/color-inspiration) - [Garment Care (5)](https://blog.thelineup.com/tag/garment-care) - [Practice (3)](https://blog.thelineup.com/tag/practice) - [Menswear (2)](https://blog.thelineup.com/tag/menswear) see all ![okayokay2](https://blog.thelineup.com/hubfs/2018.TheLineupTheme/logo.png "okayokay2") ##### Contact 1-888-454-6387 [info@thelineup.com](http://thelineup.mivamerchant.net/contact/) - Company - [About Us](http://thelineup.com/about/) - [Careers](http://thelineup.com/careers/) - [Contact Us](http://thelineup.com/contact/) - [Privacy Policy](http://thelineup.com/privacy-policy/) - [Gift Card](https://www.thelineup.com/gift-certificate.html) - Your Order - [My Account](http://thelineup.com/index.php/customer/account/) - [Order History](http://thelineup.com/index.php/#) - [Shipping & Exchanges](http://thelineup.com/shipping-exchange/) - [Wish List](http://thelineup.com/index.php/wishlist/) - Helpful Info - [FAQ](http://thelineup.com/faq/) - [Studio Business Account](https://www.thelineup.com/studio-application) - [Fabric Options](http://thelineup.com/fabrics/) - [Garment Care](http://thelineup.com/garment-care/) - [Logos & Lettering](http://thelineup.com/logos-lettering/) - [Custom Garments](http://thelineup.com/services/) - [Prototypes](https://www.thelineup.com/prototype/) - [Reorders](https://www.thelineup.com/reorders.html) - [Illustration Services](https://www.thelineup.com/illustration-services) - Resources - [Blog](https://blog.thelineup.com/) - [Photo Submission](https://www.thelineup.com/photo-submission.html) - [Imagination Kit: A Costume Planner](https://info.thelineup.com/imagination-kit) - [Budget Tips](https://info.thelineup.com/dance-costume-budget-tips) - [Pre-Season Planning Guide](https://info.thelineup.com/pre-season-planning-guide-for-dance-team-coaches) - [Competition Season Planning Guide](https://info.thelineup.com/competition-season-planning-guide-for-dance-team-coaches) - [Catalogs](https://www.thelineup.com/catalogs) - - - - - - Copyright © 2018 The Line Up, Inc.