Dance Teacher Tips: How to Order and Present Costumes

How to Order and Present Costumes

The most important element to remember when ordering costumes is to start early. Begin your homework as soon as you receive your first catalog and start making your plans. If you travel to costume shows such as the UDMA Costume Preview Shows you can see and touch the costumes and fabrics. Many companies have live models at these shows so you can really see how the costumes will look and move while they are on the body.

Once you have gone to the shows and looked through all the costume catalogs you have received, it is time to make your selections. Take into account how many times the costume will be worn. Is it for a one-time recital? Will it be used for multiple competitions? Will they be stored? Is price a factor in the decision? Is my arena conservative or a little more cutting edge? All these are valid points.

Okay. Let’s assume you have made your costume selections. It is time to measure your students. Set aside an assigned time and schedule parents to attend a costume measuring. By giving them an active role in the measuring process and having the parent or caregiver present when the child or children are measured, you are making them accountable for the chosen sizes. It also protects you when a costume arrives and does not fit as well as hoped. The teacher, though, should make final measurement decisions. Have a costume measurement form for each student. Mark all measurements and sizes on this form and have the parent sign the form.

When you are taking these measurements, please keep in mind several factors:

The shape of the child. Not all children that measure into a generic Medium Child size have the same body. Also, every costume company has different size charts. Read each carefully and size accordingly. Allow for that long torso or rounded middle. Parents should be reminded of this also. If “Suzie” has trouble fitting into all her clothes, then Suzie’s dresser should be aware that Suzie might have problems with her costume too.
The fabric of the costume. Certain fabrics, such as Lycra and stretch velvets, will have ample give [stretch] and allow for some growth. Some specialty fabrics, such as brocades, have no give and must be sized with growth room in mind.
It will be at least three to four months before the student wears the costume. Growth spurts do occur and even a small growth spurt can affect the fit of a costume. Allow plenty of room for growth. It is always easier to take a costume in than to add to it. Use the girth measurement as your determining factor in size. Measure the girth from the center of the right shoulder through the crotch and back to the starting point. Hang the tape measure loosely. When in doubt, go up in size.

It is wise to employ a seamstress or tailor. This is a must for every school owner. If you do not have a seamstress, you should find one now who understands your needs. Present her price list for alterations and service to parents when they need alterations. Make it clear that parents are responsible for all alterations. That way there will be no doubt as to who picks up the tab. Providing parents with a referral to a competent seamstress is a great service.

By anticipating problems, your life during this very hectic time can run a lot smoother. It is a good idea to purchase extra material (a yard or two) of the costume fabric to be used in case you need some last-minute alterations. If you do not use the fabric, put it away and you will certainly use it in the future. Consider ordering an extra costume or two for those emergency situations, mishaps, or needed trims and/or material.

When your costumes arrive, most will be in small plastic bags. Take the costumes out and hang them on plastic hangers and cover with a clear plastic covering. Present the costume to students and parents in this professional manner. It makes for a much better presentation than handing them a plastic bag with their costume balled up inside. Parents are apt to complain less about prices if they perceive they are getting more for their money.

Just as you did with the costume fittings, set aside a time when parents may pick up costumes. On the back of the measurement form, have a checklist of all pieces that are included with a costume. Check off each of these items in the presence of the parent and have them sign the form again. If a piece is missing or lost after the costume is picked up, then it is a parent’s responsibility to pay for a replacement. This protects you and once again makes the parent accountable for the costume and accessories.

Put together a package that includes all items required for your show: tights, hair bows, shoe bows, gloves, mitts, etc. Add these items into the total cost of the costume and present it as a package deal. This way, all your students will be uniform with the appropriate accessories. Parents will be thrilled they do not have to run all over town for needed items. Dance suppliers will be happy to give you a discount on bulk orders, thus adding to your profit margin.

By starting early, anticipating your needs, and planning accordingly, your costume ordering can be the least stressful item on the very full plate of a dance school owner.

Need more help? Contact Nancy Stone at 631-582-9500.

Nancy Stone

Reprinted by permission from Goldrush Magazine • Nov/Dec 2004