Practicewear - I just don't get it.

[dancinrina]

Perhaps I'm being stupid but... why would anyone shell out $150+ for practice wear? I saw Chrisanne dresses and DESI and Espen - the list goes on - but I just can't see why anyone would spend that much on a dress that looks like something you can get at any "young" store or most lord and taylor's or macy's for less than a quarter of the price. And honestly, it's not like the "dancewear" dresses even have a built in body suite - in fact, as far as I've been able to ascertain, they do not.

Which brings me to - why do you need fancy dancewear? I've never come in a T-shirt and jeans but why go out of your way to buy something special when a regular skirt and nice top will do? Or tight fitting pants for that matter.

[_malakawa_]

Perhaps I'm being stupid but... why would anyone shell out $150+ for practice wear? I saw Chrisanne dresses and DESI and Espen - the list goes on - but I just can't see why anyone would spend that much on a dress that looks like something you can get at any "young" store or most lord and taylor's or macy's for less than a quarter of the price. And honestly, it's not like the "dance wear" dresses even have a built in body suite - in fact, as far as I've been able to ascertain, they do not.

Which brings me to - why do you need fancy dancewear? I've never come in a T-shirt and jeans but why go out of your way to buy something special when a regular skirt and nice top will do? Or tight fitting pants for that matter.

maybe because somebody likes to spend money.

if I'll like something i will buy it, if it is expensive, I'll try to buy it (spend less money for something else ...)

but i make my dresses and my practice wear so i don't care. :cool:;)

if i see a model that i like i make it myself.

just an example - 4 years ago i saw a beautiful boots for $900. somebody will say that i am crazy, but i bought that boots because they are good, beautiful, comfortable .......

[njdancegirl]

Some have body suits built in...just got one recently from Mirella ballroom collection that does. I do lessons in practicewear at times, but I've used for social dancing...some can even be used for showcases/competitions.

[TAK]

Yeah man. I'm with you. I usually practice in a tank top and either a skirt (not made specifically for dancing) or jazz pants. Maybe it's because I'm in college, but I see a lot of people who do show up to practice in very casual clothes, and I don't see what's wrong with that as long as it's not a social dance or party.

I did spend some money on a set of practicewear, but that was to wear in syllabus competitions, not actually for practice.

[Laura]

Which brings me to - why do you need fancy dancewear?
You don't, just like no one needs Prada shoes* or an Armani suit. But it sure is nice to have, especially when going to a coaching with a very top coach, or "dressing to impress" for a higher-level try-out.

I practice in a pair of trousers (my current favorites are from Banana Republic and also Limited) and a close-fitting top made of stretchy material. I could (and have) worn the exact same thing to work, or on the plane, or shopping.

(*except me)

[syncopationator]

Why do soccer, football, baseball players or any other athlete wear athletic wear to practice? Why don't they just wear bermuda shorts and a nice T-Shirt???

I'm not saying you should shell out more than you are comfortable spendin on practicewear, but if your question is about why wear practice wear instead of regular clothing well, that's my answer.

[Laura]

Why don't they just wear bermuda shorts and a nice T-Shirt???
Well, kids and other people with no money will go play soccer or basketball or whatever in whatever they have on...random shorts and a tank top or t-shirt.

[Becca]

If I see someone wearing something and looking absolutely awesome in it, then I want some of that for myself!

[syncopationator]

Well, kids and other people with no money will go play soccer or basketball or whatever in whatever they have on...random shorts and a tank top or t-shirt.

very true.

I guess you should wear whatever makes you comfortable.

[dancingirldancing]

Because I wear my dance clothes for many many years versus the fashion clothing which I wear 10 X less often ?

I also wear practice clothes to try out and if I go to comp probably stone some of them and use it there too.

Per wear it is so much cheaper than my other clothes plus makes me more motivated if I look nice while doing my movement !

[Ithink]

$150 is IMO an outrageous amount of money to charge for these practice skirts, I agree. In addition, I've yet to try on a Chrisanne skirt that is long enough for me (I have really long legs) so what is the point of buying something for that much money that also looks ridiculous on? Sometimes, when I go clothes shopping to regular stores I am on the lookout for similar skirts and have purchased a few of VERY similar ones for around 20-30 bucks each. BUT, in general I don't like practicing in skirts and I've been told that lessons in standard aren't good to take in a skirt anyway because it makes it impossible for a coach to see what you're doing with your legs... And they are there to see how you move and correct it. So, even the skirts I bought I rarely wear.

That said, if someone has money to burn, then I don't see any reason why they couldn't or shouldn't buy the outrageously overpriced practice wear... After all, there are people out there who spend $500 on dinner... Me, I'd rather spend any extra money on lessons although I rarely seem to have *extra* money;)...

[Some guy]

If you can buy clothes that make you feel good when you dance in them and the clothes don't hinder your lessons (show body lines well) then all the better for you.

A lot of clothing stores are offerring dance wear just as good as, or even better, than the dedicated dance companies, especially when you take price into consideration. Ladies seem to have a lot more options these days.

Has anyone tried asking "Lulu Lemon" (not sure if that's the name, I've been there only once) to start making ballroom dancewear? I know they gear all their stuff for dance and movement (they give dance teachers a discount!). I see all the Dancing with the Stars coaches wearing their outfits all the time. I know you can also submit your designs and ideas to the store. I bought a workout shirt from there which I wear to dance: it's awesome because it's made with some special silver thread that's naturally antiseptic. So two hours of heavy sweating and the shirt still smells as good as new!

[hereKittyKitty]

I think it has to do with the custom of ballroom dancing. Ballroom dancing is very traditional, they don't even like it when you wear jeans at a comp.

For standard-I will shell out $100.00+ for a practice skirt, but I wont go past $120. I love the way the material and the weight of the material feels. I have had my current practice skirts (with exception of 1) for over a year. So they last a long time. As far as latin skirts go, I purchased a couple of skirts at a department store and paid maybe $10.00 each. I buy practice shirts at the mall.

I used to take lessons and practice in nice dress pants. One day on a coaching lesson, I asked my visiting instructor if it was important to wear practice wear to a lesson. She stated that she preferred it. When I inquired why, she told me that if you ever take from an English coach, the custom is wear a nice skirt and blouse for the lady and shirt with tie for the gentleman. So best get used to it.

One other thought- The skirt contributes to the look of "movement". You don't get this with pants even in Latin.

[fascination]

I always tried to dress up for our coaches as a matter of respect ...but alot of my lessons were in FP's living room and he was energy conscious so it got hot...we both generally wore whatever we pleased and I loved that..now at NP's place I try to be mindful of the fact that folks will walk into that studio and have certain expectations ...shrug...as for comps...if it is day time I am wearing jeans...I have shelled out enough to wear what I like...for the evening I will get formal

[hereKittyKitty]

Also- As far as cost goes-
I used to work for a company that imported Chrisanne practice wear. What they had to pay customs was outrageous. I remember we were charging $180.00 for a practice skirt and that was barely enough to cover our costs bringing it in.

[fascination]

yes, regarding price, I have one very expensive practice skirt...I have never worn it

[syncopationator]

Has anyone tried asking "Lulu Lemon" (not sure if that's the name, I've been there only once) to start making ballroom dancewear?

I use a pair of their pants for practice. they make yoga wear.

[dancinrina]

See, what I mean is, I have a very nice practice skirt for latin that I bought at a NY and Co clearance rack for a whooping $6.00. Thus, I don't see why people would spend the extra $144 dollars for a chrisanne or whatever.

[ChaChaMama]

I like my Chrisanne and Dance America practicewear. It sometimes makes me feel a little more motivated when I'm wearing a skirt that is flippy and latin-y and body flattering. So I'm with you there, dancingirldancing!

I don't always wear that stuff. I have a couple tops I got pretty cheap ($20-30, I think) at OSB. I also sometimes wear a latin skirt with tops from Ann Taylor Loft, or Victoria's Secret, or Baby Phat. And sometimes I go all casual and just wear a tee and shorts to our local studio. Occasionally, I have been running to the studio from a work obligation and am wearing a blouse and a suit skirt. It depends!

I will also second the poster above who pointed out that if you are dancing USA Dance comps on the syllabus level, practicewear can be a great choice for competition, since you need to avoid anything with "light effects," which can exclude quite a few otherwise appropriate mainstream store outfits.

I could probably name a hundred consumer products that make less sense to me than nice dance practicewear actually designed with dancing in mind.

[emeralddancer]

I think a lot of times if you purchase higher ended products ... like coach as an example ... you are getting the value of your dollar so to speak.

Another thing my hubby taught me, bless his soul, is to buy things that will last. I love clean, classic lines and look, which tend to cost more. SO I tend to shop higher end for everything, from makeup (MAC, MUF), to clothing, shoes (steve madden, aldo,), purses (coach, LV), etc ... also most of the higher end things have guarantees (ie: coach, if it gets damaged you can send it in for repair and all it costs you is the postage)

So goes the same for dance wear. Much dance wear clothing is specifically designed material wise to last a long time, take a beating, handle the on going wear and tear or practices, material to is made to help (believe it or not) combat perspiring overly much, etc ... Example, dance tights and fishnets cost something like $22.00 US here in MD at the dance stores. I can keep the same pair for over a year with regular use. If I buy fishnets say at macy's or hot topic, they are of a much more flimsy material, maybe will last two wearings, aren't "tight", etc ...

So in the long run ... I may spend $150 for a practice skirt that will last me a year or more. Say spending $30.00 on 5 skirts that may last only a few months.

Does this all make sense? I can tend to be WAY to wordy ... sorry.

[Laura]

Thus, I don't see why people would spend the extra $144 dollars for a chrisanne or whatever.
Well, I can buy a pair of loafers at Payless for about $35 or I can spend about $400 on a pair of Pradas. You might not be able to see why I would spend the extra money, but I love my Prada loafers :) Everyone has their own measure of what is 'worth it' to them, and just because you can't understand someone else's price points doesn't necessarily mean they are invalid.

Although I agree with you -- I wouldn't spend that much money on a practice skirt either. I've made a few of my own, and the money I save can go toward expensive Italian street shoes :)

[TAK]

Everyone has their own measure of what is 'worth it' to them, and just because you can't understand someone else's price points doesn't necessarily mean they are invalid.

I don't want to speak for the OP here, but as a non-practice-wear-wearer, I've been interested to read this post not because I previously judged anyone else's taste as invalid, but just because it's interesting to see what people get out of spending so much more money than I do.

Plus, again not speaking for anyone else, I start getting nervous that I'm missing out on something important...if a lot of people think it's worth a lot of money to have proper Chrisanne wear rather than my cheap stuff, maybe they're on to something I'm not (and should be!) :eyebrow:

Annnnyway...not accusing you of having accused anyone of anything, not trying to be argumentative...just...carry on... :bouncy:

[danceronice]

Some of it's not that much more expensive. I wear dance clothes to dance in because it's more comfortable. When I skate I wear either a skating dress or a leotard and wrap skirt, or if I'm REALLY worried about cold I wear thermal running pants/tights over a leotard. (When I'm skating for me--if I'm teaching, it's strictly layer-for-warmth as I'm not moving enough to stay warm.) For either one, I don't wear street clothes for the same reason I don't wear street clothes to work out and didn't wear jeans for English riding--they make it easier to do what I need to do.

As a general rule--the more expensive stuff lasts a little longer and functions a little better. But it's not necessary. And I was looking at some lululemon things--tops are always the hardest for me to find and they have some nice ones. When the bills are paid off, maybe....

[Chris Stratton]

I wouldn't spend that much money on a practice skirt either. I've made a few of my own, and the money I save

I've made a bunch of practice skirts that were worn, and wasted more days of my life than I can count trying to get a pair of practice pants right for myself... but in the end I'm wearing a pair of commercially made "overpriced" ones.

[dancingirldancing]

Also, I do not buy a skirt a month. Maybe more like 2 skirt a year and even then I would not throw away the 'old' ones. So even though I spend $150 (and most often I dont) on 2 skirt a year it just meant that I spent an average of $25/month. I do not think that it is a lot esp to think that I wear the skirts every day.

FYI, I have 5 skirts and I practise 5 days a week, sometimes 6. I dont always wash the skirt after one wear though because I always wear tights so they still look nice after years. I normally wear tops I bought from 'normal' shop anyways.

I am planning to buy more skirts NOT because I want to use more posh practise skirts BUT because I am doing try outs at the moment and for my trip away with DH. So it is more for SOCIAL reason. I actually stop buying any other designer clothes/bags after I start dancing to fund my lesson. Now to think that my dancing wardrobe cost less than $50 and my lessons can sometimes go over $1k/month I do not think that I need to sacrifice that $50 to take even MORE lesson. Actually, if I find a partner I will take LESS lesson !

Btw, I have seen some Cindini skirts and they are reasonably priced (around $50). Does anyone know if they are any good ?

[Warren J. Dew]

I just can't see why anyone would spend that much on a dress that looks like something you can get at any "young" store or most lord and taylor's or macy's for less than a quarter of the price.

In my experience, the department store dresses and skirts are not full enough to practice ballroom with.

Then again, my wife quit getting Chrisanne skirts some years ago because they started getting too fitted. She found another source that cost about $50/skirt instead of $150/skirt. The material is not as nice but I don't think the Chrisanne skirts would last three times as much.

I think a lot of times if you purchase higher ended products ... like coach as an example ... you are getting the value of your dollar so to speak.

Yes. I used to think buying bespoke jackets was an extravagance. Then I noticed how many off the shelf jackets I had in my closet that I never wore for one reason or another.

[chocolatchica]

I totally understand where you are coming from. I saw a killer pratice outfit at Emerlad this year that was $400. It looked almost like something you could get at pone of those little fashion shops but when I tried it I was like, "Wow! The quality was amazing. The skirt was weighed down and layered just right for dancing. I know something like that sounds dumb but it felt so much better dancing in it than the $12 skirt I bought at the fashion store. It also fit my body really well. Plus it had leopard...I love leopard! Anyway, I didn't actually bought it but I was darn sure tempted to. I figured I probably need the lessons more than a skirt to dance in. I may have the skirt but no lessons for two months. Hehehe. So maybe when I get a better paying job I can actually take that ki8ller outfit home. But till then.....

[Easy]

Some people have the money and will spend it on anything that is involved with their passion. Unless you need a skirt that flairs and is workable like an american smooth dress for practice, anything that makes you feel comfortable is all you need. It's about the dance when you practice not the fashion.

Some of the practice wear is better made these days than many of the actual dance dresses that people spend thousands upon. Look at how they're sewn and the workmanship...if only Armani made dancewear, then at least you'd get your money's worth. Some of these big companies have so many orders, they can't put the personal extra effort into the orders unless the order starts squeeking. As far as dresses, a lot of times an upstart is your best bet for workmanship and originality

[dancingirldancing]

Oh yes, even though it is not related to dancing but it is related to this thread.

I bought 8 pair of Keds shoes just because they were discounted to $15 from $60.

Now I cant wear fabric shoes (they hurts) or flats (short legs). So these shoes were given away after one wear.

However, I purchased a Tods heels 4 years ago full price at $500. Still looking new and I still love it to death after maybe 50 wear. So which one is more economical ?

Any one of my ballroom skirts have been worn more than any article of clothing in my wardrobe. Nuff said.

[njdancegirl]

Mini hijack...beginning to really enjoy this thread...not only do you all share a passion for dancing, but you share a passion for footwear (Laura and Prada, dancingirldancing and Tods). I myself am addicted to Gucci and Tods...

Back on topic...;)

[Joe]

I used to take lessons and practice in nice dress pants. One day on a coaching lesson, I asked my visiting instructor if it was important to wear practice wear to a lesson. She stated that she preferred it. When I inquired why, she told me that if you ever take from an English coach, the custom is wear a nice skirt and blouse for the lady and shirt with tie for the gentleman. So best get used to it.
The more often we dress down for these stodgy English coaches, the easier it will be to "retrain" them to not expect such fancy dress. ;)

[samina]

I have no practice wear and would love some, certainly wouldn't begrudge someone their dance-specific wardrobe. Don't understand the big deal...every sport has its special clothing, whether for performance or appearance.

But my financial choices have thus far gone toward supporting my family and paying for comps & lessons, and I don't see making a change in that regard unless a windfall rolls in.

But I'd love some weighted skirts in gorgeous fabric, mebbe a long dress, and some cute latin outfits.

Actually, what am I thinking...I do have an Espen practice dress I got from Kat. I love the ballroomy feel when I wear it. But other than that...black pants and various tops bought from regular stores get the job done for now.

[samina]

The more often we dress down for these stodgy English coaches, the easier it will be to "retrain" them to not expect such fancy dress. ;)
Heh...funny. :)

[fascination]

methinks HE's gettin' a little bit big for his breeches ;)

[Purr]

I'm guilty of having 2 expensive practice skirts (dancemo). One is Latin, one is ballroom. The feel of the material is wonderful; the fit is great; and both skirts flow really well. I've received a lot of compliments on both skirts. However, folks start to choke when I tell them how much I paid for them, which was around $160 each.

I also have 3 Capezio practice skirts, that I special ordered from a local dance store. Two are Latin; one is ballroom. They are nice skirts and serve the intended purpose. The price was great; I think they ranged from $35 to $50 or so.

[biggestbox]

You get what you pay for. I have 5 latin pants prices: 10, 20, 50, 100, 300 you EASILY tell the difference.

[WorksForShoes]

Well, I have a couple of DanceAmerica pieces, and a few Capezio and Danskin pieces that I got on sale (seriously, check the sale sections on the websites regularly, you can get them for a steal). I think the expensive practice wear sometimes gets justified because it is easy to allow luxuries in your hobby/passion/obsession. You know, sometimes it is easier to justify new practice wear than it is to get the mower repaired, because one relates to an activity you like and one to an activity that is work.

That said, I am definitely making a shift to wearing skirts to lessons and always to coachings. I was wearing jeans or jazz pants to any lessons/coachings, along with practice shoes to preserve the comp shoes. This summer, I switched to running skorts for rhythm lessons at least because of the heat, and I was experimenting with different comp shoes, so wore them, and it seems that that (plus some other factors) have opened up discussions of foot/ankle/knee actions that I hadn't worked on previously. So now I'm committed to trying to keep this up even in the winter, so as to get the maximum informational value from every lesson (little contribution to the various dancing and budget threads!)

[Josh]

methinks HE's gettin' a little bit big for his breeches ;)

Hmm, that's what happened when I bused my pants a while ago...! :raisebro:

[Standarddancer]

Yes $150 is very expensive, but Chrisanne is very good quality, and their skirt last a long time and their fabric high quality/stretchy and super light; for my height, I don't have much choice, Cindini and other HK or Italian brands are all too short for me. But sometimes Chrisanne have things on sale like right not 2007 Chrisanne skirts are like $100 each.

I own really expensive practice wear such as Chrisanne skirt, Espen skirt, tops,etc and I also own really cheap trendy ones from street boutiques, both work quite well depends on style and fabrics.

I also know some girls custom-made their practice wear by a tailor like A & D and a custom-made practice skirt sometimes cost like $250, so compared to that, Chrisanne is actually reasonable price.

[etp777]

I can't speak for women's practicewear, but I know as a guy, all my normal pairs of pants have some shortcoming when dancing, esp as we get more technical. Some of the things are due to the fit (which I'm getting fixed), but things like fact that pro can't see whether my knees are "soft" when I'm wearing jeans, or fact that no matter how well my khakis fit, they're jsut not meant to ride right (either cathc or pull way far up) during a really deep lunge like in my tango. So have some practice pants ordered. Basically same as my latin pants, just different fabric this time (nice charcoal pinstripe). Think pro and I will both be happier when I have some real practicewear.

Besides, since when did any woman complain about an excuse to do more clothes shopping? :D

[Standarddancer]

The more often we dress down for these stodgy English coaches, the easier it will be to "retrain" them to not expect such fancy dress. ;)

I think you've got a valid point, seriously, I saw girls custom-made their practice dress for like $350 each, for what? The lessons itself already nearly $300, I usually wear a nice Chrisanne skirt + a plain not too expensive top (usually with some style of course); As long as you dress neatly and look classy (of couse not in jeans...lol...), they are okay with it;

[Josh]

Which brings me to - why do you need fancy dancewear? I've never come in a T-shirt and jeans but why go out of your way to buy something special when a regular skirt and nice top will do? Or tight fitting pants for that matter.

Perhaps the person who comes in a t-shirt and jeans wonders why you are dressing so "uppety." Do you see how this, like most everything, is relative, and simply one of your beliefs? Maybe the person in jeans calls your skirt "something special," just maybe the person with the thing you call "something special" calls a $1000 skirt "special."

Having the "why would someone spend $X on that" view regarding money is often a manifestation of a general perspective of lack and limitation. Ask yourself, is the world abundant? Is there plenty of money available for me? If you answer "no," then that's what your life will be about--scraping for money, competing with others for jobs/positions, and so on. If you answer "yes," then that's what your life will be about--realizing that there's plenty of wealth and love and money for everyone, and that you just have to be willing to receive it. Neither way you choose is right or wrong, it's simply a way of life--you can choose "something special," (skirt, and coaches, and cars, and relationships, etc), or you can choose the ordinary (skirt, coaches, cars, relatinoships, etc). Either way, you'll live your life and can be happy, it's just a matter of how you want to do it, the easy way, or the hard way.

[Standarddancer]

Perhaps I'm being stupid but... why would anyone shell out $150+ for practice wear? I saw Chrisanne dresses and DESI and Espen - the list goes on

What is DESI? do you mean DSI and there is a typo?

[dancerman]

I can't speak for women's practicewear, but I know as a guy, all my normal pairs of pants have some shortcoming when dancing, esp as we get more technical. Some of the things are due to the fit (which I'm getting fixed), but things like fact that pro can't see whether my knees are "soft" when I'm wearing jeans, or fact that no matter how well my khakis fit, they're jsut not meant to ride right (either cathc or pull way far up) during a really deep lunge like in my tango. So have some practice pants ordered. Basically same as my latin pants, just different fabric this time (nice charcoal pinstripe). Think pro and I will both be happier when I have some real practicewear.

Besides, since when did any woman complain about an excuse to do more clothes shopping? :D

From the male perspective I have a few pair of Latin pants, and yes, I get them for less. But I did even before I was able to. I keep the older pair for practice, lessons and, yes, even social dancing. Why? becuase I find the comfort in fit compared to my "street" clothes is uncomparable. My shirts seem to stay in better, they don't untuck, the pants have mutli-directional stretch, and are not heavy or warm. The only drawback when social dancing is no pockets. However that is a minor inconvenience. I can actually have my local tailor add an inside pocket, I just haven't brought them to him to do it yet.
As far as at lessons, I always dress in the dance mode; out of respect for my instructor and other students, and because I think it puts me in the dance attitude. This isn't a softball game. It's dancing, and requires a certain elegance, IMO. I have had instructors voice their appreciation for that, BTW.

As far as women's practice wear I could never understand why they call it practicewear. It is far from the quality I would consider using that tag for them. It makes me think more of drawstring jazz pants than some of the items available.
Just one person's thoughts.

[Kitty]

I've made a bunch of practice skirts that were worn, and wasted more days of my life than I can count trying to get a pair of practice pants right for myself... but in the end I'm wearing a pair of commercially made "overpriced" ones.

Chris, which brand are you wearing?

[etp777]

Yeah, the price of most commercial pants got me going badly. Then one pair of Crisssane pants that danceshopper.com was selling as men's, just couldn't bring msyelf to wear (still not convinced they weren't mislabeled :) ).

Luckily, have an in with a costumer, and getting practice pants at a good discount. Way I look at it, what I saved over most commercial ones online just paid for the extra lesson I took this week. Hrmm, that's not exactly cheering, would be nice if it went a bit farther than just 45 minutes.

[dancerman]

I can't speak for women's practicewear, but I know as a guy, all my normal pairs of pants have some shortcoming when dancing, esp as we get more technical. Some of the things are due to the fit (which I'm getting fixed), but things like fact that pro can't see whether my knees are "soft" when I'm wearing jeans, or fact that no matter how well my khakis fit, they're jsut not meant to ride right (either cathc or pull way far up) during a really deep lunge like in my tango. So have some practice pants ordered. Basically same as my latin pants, just different fabric this time (nice charcoal pinstripe). Think pro and I will both be happier when I have some real practicewear.

Besides, since when did any woman complain about an excuse to do more clothes shopping? :D

I agree on the men's street clothes completely. As far as the woman comment, you're on your own.
:cool:

[Kitty]

I think you've got a valid point, seriously, I saw girls custom-made their practice dress for like $350 each, for what? The lessons itself already nearly $300, I usually wear a nice Chrisanne skirt + a plain not too expensive top (usually with some style of course); As long as you dress neatly and look classy (of couse not in jeans...lol...), they are okay with it;

I am guilty of this one...
please let me explain why: i have a difficult time finding ready-to-wear stuff that fits. most is too long, too large, or simply wrong fit

regarding practicewear brands:
some are overpriced and poor quality
I wrote previously that i was not thrilled with the quality of making of chrisanne 2007 collection..
on the other hand some practicewear though are very well made (better than anything non-dance oriented in department stores, since practicewear is designed for athletic wear) and nice styles
for example Santoria brand is unbelievably nicely made and is very reasonably priced.

[Josh]

would be nice if it went a bit farther than just 45 minutes.

But it's 45 minutes of golden bliss! (hopefully anyway...!)

[Standarddancer]

for example Santoria brand is unbelievably nicely made and is very reasonably priced.

Have you try Santoria tops? how is the quality? like their pants (however still on the short side of me), not sure if their skirts too short for me, I bought skirts from Cindini, no luck, a way too short, Chrisanne skirts are the only ones long enough for me.

I've noticed Chrisanne skirts and pants are longer than Italian or Hong Kong brands.

[dancingirldancing]

How tall are you standarddancer ?

I wonder if the Chrisanne ballroom skirt is too long if I can shorten it as I am only 5'2 !

[syncopationator]

I asked a pro that I know once why he spent over $600 on a pair of Gucci shoes and his response was: "because I have expensive feet"

Who can question that? Certainly not me.

Value is in the eye of the beholder. Someone may not see any value in $150 practice wear from Chrissane or $300 Prada sunglasses or $600 Gucci shoes. But somebody else does see the value in that.

[Standarddancer]

How tall are you standarddancer ?

I wonder if the Chrisanne ballroom skirt is too long if I can shorten it as I am only 5'2 !

I'm 5'7 1/2", yes Chrisanne practice skirt can be shortened, done it before...check your pm:)

[Kitty]

Have you try Santoria tops? how is the quality? like their pants (however still on the short side of me), not sure if their skirts too short for me, I bought skirts from Cindini, no luck, a way too short, Chrisanne skirts are the only ones long enough for me.

I've noticed Chrisanne skirts and pants are longer than Italian or Hong Kong brands.

santoria almost everyhting is slightly too big on me
I love their styles though and the quality is superb.

[Standarddancer]

santoria almost everyhting is slightly too big on me
I love their styles though and the quality is superb.

sounds good, if you have things too big on you sitting at home, let me know:)

[dancingmomof2]

I think it also depends on your studio. The studio we go to most is very social in nature. Its very common to come in jeans and a tshirt and then during the parties have a nice skirt or slacks on. Many of the men in the classes here in the summer wear shorts to class. I have just began sewing dance style garments and plan to make some practice skirts and dresses but its more because I love the flow of them then because my studio thinks highly of it.

BTW I love my coach purses. They last forever and are totally worth the $.

[Laura]

Laura and Prada
Also Jimmy Choo :)

[njdancegirl]

Also Jimmy Choo :)

:notworth:

You must by a Bluefly fan as well with your taste?!?

[Laura]

but things like fact that pro can't see whether my knees are "soft" when I'm wearing jeans
I can't imagine dancing in jeans...on me I'd get distracted by feeling how the seams rub.

I know a guy who buys women's pants off-the-rack for practice because women's pants have more stretch to them, are cut more close to the body, and accomodate his built-up-from-dancing butt muscles better. They also often don't have pockets.

[Laura]

You must by a Bluefly fan as well with your taste?!?
I've heard of the web site but never actually looked at it. When buying shoes, I have to try them on and walk around in them for awhile before I'm sure I will take them or not. A few years ago I got very picky about shoe fit (and gave a way a LOT of shoes to a good friend because of it), so I walk up and down like a supermodel to see if the shoes rub anywhere, especially on my bunion. As such, no more web site buys for shoes for me.

[Standarddancer]

I can't imagine dancing in jeans...on me I'd get distracted by feeling how the seams rub.



me too, IMO jeans make leg lines look bad no matter how good you are

[Standarddancer]

:notworth:

You must by a Bluefly fan as well with your taste?!?

I think in soho NYC there is a bluefly outlet during one Christmas time, and the store were packed!!! I bought a nice top and a Gucci belt for a bargain price, very cool outlet!!!

[etp777]

I can't imagine dancing in jeans...on me I'd get distracted by feeling how the seams rub.

It definitely can be annoying. My main problem is that I tend to come straight from work, often over a lunch break, so I just wear whatever I was wearing to work. Even after I get my new pants, may not always have time to change. But to be honest, also a little bit of conceit. Jeans are only pants I've bought since losing all this weight, and if I'm around a bunch of attractive women (the pros and other students), want to look my best. Really need to quit being lazy and hem the new work pants I got. Don't want to even consider my dance pants. Luckily, I don't have to fix those myself, as those are going to have to be completely taken apart and recut. Well outside of my league.

[Josh]

If Latin is done well, the legs will look great in a pair of good jeans. Standard, not really so much.

[Standarddancer]

etp777, you are allowed to dress down for work? Usually Jeans are not allowed in work place except on Friday of a very casual office environment.

[etp777]

Yeah, office is pretty casual here. Plus I just really don't care. ;) Both times I've been hired here, they were so desperate to have me, I don't think anyone would say anything unless my clothes smelled or something. Fact I'm in Information Technology leads to a more casual look too. Most days though I do wear khakis, leather shoes, and a dress shirt.

But like today, a nice pair of levis (well, nice as in new, some older people might think the wash/fading isn't nice), and a burgundy long sleeved sport shirt with soft collar and emobroidery down left side. Will occasionally wear a nice grpahics t too, if I'm going out afterwards (course, same reason I'm wearing this shirt).

[tanya_the_dancer]

etp777, you are allowed to dress down for work? Usually Jeans are not allowed in work place except on Friday of a very casual office environment.

Depends on what kind of work you do. Both software firms I worked for were OK with jeans and even shorts. They would just send a note asking people to dress up next day when we were supposed to have clients visit.

[Laura]

Heck, I've worked at software companies where jeans and a shirt nice enough to show up at a dance studio for lessons in would be considered dressing up.

[etp777]

Heh, yeah Laura. Won't even start on the comments I get when I show up in slacks and a french cuff'd shirt. Course, doesn't come close to comments I get when I'm walking through office with one of costumes to deliver it at my studio. :)

[etp777]

I know a guy who buys women's pants off-the-rack for practice because women's pants have more stretch to them, are cut more close to the body, and accomodate his built-up-from-dancing butt muscles better. They also often don't have pockets.

I bet this would work great, but just couldn't bring myself to doing it. I'm a guy, I wear men's clothing. end of story. :)

[Kitty]

Depends on what kind of work you do. Both software firms I worked for were OK with jeans and even shorts. They would just send a note asking people to dress up next day when we were supposed to have clients visit.

i think clients of a software company expect to see geeks in jeans.. anythign more formal.. and the company probably risks appearing not geeky enough:-)

[Some guy]

I agree with Josh on the jeans: my personal favorite is Aeropostale's Benton Original Boot Cut jeans. They cost around $20 to $30 (depending on whether it's on sale or not).

The material is relatively thin and soft, so it hang and flows really well too. Also, they are the only brand I've found for that price with a nice boot cut leg line that seems to accomodate many Latin male physiques with narrow waists, lots of room in the top in order to prevent any sort of hindering of hip movement, and plenty of space for muscular buttocks (!). I'm still working on that last part, so right now I have plenty of extra vacant real-estate back there in the jeans... although the view is not particular spectacular (yet!). :)

[samina]

... and plenty of space for muscular buttocks (!). I'm still working on that last part, so right now I have plenty of extra vacant real-estate back there in the jeans... although the view is not particular spectacular (yet!). :)

This cracked me up...

[Joe]

What is DESI? do you mean DSI and there is a typo?
DESI must be a dancewear company based in Mumbai. ;)

[J4cki3]

TO be honest.. I wish my partner would just wear her practicewear at comps.. It looks so simple.. but sooo goood... wish I have to guts to just tell her.. " stones and diamantes are not gonna make our hip movements look any better!" I dream one day, we would win a comp because of the attention we get from our dancing instead of what she wears... sigh...

[mamboqueen]

Just had a practice skirt/top made for me in Brooklyn by the woman making me two latin dresses. It's not Chrisanne by any stretch, but I don't need Chrisanne. They have my measurements so I'm going to commission them to make some more tops/skiirts and dresses. Just can't beat their price. $75 for the skirt and top. I'll try to take pictures to post when I get home.

[TAK]

TO be honest.. I wish my partner would just wear her practicewear at comps.. It looks so simple.. but sooo goood... wish I have to guts to just tell her.. " stones and diamantes are not gonna make our hip movements look any better!" I dream one day, we would win a comp because of the attention we get from our dancing instead of what she wears... sigh...

You can just tell her she looks great in her practicewear...I can't imagine she wouldn't be happy to hear that. :D She could even stone a set of practicewear to make a costume.

Although maybe you're not giving yourself enough credit...if you're winning comps, how do you know it's not because of your dancing?

[Standarddancer]

Just had a practice skirt/top made for me in Brooklyn by the woman making me two latin dresses. It's not Chrisanne by any stretch, but I don't need Chrisanne. They have my measurements so I'm going to commission them to make some more tops/skiirts and dresses. Just can't beat their price. $75 for the skirt and top. I'll try to take pictures to post when I get home.

$75 for both top and skirt? that's fantastic deal!!! post pics whenever you get a chance please:)

[Standarddancer]

i think clients of a software company expect to see geeks in jeans.. anythign more formal.. and the company probably risks appearing not geeky enough:-)

oh yes:) forgot genius computer geeks all dress down down:)

[Standarddancer]

the other day I bought a high quality Cindini practice top and really happy about it, it was on sale for like 30 pounds, on the tag it listed Cindini company site so I was just curious if I could order directly from the company, it would be less expensive, so I emailed them asking price, it turned out that the Cindini site were run by Singapore company and they quoted prices for me in Singapore dollars, after converted to USD, it's about $70 each top before shipping, so not really less than the UK site. I would imagine the shipping would be more from Singapore to US than from UK to US. So I dropped the thought of ordering directly from Cindini.

Quite bad, cindini site has more style available than the UK site:(

[fascination]

Having the "why would someone spend $X on that" view regarding money is often a manifestation of a general perspective of lack and limitation. Ask yourself, is the world abundant? Is there plenty of money available for me? If you answer "no," then that's what your life will be about--scraping for money, competing with others for jobs/positions, and so on. If you answer "yes," then that's what your life will be about--realizing that there's plenty of wealth and love and money for everyone, and that you just have to be willing to receive it. Neither way you choose is right or wrong, it's simply a way of life--you can choose "something special," (skirt, and coaches, and cars, and relationships, etc), or you can choose the ordinary (skirt, coaches, cars, relatinoships, etc). Either way, you'll live your life and can be happy, it's just a matter of how you want to do it, the easy way, or the hard way.except of course that when one takes that route they regularly very specifically spend their own resources in a way that specifically doesn't rise to the occasion of distributing those resources (however unlimited the prosperous choose to view them) to those who have no possible opportunity to take that position or access to those unlimited goods...and THAT is why we should all weigh those decisions carefully...

[tanya_the_dancer]

Or you can just decide where your priorities lie. If you think that an expensive practice skirt will advance your dancing more than a few extra lessons, then by all means go for it.

[Standarddancer]

I think beautiful high-quality practice wear does make the dancers "look good" on the floor, and gives illusion of dancing improved; certainly nicely designed practice outfit covers certain mistakes; but that's just illusion, doesn't mean the dancer truly improved their skill, when they change back to regular inexpensive dancewear, their mistakes/shortcomings will show again:(

[Standarddancer]

What should I do for this? dancesport uk charged me for an Espen top which they haven't ship:( it is quite funny - I ordered this top back in May, waited nearly 5 weeks and didn't receive payments (by that time they didn't charge me), I emailed them and got their response as "item sold out"; so I thought that was end of story.

Then about 2 weeks ago, my credit card was charged for $100, I emailed them asking what the charge was for, they said Espen will provide them this top so they charged me; I asked them if they shipped or not, they applogized that they thought item was already in their stock room ready to ship, so they charged me; however it turned out they had not yet received merchandise from their Hong Kong distributor:( they say they expect merchandise to be arrive to their warehouse in 10 days. So 10 days from HK to UK, then probably another 5 -7 days from UK to US.

So I requested them to credit my account and re-charge when they ship; then no response:(

Should I call my credit card company to reverse the charge and notify them to re-charge when they ship? I don't think it is justified to charge customer before shipping merchanise, am I right?

[dancerman]

What should I do for this? dancesport uk charged me for an Espen top which they haven't ship:( it is quite funny - I ordered this top back in May, waited nearly 5 weeks and didn't receive payments (by that time they didn't charge me), I emailed them and got their response as "item sold out"; so I thought that was end of story.

Then about 2 weeks ago, my credit card was charged for $100, I emailed them asking what the charge was for, they said Espen will provide them this top so they charged me; I asked them if they shipped or not, they applogized that they thought item was already in their stock room ready to ship, so they charged me; however it turned out they had not yet received merchandise from their Hong Kong distributor:( they say they expect merchandise to be arrive to their warehouse in 10 days. So 10 days from HK to UK, then probably another 5 -7 days from UK to US.

So I requested them to credit my account and re-charge when they ship; then no response:(

Should I call my credit card company to reverse the charge and notify them to re-charge when they ship? I don't think it is justified to charge customer before shipping merchanise, am I right?

It all depends. I guess it would depending on whether you want to risk not receiving the item at all. I only say that because if the item is on "reserve" and they automatically billed it, you could risk the first shipment goes to someone else. Also, by the time your credit card company did anything it will probably arrive.
A credit card company will allow you to dispute a bill, they will not just blanket "credit the charge". By law you are entitled to dispute any bill that you feel is incorrect or fraudulent. The credit card company puts the charge on hold so to speak. Once it is resolved the charge is re-added. If it is deemed legitimate you are also responsible for interest if applicable, by the way.
Many companies will bill an item once they know the shipment is in "transit". Not all but some. We choose not to, because I don't think it is proper for me to take your money until I have your product unless I am special ordering something that is non-returnable. Then I would specifically tell you it has to be paid in advance and is non refundable.
Final point. You could send one more e-mail and let the company know how you feel. They may appease you by offering free or reduced shipping, or a future discount to keep you happy. Companies get upset when people dispute items with CC companies. It makes them look bad.
Hope this helps.
:D

[dancerman]

the other day I bought a high quality Cindini practice top and really happy about it, it was on sale for like 30 pounds, on the tag it listed Cindini company site so I was just curious if I could order directly from the company, it would be less expensive, so I emailed them asking price, it turned out that the Cindini site were run by Singapore company and they quoted prices for me in Singapore dollars, after converted to USD, it's about $70 each top before shipping, so not really less than the UK site. I would imagine the shipping would be more from Singapore to US than from UK to US. So I dropped the thought of ordering directly from Cindini.

Quite bad, cindini site has more style available than the UK site:(

Stephanie dance shoes has also added a very limited amount of ladies practice wear. I don't know if they are testing the waters and planning future expansion based on response. Several tops and skirts and I think a couple of ladies pants. Nothing yet for men, but this thread seems more focused on ladies. These are not real expensiive but for someone wanting to look dressy to have but also have money for their lessons once they get dressed up. Most tops are in the $45-60 + - range, skirts the same area.
Stephanie has a web site to see all their items but the prices are not on their site and you can't order direct. But you can see what they have.

[mamboqueen]

$75 for both top and skirt? that's fantastic deal!!! post pics whenever you get a chance please:)

Yes; $75 for both. I tried them on again last night and just love them. Nice fabric, comfortable and fits me very nicely. Everyone in my house is still asleep, so pics will come later.

I need some help finding a website. Someone had posted some information on practice dresses and the person who makes them wasn't going to be back until September. Does anyone have any recollection of the discussion or what the thread was? TIA.

[etp777]

Wow, might I actually beat TC here? :)

http://www.dance-forums.com/showthread.php?t=26043

That's the thread, the maker is Elaine GOrnall. Her website (practicewear section in particular) is here:

elainegornall.com/pratise.htm

[mamboqueen]

Wow, might I actually beat TC here? :)

http://www.dance-forums.com/showthread.php?t=26043

That's the thread, the maker is Elaine GOrnall. Her website (practicewear section in particular) is here:

elainegornall.com/pratise.htm

That's it! Thanks very much, etp!

[scotttocs]

Personally, I have a couple of pairs of Chacotte practice pants, but recently I dicovered that golf pants work well. (I realized on my way the studio I had no pants!)

the golf pant is built for stretch and such. A bit more pocketry than is really required, but at 30-50$ vs >100$ ... Plus you can find sales on them at department stores etc.

[TAK]

What should I do for this? dancesport uk charged me for an Espen top which they haven't ship:( it is quite funny - I ordered this top back in May, waited nearly 5 weeks and didn't receive payments (by that time they didn't charge me), I emailed them and got their response as "item sold out"; so I thought that was end of story.

:mad: I had a very similar experience with dancesport UK. I ordered a pair of shoes from them, same deal, I didn't get the shoes and then emailed them and they said they'd sold out. Which was just as well because I'd figured out in the meantime that the shoes were the wrong size anyway. But then, a couple months later, they shipped the shoes and charged me for them. I asked them about returning the shoes, but no response. So now I'm stuck with these shoes that don't fit and I had to pay shipping for them :mad:

At least, if your experience is similar, you will end up getting the top you ordered...

Anyone want the shoes, by the way? Ray Rose Latin shoes, 3" heel I believe, size 5.5... :rolleyes:

[dancerman]

:mad: I had a very similar experience with dancesport UK. I ordered a pair of shoes from them, same deal, I didn't get the shoes and then emailed them and they said they'd sold out. Which was just as well because I'd figured out in the meantime that the shoes were the wrong size anyway. But then, a couple months later, they shipped the shoes and charged me for them. I asked them about returning the shoes, but no response. So now I'm stuck with these shoes that don't fit and I had to pay shipping for them :mad:

At least, if your experience is similar, you will end up getting the top you ordered...

Anyone want the shoes, by the way? Ray Rose Latin shoes, 3" heel I believe, size 5.5... :rolleyes:
You should post the style of the shoe or PM me. Have they been worn or are they brand new?
A lot of people in this area (N.E.) wear Ray Rose. I don't carry them that's why I know. I would be happy to spread the word for you.

[TAK]

Okay, I can't find the email exchange, but for the record it may not have been dancesport UK--they don't seem to sell Ray Rose shoes. I thought it was them, though...this was a couple years ago so maybe they've stopped carrying them? I don't know. Anyway. My story may have been with a different online vendor. Mea culpa.

[mamboqueen]

:mad: I had a very similar experience with dancesport UK. I ordered a pair of shoes from them, same deal, I didn't get the shoes and then emailed them and they said they'd sold out. Which was just as well because I'd figured out in the meantime that the shoes were the wrong size anyway. But then, a couple months later, they shipped the shoes and charged me for them. I asked them about returning the shoes, but no response. So now I'm stuck with these shoes that don't fit and I had to pay shipping for them :mad:

At least, if your experience is similar, you will end up getting the top you ordered...

Anyone want the shoes, by the way? Ray Rose Latin shoes, 3" heel I believe, size 5.5... :rolleyes:

What style Ray Rose shoes are they? That's my size....and my heel height. Needs to be a Style 888, tho. (I have to warn you, I can get them here for around $130).

[Josh]

except of course that when one takes that route they regularly very specifically spend their own resources in a way that specifically doesn't rise to the occasion of distributing those resources (however unlimited the prosperous choose to view them) to those who have no possible opportunity to take that position or access to those unlimited goods...and THAT is why we should all weigh those decisions carefully...

hmm, could you rephrase into shorter sentences? :-) Not sure what you're saying, I have a good idea but don't want to misinterpret!

[dancerman]

What style Ray Rose shoes are they? That's my size....and my heel height. Needs to be a Style 888, tho. (I have to warn you, I can get them here for around $130).

Mamboqueen,
TAK sent me the information by PM earlier this afternoon. They are Cyclone dark tan satin. She thinks they are 2-1/2" heel? I Googled them to see what style they were. I thought I would try to help her get rid of them, but if you can use them she will be thrilled.
The price is definitely good too.
Let me know if you take them and I won't spread the word in my Network.
Good luck....
;)

[fascination]

hmm, could you rephrase into shorter sentences? :-) Not sure what you're saying, I have a good idea but don't want to misinterpret!
mainly josh...what I am saying is that while one may adapt an ideology of prosperity as it applies to oneself and one's own personal pursuits...that isn't (IMO) a universal truth that is available to all people and if the folks for whom it is available never realize that and make decisions that are cognizant of that and share their resources, the luxury of being able to have that POV that you describe isn't really real for everyone...that is all

[mamboqueen]

Mamboqueen,
TAK sent me the information by PM earlier this afternoon. They are Cyclone dark tan satin. She thinks they are 2-1/2" heel? I Googled them to see what style they were. I thought I would try to help her get rid of them, but if you can use them she will be thrilled.
The price is definitely good too.
Let me know if you take them and I won't spread the word in my Network.
Good luck....
;)

No; my shoe is called (interestingly enough) the Queen B, a/k/a #888. Don't think the Cyclone is narrow enough for me -- but I think LG may wear that shoe. :)

[Laura]

No; my shoe is called (interestingly enough) the Queen B
Ha! That is so perfect for you! It's as if they did a special celebrity shoe just for you, like Nike Air Jordan or something :)

[mamboqueen]

Ha! That is so perfect for you! It's as if they did a special celebrity shoe just for you, like Nike Air Jordan or something :)

Yeah, well, probably some people would agree about the "B" part *LOL*. I don't think I quite rank up there to get a shoe named after me just yet. Unless, of course, TC is in charge of shoe names ;)

[dancerman]

No; my shoe is called (interestingly enough) the Queen B, a/k/a #888. Don't think the Cyclone is narrow enough for me -- but I think LG may wear that shoe. :)
That really goes well with your Avatar, eh??
I don't know who LG is but maybe she will read this post? The price is really right.
I will pass the word around Waltham. If they are still available and anyone is interested I will connect the two people.

[mamboqueen]

latingal....

[dancerman]

latingal....
Ahah!
I'm still a rookie. (another month?)
Thanks.

[Josh]

mainly josh...what I am saying is that while one may adapt an ideology of prosperity as it applies to oneself and one's own personal pursuits...that isn't (IMO) a universal truth that is available to all people and if the folks for whom it is available never realize that and make decisions that are cognizant of that and share their resources, the luxury of being able to have that POV that you describe isn't really real for everyone...that is all

I certainly don't want to turn this into ideological discussion any more than I already have, but my idea of prosperity as it relates here is something I believe IS available to ALL people. That's the beauty--it's available to all, and it is up to each of us to take it, or leave it (again, my philosophy, not wanting to push that on others). Every person alive has "truth", and it doesn't cost a thing--we believe certain things to be true, and others to not be. It is available to anyone that wishes to accept it--having this POV isn't a luxury, it's a choice to believe or not, it's that simple--it's real, or it's not, if you choose to believe it, or not. Anyway, enough of this for now, I'll stop sidetracking the discussion!

[TAK]

They are indeed Cyclones--style 840, I think--size 5.5, 2 1/2" heel. Let me know if any of you all are interested and I would be MORE THAN HAPPY to hook you up :D

[Standarddancer]

Dancerman, I think you have a good point that to send them another email. They did realized they made mistake by charging me in advance; I have multiple other expenses running thru my cc this months, so really prefer not to be charged like 15 days in advance although I don't want to risk they don't ship at all.

[J4cki3]

You can just tell her she looks great in her practicewear...I can't imagine she wouldn't be happy to hear that. :D She could even stone a set of practicewear to make a costume.

Although maybe you're not giving yourself enough credit...if you're winning comps, how do you know it's not because of your dancing?

Ooops.. I hope I didnt give off the impression that we are winning comps on a frequent basis. I've been dancing for about 8 months and my partner 8 years, we had just won our first comp last saturday...

[tanya_the_dancer]

I think beautiful high-quality practice wear does make the dancers "look good" on the floor, and gives illusion of dancing improved; certainly nicely designed practice outfit covers certain mistakes; but that's just illusion, doesn't mean the dancer truly improved their skill, when they change back to regular inexpensive dancewear, their mistakes/shortcomings will show again:(

Well, wouldn't you want to see the mistakes when you're having a lesson or practicing, so that you can fix them? Having practicewear cover up your dance flaws sort of defeats the purpose...

[TAK]

Hey, well congrats to you! :banana:

Either way, I doubt that sparkly/skimpy/whatever costuming will ever win you comps on its own...the presentation has to go on top of good dancing. And I'll bet you danced well!

[dancerman]

Dancerman, I think you have a good point that to send them another email. They did realized they made mistake by charging me in advance; I have multiple other expenses running thru my cc this months, so really prefer not to be charged like 15 days in advance although I don't want to risk they don't ship at all.
NP. So much gets automated in billinb nowadays. Like I said maybe if they realize you are not happy they may make it up to you in some other manner.
Good Luck
:p

[dancerman]

Ooops.. I hope I didnt give off the impression that we are winning comps on a frequent basis. I've been dancing for about 8 months and my partner 8 years, we had just won our first comp last saturday...
CONGRATULATIONS to you and your partner!!!
Way to go...........

:rocker:

[hereKittyKitty]

Dancerman, I think you have a good point that to send them another email. They did realized they made mistake by charging me in advance; I have multiple other expenses running thru my cc this months, so really prefer not to be charged like 15 days in advance although I don't want to risk they don't ship at all.

I would continue to email/call until I get a response. When I worked for a dance supply company and something like this happened, we would refund the money and place the item back on back order. When you have a large warehouse and have a lot of orders to fill, its inevitable something like this will happen from time to time. This is no excuse for keeping the customers money.

[hereKittyKitty]

Well, wouldn't you want to see the mistakes when you're having a lesson or practicing, so that you can fix them? Having practicewear cover up your dance flaws sort of defeats the purpose...

I think we all have days when we are wearing something we feel good in and it does something to lighten your mood. For instance, you just bought a new outfit. Its now your favorite outfit in the whole world and you don't really notice your so called "flaws" in this outfit.
This is how I think of practice wear. If I feel good dancing in it, then it helps me. All of the "big things" such as connection don't seem to irk me as much. Yes, I know it needs to be worked on but I'm much happier doing it.

This isn't to say that I think it has to be expensive. I recently was speaking to an acquaintance of mine who bought two really comfortable looking skirts for standard from a department store.
http://www.newport-news.com/shop/popup_lgview.aspx?style_id=32882146&zoom=1
http://www.newport-news.com/shop/product_single.aspx?style_id=32882146&index=10&gp_coll_id=9&gp_cat_id=1649&nav_cat_id=1704&category_id=1707

[Standarddancer]

I would continue to email/call until I get a response. When I worked for a dance supply company and something like this happened, we would refund the money and place the item back on back order. When you have a large warehouse and have a lot of orders to fill, its inevitable something like this will happen from time to time. This is no excuse for keeping the customers money.

I agree, this is no excuse for keeping the customer's money. Just sent another email, hope they will credit my account for now until they ship. Thank you for support.

[Standarddancer]

Originally Posted by tanya_the_dancer http://www.dance-forums.com/images/buttons/viewpost.gif (http://www.dance-forums.com/showthread.php?p=589191#post589191)
Well, wouldn't you want to see the mistakes when you're having a lesson or practicing, so that you can fix them? Having practicewear cover up your dance flaws sort of defeats the purpose...


Best if you wear the outfit doesn't cover your mistakes to a lesson so your teacher can see it and correct you; but for syllabus dancers who are not allowed to wear costumes, better to have some nice outfits prepared to wear for comps - those really nice ones which really cover mistakes such as posture problems;) that's my approach:)

[Standarddancer]

NP. So much gets automated in billinb nowadays. Like I said maybe if they realize you are not happy they may make it up to you in some other manner.
Good Luck
:p

I doubt they would give me some good deals such as free shipping:( I had a different dispute with them a while ago such as International shipped the wrong size of shoes (not their fault, not my fault) but I argued with them for a while they agreed free shipping for exchange but the whole process of dealing the email thing is just time-consuming and exhausting:(

[wooh]

I certainly don't want to turn this into ideological discussion any more than I already have, but my idea of prosperity as it relates here is something I believe IS available to ALL people. That's the beauty--it's available to all, and it is up to each of us to take it, or leave it (again, my philosophy, not wanting to push that on others). Every person alive has "truth", and it doesn't cost a thing--we believe certain things to be true, and others to not be. It is available to anyone that wishes to accept it--having this POV isn't a luxury, it's a choice to believe or not, it's that simple--it's real, or it's not, if you choose to believe it, or not. Anyway, enough of this for now, I'll stop sidetracking the discussion!

7 Habits?:)

[fascination]

I certainly don't want to turn this into ideological discussion any more than I already have, but my idea of prosperity as it relates here is something I believe IS available to ALL people. That's the beauty--it's available to all, and it is up to each of us to take it, or leave it (again, my philosophy, not wanting to push that on others). Every person alive has "truth", and it doesn't cost a thing--we believe certain things to be true, and others to not be. It is available to anyone that wishes to accept it--having this POV isn't a luxury, it's a choice to believe or not, it's that simple--it's real, or it's not, if you choose to believe it, or not. Anyway, enough of this for now, I'll stop sidetracking the discussion!nor do I wish it to become ideological either beyond the fact that we all make choices about what to do with our money and we all have our places where we splurge and that is fine...each person should make their own judgement on that but ... my response to your original point about things not being limited and therefore folks should adapt that sort of philosophy...is simply one of disagreement...it is my experience and only my experience that many struggling people do not have the sorts of access to basic neccessities of life(that is the truth that they are in possession of)...and my maitainance that they have the same access that I do and therefore I can do whatever I please with my own money because we all have equal access...is to absolve myself of any responsibility for assisting the poor(perhaps that wasn't your point but that was how it read to me)...and A) I simply reject that and B) I try to keep those things in mind when I am making purchases in life...that is not to say that I don't spend an obscene amount on ballroom dance but it is to say that I don't believe that it is just fine and dandy and needn't be curtailed b/c everyone has access to unlimited goods......I just simply disagree with you on that ...and we can further probe that via pm if you like...the only relevant aspect in my view was that it does impact my decisions on things like practice wear and shoes...and lest I sound too pious...I certainly don't worry about it when I am buying the next gown or cutting the check for usdsc...(well okay, I worry about it a little...but not as much as I should)...enough said...

BOT... I have one julio and julio practice skirt that is beautiful which I never wear and am happy to donate to the DF auction this fall...

[ChaChaMama]

A small addition to the OT-discussion.

Here are a few recent books for people who might be interested in learning more about those who do not have equal access to prosperity and opportunities:

Miriam Ching Yoon Looie, Sweatshop Warriors: Immigrant Women Take on the Global Sweatshop

Barbara Ehrenreich and Arlie Russell Hochschild, Global Women: Nannies, Maids, and Sex Workers in the Economy

Michelle Tea (ed.), Without a Net: The Female Experience of Growing Up Working Class

I apologize for adding to the OT conversation, but this happens to be a topic I know a little bit about and I wanted to share some resources.

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We now return to our regular programming.

[dancerman]

I doubt they would give me some good deals such as free shipping:( I had a different dispute with them a while ago such as International shipped the wrong size of shoes (not their fault, not my fault) but I argued with them for a while they agreed free shipping for exchange but the whole process of dealing the email thing is just time-consuming and exhausting:(

Yes, I agree. Sometimes it's just not worth it. I guess when you are dealing within the US it's a little different. I avoid Inernational dealings right now; not because of a trust issue, but more because there are so many variables, tariffs, shipping delays, credit card security.
On the flip side I have a friend who works at a local studio who needed a pair of shoes quickly (new color, not in stock in US) and she was able to get them from a major UK manufacturer (name withheld) within a few days. I was shocked when she told me how fast. I guess you just never know.
Boy this sport is quirky.... (in a good way). Maybe that's why I gravitated towards it.

;)

[dancerman]

7 Habits?:)
Is that the book you are referring to?
Just curious...

[dancerman]

I would continue to email/call until I get a response. When I worked for a dance supply company and something like this happened, we would refund the money and place the item back on back order. When you have a large warehouse and have a lot of orders to fill, its inevitable something like this will happen from time to time. This is no excuse for keeping the customers money.
Just for the record, I could not agree more. One should never keep a customers money. However, I will readily admit that I, as well as most people, have done so in error. To say I hadn't would be untrue. I can say, I would never do it intentionally, and will correct the error as soon as it is recognized. I have had situations where a customer would clearly say to hold the credit where it involved an exchange that was on backorder, and then e-mail later asking where the credit was. The only thing that can be done at that point is try to resolve it to the customer's satisfaction. I think sometimes it's communication; not always, but sometimes. (and I am not defending anyone, that's their burden to bear)
To err is human. To mislead intentionally is just stupid business practice!

[Standarddancer]

maybe here in USA we do business like we don't charge customer until we ship merchandise. Probably in other part of the worlds it is more common to charge ahead of time? Just wondering if there are any general difference in conducting retail businsess here in States and rest of the world;)

[Josh]

7 Habits?:)

Among many others... :-) (PM coming)

[Josh]

is to absolve myself of any responsibility for assisting the poor(perhaps that wasn't your point but that was how it read to me)...

Yes, this was not my point at all, lol. What I am talking about has nothing to do with giving (which I feel is necessary for success in any field, thus I do quite a bit)... anyway, no need to continue!

[Standarddancer]

Yes, I agree. Sometimes it's just not worth it. I guess when you are dealing within the US it's a little different. I avoid Inernational dealings right now; not because of a trust issue, but more because there are so many variables, tariffs, shipping delays, credit card security.
On the flip side I have a friend who works at a local studio who needed a pair of shoes quickly (new color, not in stock in US) and she was able to get them from a major UK manufacturer (name withheld) within a few days. I was shocked when she told me how fast. I guess you just never know.
Boy this sport is quirky.... (in a good way). Maybe that's why I gravitated towards it.

;)

I see why you avoid international dealing now - just received an email from dancesport uk, they explained the reason they try not to credit because they will be charged by their bank every time they charge a customer's credit card and again being charged by bank every time they issue a refund. They also said they expect a shipping from Espen tomorrow and my top should be in that shipment so they will ship immediately Wednesday. Although they say if it will take longer, they will credit me money. Well, considering the bank charges issue then I understand the difficulty of a merchant. Let's see, hope I'll receive the top quickly.

[dancerman]

I see why you avoid international dealing now - just received an email from dancesport uk, they explained the reason they try not to credit because they will be charged by their bank every time they charge a customer's credit card and again being charged by bank every time they issue a refund. They also said they expect a shipping from Espen tomorrow and my top should be in that shipment so they will ship immediately Wednesday. Although they say if it will take longer, they will credit me money. Well, considering the bank charges issue then I understand the difficulty of a merchant. Let's see, hope I'll receive the top quickly.

I intentionally avoided mentioning that because we call it the "cost of doing business". However, a credit card company charges for every transacation. So if a merchant pays let's say 2% and we have to credit and rebill an item, it costs us 6%. It's crazy but it is what it is. It's the same in this country.
The consumer pays nothing to use a credit card unless they pay late because the seller absorbs it all. Otherwise credit card companies could not make a profit.

[Standarddancer]

I also remember there is a local US dance shoe shop deduct 10% of total sales price for a credit card refund because of the bank charge:( 10% is a lot!!!

However they don't deduct anything if the customer accept a store credit instead of a credit card refund giving the fact that they will not suffer any additional bank charge.

I've seen this practice mostly in dancewear and dance shoes merchants, plus a few other street boutiques just stating in their store policies they don't issue cash or credit card refund (store credit only); other clothing giants in States like Banana republic, gap, Ann Taylor or department stores all accepts refunds without questions, I could imagine the fees they have to pay their credit card company in case of credit card refund.

[Standarddancer]

also checked and compared price between chrisanne site and dancesportuk site, almost same price except chrisanne site is charging VAT of 17.5%? I indicated I'm from USA when signed up but still cannot get rid of that annoying VAT tax:(

Also quite annoying that I saw my favorite Glamour ballroom skirt was on sale for 25 GBP but after I clicked into my cart, I got a notification it was no longer available. However 2 mins later after I signed in to check, that skirt still listed as in stock:( it seems they are not digilent in updating their stocks, they should remove items from site immediately after items sold, so that they don't waste viewers' time.

[mamboqueen]

Okay; here is the practice outfit I had made for me in NYC for $75. I have the top tied on the left hand side, so it can be worn a little longer and it has a point on that side. It's also off the shoulders more, which I usually adjust. Hard to see the detail on the skirt -- sorry, my 10 year old did her best with the camera! But, it's comfortable and fits perfectly. The edges on the skirt are unfinished. Not sure if that is standard, but doesn't make a difference to me.

http://www.dance-forums.com/album/photos/photo-3075.html

and what did I tell you about the freakish long arms???

[samina]

MQ, very cute outfit. It looks great on you, too. You should be very pleezed.

[njdancegirl]

Ooohhh...MQ, very nice! (PM coming..)

I have a skirt with unfinished edges and have even seen professionally made gowns like that - no big deal as long as material doesn't unravel.

[samina]

you girls and your cute outfits... you are eons ahead of me. :)

[and123]

and what did I tell you about the freakish long arms???

Heh. I bet mine are longer :p

[samina]

i've been meaning to go back & measure, myself... and123, you were right on that!

[mamboqueen]

Heh. I bet mine are longer :p

are we really going to have a pissing contest over who has freakier arms?? *LOL* I'll concede! :)

Yes, Sam, I am pleased with the outfit. I actually could use it for a showcase if I ever do one. It's very comfortable.

[hereKittyKitty]

That is a really nice outfit. I've used my practice wear for performances and it is really more comfortable.

Speaking of practice wear, I was looking on dance shopper and noticed that Chrisanne has brought back their high waisted skirt in classic crepe for a mega $252.00.....kinda makes me glad I held onto my original Chrisanne skirt which I bought 2 years ago.:p

[Katarzyna]

where are you looking at the prices.. dont see anythign in that price range from them?

[mamboqueen]

Speaking of practice wear, I was looking on dance shopper and noticed that Chrisanne has brought back their high waisted skirt in classic crepe for a mega $252.00.....kinda makes me glad I held onto my original Chrisanne skirt which I bought 2 years ago.:p

How much was it two years ago? Geez, that's a three-lesson skirt!

[Katarzyna]

oh yes the signature line, those have high prices indeed

[hereKittyKitty]

How much was it two years ago? Geez, that's a three-lesson skirt!

$180.00, but I was fortunate to work for the company selling it so I got a great discount:)

This new one is from the signature line, but I swear its the same skirt, maybe its a little higher waisted, but if it is different its not by much.

[tanya_the_dancer]

Btw, I stopped by rainbowshiu website today, because someone asked me about where I bought some of my skirts, and I've noticed that items in her practice wear section are listed with a price range of $80-$150. I haven't bought anything from her since 2006, I think, and back then I paid about $35 for a skirt. With this price increase (if her website is correct), some items on danceshopper are priced quite competitively.

[hereKittyKitty]

I think danceshopper is fairly competitive. Especially if you want name brand practice wear. I really like Chrisanne's practice wear, so if I find something (namely a skirt for standard) that is around $100.00- I'm happy.
I have a star dance practice skirt that was around $80.00. I don't especially like the material and i don't wear it nearly as often as my Chrisanne skirts.

[Kassia]

I guess to me since i don't compete yet i am still ok with wearing regular clothes to dance classes... If and when we ever compete i'll see about some new skirts..
But for now the most expensive things i ever dance in are my every day clothes.. Skirts and tops from the department store.. This was a fantastic season(summer) for nice skirts and dresses.. I good year to stock up on some dance worthy stuff...

[SwingWaltz]

Which brings me to - why do you need fancy dancewear? I've never come in a T-shirt and jeans but why go out of your way to buy something special when a regular skirt and nice top will do? Or tight fitting pants for that matter.
Because one likes to look good and feel good everytime he/she dances, not just on the competition floor.

[Standarddancer]

How much was it two years ago? Geez, that's a three-lesson skirt!

lol. three-lesson skirt!!! love this interpretation. yap some skirts are just so expensive!!!

[Standarddancer]

I just ordered 2 skirts from dancesport.uk site, 50 pounds each chrisanne skirts, then 4 weeks later they notified me Chrisanne discontinued both skirts:( getting harder and harder to find skirts with decent quality around $100:(

[tanya_the_dancer]

There's a Chrisanne latin skirt on e-bay now for $19.99. I don't like the color though - it is chocolate brown, so I figured I'll mention it here in case anyone is interested.

[Standarddancer]

such nice price! unfortunately I dont need a Latin skirt.

Ordered another Chrisanne standard skirt about 2 weeks ago, around 70 pounds:( haven't heard anything from them, my card not being charged, no shipment, need to email them:(

[etp777]

While it seems it won't fit me, TTD, defintely appreciate you reffort to help keep DF members informed ;). Thanks for that. :)

[Standarddancer]

What's the other USA site sells espen, Dance America and Chrisanne practice top & skirt? something like danceshoppe dot com? I came accross them once but now don't remember the site at all:( please help. thanks in advance.

[Standarddancer]

Never mind, danceshopper dot com, I found it:)

anyone know how fast do they ship?

[etp777]

They've always shipped quickly when i've ordered from them. Exception being a latin shirt that was backordered.

[Standarddancer]

ok I see, thanks, now would like to order a top, since USD getting stronger to pounds only 1.47 so might still order from dancesport.uk site.

[hereKittyKitty]

Never mind, danceshopper dot com, I found it:)

anyone know how fast do they ship?

If the item is in stock, I get it in two days. They've been really good with exchanges as well.

[Yanou]

What's the other USA site sells espen, Dance America and Chrisanne practice top & skirt? something like danceshoppe dot com? I came accross them once but now don't remember the site at all:( please help. thanks in advance.

Surprisingly, amazon.com carries Chrisanne at higher prices. The same skirt, Kensington Ballroom Skirt, is $309 at amazon while it's $240 at danceshopper. I guess danceshopper prices are competitive. (Danceshopper's says 2008 Limited for whatever the reason.)