Latin Costumes

[Jazz Cat E]

Bonjour.

I'm new to the forum and I was wondering if anyone has any suggestions about inexpensive latin constumes or how to make your own. I'm a student, so of course, very broke.

Also, is there kind of a "dress code" for newcomer to bronze level at a competition? Like, don't wear anything that a professional should be wearing?

I read the thread about patterns, but that seemed to be all gowns. Any info would be rad. Thanks.

[pygmalion]

Hi Jazz Cat E. Welcome. :D

I'm not sure about the guidelines for costuming at newcomer level, although I believe that costumes are optional at that level in most competitions.

Have you tried notablyunique? Their stuff is reasonably priced. Much of it is in basic blac, but could be dressed up with stoning or sparkles you apply yourself. And they always have at least a few items in brighter colors. Also, danceglam has some separates that you can use as the basis for a costume.

[pygmalion]

and oh, btw, try ebay. A friend of mine got a cute Latin costume there for $42.

[Jazz Cat E]

Why thank you for the welcome.

I checked out the sites you gave me, those are great. I hadn't even heard of them. Brilliant. I never thought about using ebay, but I checked it out and there's some good stuff on there. Thanks for the info! :)

[Adwiz]

is there kind of a "dress code" for newcomer to bronze level at a competition? Like, don't wear anything that a professional should be wearing?

There used to be pretty strong restrictions, but things are much more relaxed. For example, many organizations didn't allow any kind of costume at the Newcomer level, but that policy proved troublesome because people often try Newcomer and Bronze in the same competition, and there isn't time between those heats in most cases to change. So organizers generally allow you to make the choice on your own.

However, while I do sometimes see pretty sophisticated costumes at the Bronze level (even tails), this probably works against you in the judges' eyes unless you really are dramatically better than the other dancers. It's usually best to go easy at the lower levels.

In Latin, you can wear any costume at any level without raising any eyebrows. In Standard, here's a rough progression chart that is merely based on what I've seen most competitors do:

Newcomer:
W - Standard skirt and top
M - shirt with tie and vest

Bronze:
W - Standard skirt and top or simple Standard dress
M - shirt with tie OR bow tie and vest

Silver:
W - Standard dress or Standard ballgown
M - shirt with bow tie and vest, jacket/tails okay

Gold:
W - Standard ballgown preferred
M - tails okay but not necessary

Pre-champ and higher:
W - Standard ballgown a must
M - tails a must

[delamusica]

I always make my own costumes - time consuming, but so much cheaper! For ballgowns, try using a prom-type dress and putting inserts in the skirt, some fishing line in the hem, and lots of stones. For latin, there are all sorts of swingy-stretchy sorts of skirts around lately - put a slit in the side, maybe cut a new hemline at an angle. For tops, often a more conservative swimsuit top will work well (it's great that you can buy them in pieces now!) - just stone everything up and no one will know the difference!

[pygmalion]

And tips on where to get stones, or how to do the stoning? (Or articles, books or resources that teach you how?)

[chachagirlie]

Hi Pygmalion!

I have a few thoughts on your stones question...

I have used Aleene's Jewel-It glue for setting stones. It is very important stones are glued and not set in prongs. Prongs will snag and rip your partner's costume.

Stones can and do pop off...but you can minimize stone loss...If you are setting stones on stretchy material, make sure you stretch the material the same way as if you were wearing the costume... If you do not have a dressmaker's form, you can use sturdy cardboard.

I personally believe buying glass stones are a better choice than plastic.(Swarovski is the best!)

Try Google for buying stones in bulk...it is more economical, if you buy them by the gross.

If you want to stone a particular pattern (roses, dragons, stars, diamonds, etc.) onto your costume, there are commercial templates available. The pattern can be transferred with tailor's carbon paper. If you free hand your design, you can use tailor's chalk or a sliver of ivory soap.

Hope this helps!

[pygmalion]

Yup. Makes sense to me. I'm a seamstress and used to make all my own clothes, so transferring patterns is something I can do.. I'll google for stones, and do some comparison pricing.

[Jazz Cat E]

Thanks for all of the tips! All of this will really help. Also, I want to wish everyone a Happy Saint Patrick's Day! And if you're not Irish, don't worry, everyone is Irish on March 17th. :wink:

[pygmalion]

Yikes. Does that mean I have to drink green beer? Or, for that matter, beer at all? *shudder* :lol:

[tasche]

If your planning to do stoning on your dress make sure you order your stones in advance as there are changes in the works at Swarovski and production is limited and certain colors such as rose and lt siam are impossible to get let alone keep in stock

[tasche]

Rgearding the costumes if you have Winsor fashions near you they have quite a few latin appropriate dress that could easily be adapted. Dont forget to buy matching dance trunks though

[DancingMommy]

Speaking of eBay, I just put up a neato Latin costume I've never worn. :) See my sig for link. :)

[virginiadancegirl]

I like it...I like it....is that you wearing it??

Too pretty...wonder if the hubby and/or dance partner would like it?

[DancingMommy]

Not me wearing it, sorry... I'm not *that* skinny, lol.. That's why I'm selling it... teeheehee

[tasche]

They sell this outfit at discount dance supply too I ahve one its really comfy and they send you matching dance trunks. I think I paid about 45 for mine have to check the receipt to be sure so that is a good buy. Bid now bid often! hehe just drumming up sales for you dancemommy

[DancingMommy]

Thanks! I paid $45 for it plus shipping and handling, and I've had it hanging in the closet for SOME time.... Let's just say I bought and then found out I was pregnant with Gabriella.......

[delamusica]

And tips on where to get stones, or how to do the stoning? (Or articles, books or resources that teach you how?)

I usually get my stones at MJtrim.com - for the size 12 stones (pretty small, so they take longer but are less gaudy, IMHO) you can get 10 gross for about $60 - and they have a lot of colors.

As for how to do the stoning, usually I'll put them along some of the seamlines, depending on the cut of the dress - also along the bottom of the skirt, the neckline, and the cuffs of any sleeves. Look at professionally done costumes you like and just copy!

I just stick them on with tweezers and glue - you might have to experiment a bit on some spare fabric or a non-obvious part of the costume to find a glue that works well with your particular fabric.

This is where you get to let the artsy side of you out a bit! :)

[pygmalion]

Thanks. I'll take a look at that link.

[danceintherainn]

hello everyone,
im dancing in upcoming competitions around december and need a latin dress soon. Im in Silver, and herd that there were some pretty good latin dresses in NYC. If anyone knows any information, reply back
thanks,
liz :)

[mamboqueen]

I sent you a private message, Liz.

Welcome to dance forums!

[tanz15]

Many newcomer levels have so many competitors that it is impractical to invigilate the costuming. However, there is little advantage to getting yourself a reputation as a rule-breaker just for the sake of wearing a slightly cooler outfit at a newcomer comp. People (including judges) notice that kind of behavior. There's plenty of commercially available clothing that would allow you to look great and not break the rules. There is even ready-to-wear that comes with rhinestones, sequins, or glitter.

[mamboqueen]

She said she's dancing silver....

[tanz15]

Sorry, I was referring back to the person who started this thread and to the earlier posts, not the silver level dancer who posted more recently.

[mamboqueen]

No problem....I wasn't sure I read what she mean correctly either (but I'm assuming she herself isn't silver!)

[lynn]

i wonder if there are any latin costumes that doesn't show *any* skin :roll: ?? i'm too accustomed to wearing long sleeves and now even wearing short sleeve tops is enough to give me a cold - or worse, give me muscle cramps!

[Katarzyna]

I've seen some nice turtle neck long slevee long fitted skirt costumes for latin. :)

[lynn]

really?? all the latin costumes i've seen so far makes me think the rule "less is more" is really the law :shock: !

[Katarzyna]

No, there are some nice, more elegant costumes out there :)

[lynn]

would you happen to know of any :wink: ??

[Katarzyna]

random example:
http://dancesportinfo.net/DisplayGallery.aspx?Coupleid=3584
the black dress

[lynn]

p.s. i think you look really nice in that red/pink dress :wink: !!

[Katarzyna]

p.s. i think you look really nice in that red/pink dress :wink: !!Thank you! I really like this gown :) I think it will stay for a while

[lynn]

do we get to see you in the white (with the flower)? one?

i've always thought satin might not look as favourable as chiffon (maybe b/c the material is thicker/heavier??) but you carry it really, really elegantly!!

[Dancebug]

random example:
http://dancesportinfo.net/DisplayGallery.aspx?Coupleid=3584
the black dress

Thank you for posting the link (especially the second page). It gave me an inspiration for my next dress project. I have a pattern that I may be able to adopt to make the white and the black dress on the second row on the second page.

[Katarzyna]

do we get to see you in the white (with the flower)? one?

i've always thought satin might not look as favourable as chiffon (maybe b/c the material is thicker/heavier??) but you carry it really, really elegantly!!Thank you so much, I really love satin fabrics.. Not sure how soon I iwll wear the other gown.. maybe after december even..

[Katarzyna]

random example:
http://dancesportinfo.net/DisplayGallery.aspx?Coupleid=3584
the black dress

Thank you for posting the link (especially the second page). It gave me an inspiration for my next dress project. I have a pattern that I may be able to adopt to make the white and the black dress on the second row on the second page.you're welcome. there are a lot of great dresses out there that can be inspirational :) 8)

[mamboqueen]

I have a long dress, but haven't worn it in about a year. The color is really striking. I think it's probably more suited for rhthym than latin, though:

www.studio665.com/images/gallery/2004-11-commonwealth/Cheryl1.JPG

[Katarzyna]

very nice, is it Chrisanne?

[mamboqueen]

Yes; the lighting doesn't really do it justice, though. It really stands out...which of course, can work against one!

[Katarzyna]

I've seen it at Chrisanne trunk show. It's really nice..

[mamboqueen]

That's interesting... can I ask when you saw it???

[alemana]

SEX-EH!

[mamboqueen]

LMAO! It covers all the "rough" spots!

[Katarzyna]

That's interesting... can I ask when you saw it???Not sure, a while ago.. Maybe I saw it on the website or somewhere. but somehow I knew it was Chrisanne and I knew I've seen it...