Dance Costumes

Types of Dance Costumes

Dance costumes need to be able to accommodate the moves of the dance. Costumes differ depending on the style and culture, and there are hundreds of variations. Listed here are some of the major divisions and their costumes.

Ballroom

Ballroom dances include the waltz, tango, foxtrot, and quickstep among many others. Women typically wear long gowns with full skirts. Gowns may be sleeved or sleeveless and are often beaded, appliquéd, or otherwise embellished.

Men typically wear straight slim lined pants and a long sleeved fitted shirt. Ties are used for some styles.

Belly Dance

Belly dancing, a type of Middle Eastern dancing, uses beautiful costumes that highlight the curves of a woman's body. These alluring costumes are based on a decorated bra top, skirt, and belt.

Skirts may be long or short. Jewelry, such as bracelet cuffs, armbands, earrings, necklaces, and anklets is often part of the attire.

Latin Dance

Latin dances include the samba, salsa, flamenco, and ballroom style dancing among many others. These dance costumes typically follow the shape of the dancers' bodies. Men wear sleek pants and button or v-neck formal shirts. Women's costumes usually have form fitted bodices or tops. Halter style tops are popular.

Skirts and dresses are short or long depending on the style, and are often asymmetrical or contain side slits. Ruffles, ruches, and bright colors are common.

Freestyle

Freestyle dance includes such dances as disco, rock dancing, and hip-hop. Dance costumes are usually much less formal than many other styles of dance. Dancers are free to emphasize their personal style. Women often wear pants rather than in freestyle dance genres.

Country Dance

Yee haw!

Country line, two-step, and square dancing costumes have a western feel. Denim and cowboy boots are characteristic costume pieces. Women often wear short or long full skirts, sometimes with petticoats, and puffed sleeve and western style blouses.

Men are typically seen in collared button down and western style shirts and white or blue denim jeans or khaki's.

Theatre Dance

Tap, jazz, and musical or other forms of theatre dance usually have fitted apparel and costumes. Dance costumes for women include leotards and jackets, pantsuits, short dresses, and one-piece pant and bra sets connected with Lycra mesh.

Men may wear flared, fitted pants shirts that are fitted dance shirts that stretch with movement.

Swing Dance

Includes the Charleston, Jitterbug, Jive, and Lindy Hop. Men wear wide legged trouser, shirts, and skinny ties. Women's swing dance costumes usually entail short trumpet, twirl, or sailor style skirts or dresses.

Other types of costumes like ritual, ceremonial, and folk dances vary greatly in style depending on the culture and location.

Children's Dancewear

Children's dance, recital, and competition wear is also dependant on the dance style. Leotards, tights, and unitards are common. Bright colors and theme detail are popular.

What to Look for in Dance Attire

When purchasing dance attire, check for

• Correct fit
• Ease of movement
• Comfort
• Quality of material
• Good craftsmanship -- sequins are firmly attached, etc.
• Desired style

You may also want to check if the dance retailer has a return policy, and if so, what it is. It's a good idea to clarify care and cleaning directions when purchasing as well.

Halloween Dance Apparel

Halloween costumes for various types of dance are very common. Children and adults alike can be seen sporting various styles of dance costumes on this fun and frightful evening. Popular costumes include:

• Belly Dancers
• Flamenco Dancers
• Tap and Jazz Dancers
• Broadway Dancers
• Las Vegas Show Dancers
• Can-Can Dancer
• Ballerina
• Step Dancers

Online Shopping and Costume Resources

• Discount Dance
• BalletCostume.com
• Oasis Dance Company - Middle Eastern Dancewear
• Professional Dance Apparel from Kelle Company
• Dancewear and supplies from All About Dance
• Costumes for children from Danc'n'Kids

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