competition dress

[DancinDrea19]

So i was wondering where I could get a dress for around $200 that is quality.. i know that probably seems cheap but I have to buy my dress myself and don't have oodles of money to buy the dresses i wish i could get:cool:

thanks in advance!

[and123]

Standard/Smooth/Latin/Rhythm? Size range/style preference? Perhaps someone here has something (maybe me!), but IME you just have to keep your eyes and ears open. Bargains on high-end costumes crop up on the usual sites and on eBay if you watch carefully.

[DancinDrea19]

hi! im looking for a latin dress.. im on the small size so probably around 0-4 would fit!

[fascination]

I thought I just saw that ireniecat was selling one for $500...correct size and in the midwest, but the price was firm and it looked like it was worth it

[Chris Stratton]

hi! im looking for a latin dress.. im on the small size so probably around 0-4 would fit!

Not a specific direction, but a friend recently had something done by a local costume maker for latin that was around $300, so presumably something like that on the used market would fit your price range.

[Me]

Right now it is a buyer's market for used ballgowns. I strongly suggest you keep an eye on ballroomdancers.com, and on eBay as well. There are a lot of people getting rid of gowns for very cheap prices.

Here is a Latin dress on eBay right now that might fit the bill for you. It is made with about 10 gross of Swarovski, starts at a size 4, has some stretch.... and is $150, or possibly cheaper. If I were you, I'd use the "Buy it Now" button on this one and not bother trying to make a lower offer. The dress appears worth it, and the seller has high feedback. If the dress doesn't fit you, I don't think you'll have a problem selling it for what you paid.: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&item=170328590475

[moderated by latingal - commerial link inactivated]

[DancinDrea19]

Right now it is a buyer's market for used ballgowns. I strongly suggest you keep an eye on ballroomdancers.com, and on eBay as well. There are a lot of people getting rid of gowns for very cheap prices.

Here is a Latin dress on eBay right now that might fit the bill for you. It is made with about 10 gross of Swarovski, starts at a size 4, has some stretch.... and is $150, or possibly cheaper. If I were you, I'd use the "Buy it Now" button on this one and not bother trying to make a lower offer. The dress appears worth it, and the seller has high feedback. If the dress doesn't fit you, I don't think you'll have a problem selling it for what you paid.: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&item=170328590475

Thanks for the advice, I may have to look into that dress- it looks very nice and a good price. What should i use as a search term on ebay to find good dresses- i always type latin dance dress and it comes up with all the cheap/not quality dresses that are made

[Me]

Thanks for the advice, I may have to look into that dress- it looks very nice and a good price. What should i use as a search term on ebay to find good dresses- i always type latin dance dress and it comes up with all the cheap/not quality dresses that are made

Latin dance dress is good. You might also want to search for ballroom, because some people use the word ballroom to describe their Latin dress.

As for how to find it... you just have to patiently go through all of the auctions. Make sure to short your search by "ending soonest" and not by default "Best Match." Ebay has heavily modified their search engines to favor sellers who deal in volume, and not always in quality. There is a problem on eBay right now with ballroom sellers from overseas who are using multiple IDs to spam the listings with the same item over and over again. This makes it difficult to find anything decent, but patience pays off.

[Me]

You could also raid Victoria's Secret and then go buy some lycra and rhinestones. That is what I did to create this Latin outfit for about $150. (Though now I think it would cost more than $200, since Swarovski keep going up.)

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b268/iloveseverus/dress2-1.jpg?t=1241877986

[DancinDrea19]

You could also raid Victoria's Secret and then go buy some lycra and rhinestones. That is what I did to create this Latin outfit for about $150. (Though now I think it would cost more than $200, since Swarovski keep going up.)

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b268/iloveseverus/dress2-1.jpg?t=1241877986
that costume is very pretty--wish it was for sale!

[DancinDrea19]

i actually may have found a dress onballroomdancers.com- but it is coming from the UK

[j_alexandra]

Here is a Latin dress on eBay right now that might fit the bill for you. It is made with about 10 gross of Swarovski, starts at a size 4, has some stretch.... and is $150, or possibly cheaper. If I were you, I'd use the "Buy it Now" button on this one and not bother trying to make a lower offer. The dress appears worth it, and the seller has high feedback. If the dress doesn't fit you, I don't think you'll have a problem selling it for what you paid.: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&item=170328590475

If I could wear this, I'd buy it in a heartbeat.

[Me]

If I could wear this, I'd buy it in a heartbeat.

The only reason I haven't is because I already own something very similiar, but I've been considering buying it for our performance team...

[Me]

that costume is very pretty--wish it was for sale!

I might sell it one day. The costume was not completely finished before I wore it (I had to throw this thing together in under a week, and this included time to wait for stones to come in, etc) so there are few safety pins in the waistband. ^_^ I'd want to have it finished before passing it on to another dancer.

[DancinDrea19]

I might sell it one day. The costume was not completely finished before I wore it (I had to throw this thing together in under a week, and this included time to wait for stones to come in, etc) so there are few safety pins in the waistband. ^_^ I'd want to have it finished before passing it on to another dancer.

haha yah i agree- well let me know if you ever sell it! i really hope the dress i found hasn't sold yet- i'd assume it hasnt its still up on ballroomdancers i fell in love with it:kissme:

[pnoisette]

I posted another thread on this dress maker. All dresses are under $200 and if you send your measurements and color preference you essentially get a custom made dress. I've bought several dresses from them and can safely say they are amazing for the price. Take a look at these:

http://cgi.ebay.com/LATIN-SALSA-BALLROOM-COMPETITION-DRESS-SIZE-S-VL60_W0QQitemZ180346939239QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_De faultDomain_0?hash=item29fd83e767&_trksid=p4634.c0.m14.l1262&_trkparms=%7C301%3A0%7C293%3A2%7C294%3A30

http://cgi.ebay.com/LATIN-SALSA-BALLROOM-COMPETITION-DRESS-SIZE-S-LT152A_W0QQitemZ370190038747QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_ DefaultDomain_0?hash=item56310bb6db&_trksid=p4634.c0.m14.l1262&_trkparms=%7C301%3A0%7C293%3A2%7C294%3A30

http://cgi.ebay.com/LATIN-SALSA-BALLROOM-COMPETITION-DRESS-SIZE-M-VL29C_W0QQitemZ180345818714QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_D efaultDomain_0?hash=item29fd72ce5a&_trksid=p4634.c0.m14.l1262&_trkparms=%7C301%3A0%7C293%3A1%7C294%3A30

If you are like me and want a more "modest"version they also adapt the design to your preference.

[moderated by latingal - inactivated commercial links]

[Bella]

You can try renting it too.

[DancinDrea19]

for those of you that have ever used ballroomdancers.com for dresses..does it usually take people awhile to respond to an inquiry about a dress. I just sent the seller my email because they didnt post theirs. They are overseas and im worried they won't respond. is it a reliable site?

[fascination]

I have never used them but have friends who swear by them, but also dee's creations is worth a look

[and123]

Some people who advertise on ballroomdancers.com are definitely flakes. Some people keep relisting their crap over and over. Some people don't take their ads down when it sells. Some people don't respond to inquiries. It's unfortunate, but if you're spending a not-insignificant amount of money, better to err on the side of caution. Have not personally been burned by anyone I bought from, but have encountered no end of insincere buyers when I have listed items there.

[Jananananana]

I am definitely a fan of making your own. I've made all of my own dresses and it's incredibly simple.
I suggest going to TJ Maxx and finding the firmest stuffed bra you can. Cut off the side straps, sew on a nude strap across the back, drape a piece of material off the top, make a simple skirt with a slit on the side, and bam, you're done.

My advice? If you're making your own start by making a black dress.. the seams hide a lit easier and you can screw up more.

If you screw up, get an applique and stick it over the screwed up part. :D

[Becky]

Have you considered getting a basic practice dress and decorating it yourself with rhinestones, applications, feathers or whatever?
I also heard about a few websites where you can pick a design, send in your measurements and get a custom made dress for a reasonable price. I recently saw a dancer in one of these on a competition, and it didn't look cheap or anything. As far as I know these sites also offer the dresses plain so you can still customize it yourself with rhinestones.

[etp777]

Welcome to DF, Becky!

[Jananananana]

Have you considered getting a basic practice dress and decorating it yourself with rhinestones, applications, feathers or whatever?


A lot of people do that and it usually comes out great. Going to stores like Marshall's, Daffy's, TJ Maxx or like can get you some interesting dresses that you can ballroomify.

[DancinDrea19]

have had no luck with the dresses i've inquired on ballroomdancers.com-- seems like no one responds!

[Bella]

Some people who advertise on ballroomdancers.com are definitely flakes. Some people keep relisting their crap over and over. Some people don't take their ads down when it sells. Some people don't respond to inquiries. It's unfortunate, but if you're spending a not-insignificant amount of money, better to err on the side of caution. Have not personally been burned by anyone I bought from, but have encountered no end of insincere buyers when I have listed items there.

Actually ballroomdancers.com is a great place to look for costumes. Before my dress maker, I was negotiating back and forth with handful of other dancers. Daniella has beautiful costumes on that site, check them out.

[DancinDrea19]

Actually ballroomdancers.com is a great place to look for costumes. Before my dress maker, I was negotiating back and forth with handful of other dancers. Daniella has beautiful costumes on that site, check them out.

it seemed very good- but nobody is responding to my inquiries that i sent a few days ago:(:(

[Bella]

it seemed very good- but nobody is responding to my inquiries that i sent a few days ago:(:(

Give it some time. Sometimes it'll take a week but surely (and hopefully) someone will respond. In the meantime, search for other options. I believe a DF member on here has a blog of "How to.." make your own dress.. (Laura maybe?) Take it to someone who can sew, play around with it. If you need to get stones, there is a site - rhinestoneguy.com (I think) that sells them.

[TAK]

it seemed very good- but nobody is responding to my inquiries that i sent a few days ago:(:(

I always check, but I've never had someone respond to an inquiry on that site.

[NonieS]

Daniella has beautiful costumes on that site, check them out.


I agree. Daniella has amazing dresses... always!!! I do not know if she is selling anything at the moment since all her dresses seem to be new... I can let you know if she mentions that she is selling anything :)

[Natalka]

I always check, but I've never had someone respond to an inquiry on that site.


I have dresses for sale on ballroomdancers and I will always respond, just like I do with my own website. Except for that I am having some real issues with my web manager and will likely have to get a whole new website made...

But, I have heard some real horror stories from people who have sent money to people selling dresses on ballroomdancers and not getting a dress in return...so I would be ultra careful!

I alot of the pro-am girls know me, so they feel comfortable doing business with me...it is a little scary if you don't know the person selling the dress...

Ladies, let me know if I can help you in any way:)

[DancinDrea19]

I have dresses for sale on ballroomdancers and I will always respond, just like I do with my own website. Except for that I am having some real issues with my web manager and will likely have to get a whole new website made...

But, I have heard some real horror stories from people who have sent money to people selling dresses on ballroomdancers and not getting a dress in return...so I would be ultra careful!

I alot of the pro-am girls know me, so they feel comfortable doing business with me...it is a little scary if you don't know the person selling the dress...

Ladies, let me know if I can help you in any way:)

are you selling any latin dresses insize 0-4 for around 200dollars???that would help me :p:p:p:p

[AMeader]

If you are having a hard time finding a dress or reaching anyone on ballroomdancers.com, I would recommend buying a practice dress from Santoria or Dance America and attaching your own rhinestones. Their practicewear moves very well, and if you add in your own bra/dancepanties and put on some rhinestones, you have a beautiful latin dress! I buy my rhinestones from rhinestoneshop.com, and I have bought bra cups from danceshopper.com. I've made one latin dress and one ballgown so far, and I am working on a smooth dress right now. If you have any questions about dress making/altering, please feel free to ask me.

[Addicted2Rhinestones]

I think the second last one on the page where the pics show the dresses on sale meets your criteria.

Natalka - I have two questions about the dresses sold on your website. What does it mean when the dress sizes fall within a range? Like 0-6 for example?? Also, what if the dress doesn't fit after we buy them. Can we return them for a refund?

[DanceAngel]

So i was wondering where I could get a dress for around $200 that is quality.. i know that probably seems cheap but I have to buy my dress myself and don't have oodles of money to buy the dresses i wish i could get:cool:

thanks in advance!

I don't know if you are still looking for a dress, but I came across Latin Dance Fashions online and they have some custom designs that are a little over $200. I think there is also free shipping on some orders.

I also don't know anything about this company or what kind of crystals are used so if any other members know anything about them it would help me out as well.

Their website is their company name dot com.

[Natalka]

are you selling any latin dresses insize 0-4 for around 200dollars???that would help me :p:p:p:p

Hi there!
I will Personal Message you as well, but you can feel free to email me through my website too.

There are probably some dresses that would fit your criteria that the sellers will be willing to reduce thier prices. Let's talk!

[Natalka]

I think the second last one on the page where the pics show the dresses on sale meets your criteria.

Natalka - I have two questions about the dresses sold on your website. What does it mean when the dress sizes fall within a range? Like 0-6 for example?? Also, what if the dress doesn't fit after we buy them. Can we return them for a refund?

Good question!
#1 when the dresses fall in a range like that, it usually means that if the owner of the dress is a size 2-4 and she fit into the dress and then I get the dress and I am able to squeeze into it (and I am a size 6-8 ), then I feel the dress has same flexibility in regards to size.

#2 Yes, if the dress does not fit, I have a return policy. Email me through my website and I can always give you more specific info.

I try to help both the sellers and buyers reach a happy medium so everyone can be happy with the dress sale!:D

[gracie]

Here is one for $175 https://www.ballroominmotion.com/boutique/clearance-items/10/latin-dance-costume/470/

[moderated by latingal - inactivated commercial link]

[tanya_the_dancer]

Good question!
#1 when the dresses fall in a range like that, it usually means that if the owner of the dress is a size 2-4 and she fit into the dress and then I get the dress and I am able to squeeze into it (and I am a size 6-8 ) then I feel the dress has same flexibility in regards to size.


You know, "squeeze" doesn't sound very promising when it comes to dresses. So, based on that, my conclusion would be that if I am size 6-8 and the dress is marked as 2-8 or 4-8, it probably won't fit right and I am better off looking at a dress marked as 4-10 or 6-10.

[etp777]

Not really, because she's talking about fitting into a dress that's marked too small for her (6 into 0-4), while you're talking about fitting into a dress that's marked as fitting you (6-8 into 4-8). So not exactly the same thing.

[Natalka]

Not really, because she's talking about fitting into a dress that's marked too small for her (6 into 0-4), while you're talking about fitting into a dress that's marked as fitting you (6-8 into 4-8). So not exactly the same thing.

You are right. Good way to explain it.

If a dress is 0-4 and I can squeeze into it, that means...it's got range:)))

I would like to add that some designers makes dresses differently. For example, Deirdre of London's dresses (especially the new ones) are made so well in the bodysuit, that they actually do fit a large variety of people. Maria McGills' too...

I'd also like to add that sometimes I base the size on what range of ladies I have seen fit into a dress when trying it on. If I have seen many different sized ladies fit into a dress and all look good in it, then I feel it has a larger size range.

[kathyt cupcake]

You are right. Good way to explain it.

If a dress is 0-4 and I can squeeze into it, that means...it's got range:)))

I would like to add that some designers makes dresses differently. For example, Deirdre of London's dresses (especially the new ones) are made so well in the bodysuit, that they actually do fit a large variety of people. Maria McGills' too...

I'd also like to add that sometimes I base the size on what range of ladies I have seen fit into a dress when trying it on. If I have seen many different sized ladies fit into a dress and all look good in it, then I feel it has a larger size range.

I have to say that I am actually quite impressed by the range of sizes and body shapes that costumes can fit-- here's to the power of stretch fabric. One of the limitations that we've found is that sometimes even if a dress fits someone's diameter, that ppl with longer torsos sometimes have problems with the fit of leotards (either too tight over the shoulder or too tight under the armpit when stretching the arms up).

[Jananananana]

I have to say that I am actually quite impressed by the range of sizes and body shapes that costumes can fit-- here's to the power of stretch fabric. One of the limitations that we've found is that sometimes even if a dress fits someone's diameter, that ppl with longer torsos sometimes have problems with the fit of leotards (either too tight over the shoulder or too tight under the armpit when stretching the arms up).


I fit into Yulia's dress..... I was surprised... I'm 5'8....

[NonieS]

I fit into Yulia's dress..... I was surprised... I'm 5'8....


WOW!! I would never thought I'd fit into one of her dresses!!! (Jana and I are the same height for those who may be wondering...)

They are all too expensive, though....

[latingal]

Can second the problem with long torsos and leotards.... ouch.

[dancingirldancing]

How tall is Yulia ?

[NonieS]

How tall is Yulia ?


Short.... like 5'2 - 5'4 ... and very skinny

to put it one way, I am 5'8" and i was in flats.. she was in 3 inch heels and I towered over her... well, not towered.. but i was noticeably taller than her..

[Jananananana]

Short.... like 5'2 - 5'4 ... and very skinny

to put it one way, I am 5'8" and i was in flats.. she was in 3 inch heels and I towered over her... well, not towered.. but i was noticeably taller than her..


Same here.... I TOWERED over her.... The dress WAS tight around my boobage, otherwise, it fit fine! But yea it was still unbelievably expensive.

[New in NY]

Has anyone tried the Dance Dress Shop website? The prices seem to average around $300 and you can choose the fabric color and customize to your measurements. Some of the styles look quite pretty.

[Standarddancer]

I would like to add that some designers makes dresses differently. For example, Deirdre of London's dresses (especially the new ones) are made so well in the bodysuit, that they actually do fit a large variety of people. Maria McGills' too...

I'd also like to add that sometimes I base the size on what range of ladies I have seen fit into a dress when trying it on. If I have seen many different sized ladies fit into a dress and all look good in it, then I feel it has a larger size range.

Actually, Marabo dresses also fits wide-range of people, I’m nearly 5’8”, size 2-4, a friend of mine who’s 5’1” a little bit wider fits into my dresses and the flattering cut of the dress makes her even look taller. I was so surprised.