Planning for your performance requires thought, preparation and plenty of time. Your artistic expression starts with selecting the theme and music, which is then complimented with the perfect dance costume. It takes time to find the right look, make sure it flatters everyone, and arrives in plenty of time for your first dance competition. This is not an overnight endeavor!
If you are ready to get serious about ordering your dance costume, one piece of advice we can offer is this: the key is to plan ahead! Dance costumes have a surprisingly long lead time, up to 18 weeks depending on the time of year or option you choose! Whether you are in a crunch or are thinking ahead, here are some great options for dance costumes based on your planning schedule!
Situation 1: Oops! I need something NOW, within 2-4 weeks!
Perhaps your costume plans fell through, and now you need a back-up plan. Although this is not the ideal situation, no worries! There are some great options for the resourceful coach or instructor that needs something now!
Consider buying a pre-owned costume.
If you have been admiring another team’s dance costume from a previous season, give them a call and ask if they are willing to sell it! This is a great way for the selling team to fund raise, as well as for your team to get a great look fast and at a bargain. There are also a number of places that sell garments on consignment. Consider these pre-owned costume options:
- Encore Costume Couture
- West Coast Costume Collections
- Local coaches organizations (like MADT in Minnesota) often have online costume resale boards
Shop retail or buy from ready-made companies.
Thankfully, stretch fabrics have been in fashion for years (hello, yoga pants!), which makes it easy to adapt a store bought garment for dance. Shop the internet for your favorite retail looks - there are many dance companies that have in-stock styles ready to be shipped. For some companies that specialize in retail dancewear consider the following:
Order from a dance costume catalog with in-stock styles.
Most catalog dance costume companies make your garments when you place your order, but a few will stock some of their more popular designs. Your choices will be more limited - in both the styles of garments and the colors - but these costumes are usually ready to ship for quick delivery! Here are a few catalog companies that offer in-stock styles:
Wear your costume from last year, with a few DIY updates.
Re-using last year's costume is always a great option! With a few DIY updates and a little time, there are many different ways you can upcyle a costume and make it look fresh. Add accessories, appliques, a pop of color, or make small alterations to transform your costume. Bonus - you'll save big, and contribute to next year's costume budget!
Little Chute High School Dance Team repurposed their 2015 High Kick costume for the 2016 season
by adding pops of pink with color blocking and a new hair accessory.
Situation 2: We think we are planning ahead. We are looking for something unique and need it in 6-10 weeks.
With 6-10 weeks of time, you will be able to get a unique look, but often won't have enough time for a designed-from-scratch custom costume. Consider these great options:
Customize a made-to-order online style.
If you are looking for something distinctive, but you don't have the time or money for a custom costume, consider a few companies that will allow you to modify an existing look. This is a great option if you don't want to see your costume on your competitor - one of the hazards of ordering from dance costume catalogs! Changing up the fabric or making minor changes (like adding a skirt to a leotard), is an economical way to shorten the ordering cycle and get something special. Here are a few companies worth considering:
- Satin Stitches has few styles that can be purchased on-line
- Pumpers will allow you to choose your style and fabric.
Order from a dance costume catalog.
Depending on the time of year, some costume companies are able to deliver in 4-6 weeks. As we noted above, even though you see the costume in the catalog, usually the garments are made when your order is placed, so it does take longer than you might think!
Another factor that will affect lead time? The time of year you are ordering. It will take longer to get your order during peak months when everyone is ordering at the same time. Warning: many dance costume companies can take up to 18 weeks during their busy season! Eek!
Generally with catalogs, what you see is what you get. Color options are more limited, and customization most likely isn't an option. But on the plus side, the prices are hard to beat! There are a ton of costume catalog companies to choose from, but be sure to check their lead times.
Situation 3: I am already planning next season. I can take the time to get it right and want my ideal look!
If this is you, the costume world is your oyster! Retail, catalogs, made-to-order, or custom costumes are all options. If you really have the time and want to make the investment, there is one more option to consider:
Design a custom dance costume from scratch!
If you are looking for a one-of-a-kind look and have greater flexibility with budget and time frame, consider a company that offers custom design services. This is a much longer process, usually 12-18 weeks, and generally requires a budget over $200. If you enjoy the creative process, this is the perfect solution!
A reputable custom dance costume company will help walk you through the process, but the custom design process generally follows the steps below. For more information on the process for creating a look of your own, check out this step-by-step outline with more details.
- Weeks 1-2 Find Inspiration and Ideas
- Weeks 3-5 Design consultation, illustrations, and feedback
- Week 6 Price, order and pay
- Weeks 7-10 Prototype creation
- Weeks 11-12 Size & measure your team, prototype approval
- Weeks 12-17 Production
- Weeks 17-18 Shipping and delivery
Here are a few custom dance costume companies that have been in business for many years:
Whether you are in a pinch or are planning ahead, there are plenty of dance costume options for your team! Know that the more time you have, the more options are available to you. So be sure to start planning for your next performance early!!
Looking for some tips on budgeting? Download our FREE Costume Budget Tips Guide!
