Double your Dollar with Company Costuming
Competition costuming can be very costly. The average number of routines a company member performs in is three per season...that means they need to purchase a costume for each dance. In the majority of cases, competition costumes are custom made and therefore carry a higher price tag. Median cost per costume can range anywhere from $70 to $125 dollars and even more...much more. An overview of yearly competition expenses based on the average of 3 group routines and attendance at 4 competitions can set a parent back about $540.00. This cost is just for group entry fees and costume costs, nothing more. What about the cost of lessons, gas and travel expenses and all the company uniforms and accessories one must buy? They all add up. Clearly competing, although a wonderful and rewarding experience is not an activity for the light of pocket.
Did you ever ponder the thought on how to stretch this dollar amount? I did for a few years. Then the light bulb went off in my head and I came up with some great as well as creative alternatives. Let's talk about a few.
One of the best ways to stretch the proverbial buck is to compete group routines for 2 years instead of only 1 year. With all the work, time and expense that go into routines, and the shortness of the competition season, this can make the most of them. Choose different venues to attend the second year. Even if you do not have too many competitions to choose from in your area, the judges are usually different if you return to the same one. To them it is all new material with great costumes. If this interests you, be sure to plan ahead and size the costumes to allow for growth, especially with the younger dancers. I initially purchase extra material and trim in case it is needed for alterations or even a new dancer joining or replacing one in the group. The routines are seasoned therefore rehearsal time should be less. You can keep up the dancer's energy & excitement by making simple adjustments with more advanced technique and staging. The parents and students love this "second time around" approach. It has worked for us and it can work for you I am sure.
For many years at my studio, competition routines were just that...performed only at competitions. I then realized that they were perhaps some of our best group work and should be included in the Recital. Now, in addition to being able to show the dance, we once again use an impressive and quite showy costume for all in attendance to see and appreciate. And appreciate they did. The routines, especially production work, and the costume designs complemented the show and gave it that finishing touch of pizzazz. The parents were pleased because the costume had a debut at the recital and this time their entire family could see and enjoy it and its wearer as well. It worked out great for everyone.
Try to involve your dancers in community events, fund raising or charity shows and youth fair showcases. Not only does this give them another chance to use the costumes they have, it exposes them to another aspect of performing...dancing for the joy of dancing and not for an award. What a wonderful gift for both student and parent alike. The parent feels they have not spent money in vein for pricey costumes and the student has a chance to dance strictly for enjoyment! That alone is worth the price of admission.
Volunteer to have your dancers perform at local school events. Let your area administration know you are available to perform for their functions. Almost every year we are invited to present a lecture demonstration at schools on Career Day. We take several of our groups with us to display their talent at the end of our talk to the school children. In many instances our dancers get to perform for their peers and take pride in what they have to showcase, as do we. This opportunity also gives your studio exposure in your locale. For us, it has been a most rewarding success. Try it, you'll like it.
Last, but by no means least, try reinventing your costumes. Breathe new life into them and give them a new purpose. How you ask? Simple...start with a pair of scissors. Last seasons jazz pants can be this seasons Capri's or shorts. Long sleeves last year? How about ? - short sleeve or none? One piece costume got too small in the girth? Cut it in half, trim it out and it can be the best looking 2 piece outfit you've seen. That beautiful black velvet lyrical dress can enjoy a new life, with just the right trim and accessories, as a hot 2 piece jazz costume. A high neck can become a V-neck; a cascade or long skirt can become a short one; a circle skirt of liquid sequin cloth can become a glittering angled fringed skirt with just a few pre measured slits. The list goes on and on. Don't be a coward...be a daredevil. Grab those scissors and go for it. Show your creativity, you'll be glad you did.
What do you do to extend the life and use of your company costumes? I know some studios that own their company costumes outright. The students rent them each year. Do you do that? If so, how does it work? Does it work well for you? It is easier than it appears? I have never opted for that, it sounds complicated to me. But maybe I should try it. It might work great. Let me know your thoughts and comments at danceun@aol.com. This chat room is about sharing YOUR ideas in future columns throughout the year. I, and many other company directors, am waiting to hear from YOU. Until next time... Thanx for chatting!