Costume Maintenance
Before you toss out a pair of tights because they have faded, wash and renew them with a Tintex(TM) rinse using pink, beige, black or whatever their original color. Use Tintex(TM) Color Remover before you change to a different color. The process is easy.
For tinting pointe shoes, use "Slipper Dye"(TM). If these products are not available locally, contact www.green-hammer.com or call 212-246-2835, New York City. Another source for costume findings is info@wardrobesupplies.com or call 212-268-9994. Organic dyes are also available on e-bay.
Dancers no longer bake their pointe shoes on low temperature in the oven, or use shellac to harden the box of a pair for use in class or for a ballet that should be soundless. Use "Jet Glue"(TM) inside or outside the box of the shoes. It's available at your dance retail store.
Heels of the shoe slipping off? A dab inside the heel of the shoe of the liquid adhesive that you use to affix false eyelashes will keep the heels in place. It washes out from your tights.
That droopy, makeup-smeared tutu can have a new life by detaching the bodice and gently dipping the bottom half in sudsy water in the bathtub. Swish around carefully, rinse and hang up over the tub. Just before it's completely dry, spritz the tutu lightly with spray starch as you gently pull out wrinkles on each layer. Make immediate repair of tears and clip off hanging threads.
Protect the tutu's bodice by using an inexpensive, odorless underarm deodorant from your drug or grocery store. Baking soda comes in a roll-on form for this purpose.
Ordinary cleaning fluid will spruce up the makeup hand marks of your partner. Questions? Call a wardrobe supply store or find a really good dry cleaner who handles costumes. The wardrobe mistress of your local ballet company can suggest a contact.