Ladies social dancing outfit: latin or standard?

[Kitty]

Girls, how do you pick an outfit when going social ballroom dancing? I can never pick something that would perfectly suit both latin and standard. Do you try to pick something that would suit both, or do you wear somethng that would suit one style best and put up with it not being so perfect for other styles? For latin I'd like something shorter and preferably tighter around hips, so that hip movement can be seen, for standard I'd rather have a longer skirt, knee length is good, and good if the skirt is full or bell-shaped.
In my opinion short skirts look ugly when dancing standard, but knee and below knee lenght fuller skirts conceal all the latin movement and make it boring looking too. Pants look good with any type of dancing, but what is everyone's opinion of girl wearing pants to social ballroom dancing?
I was thinking one solution could be to wear a long tight (not full) skirt with a slit?

What does everyone think?
Guys, what do you like to see on girls at social dances (when there is a standard/latin mix)? Girls, how do you solve this problem, what kind of outfit do you choose?

[Chris Stratton]

I certainly enjoy seeing a woman in a nice standard-length skirt, but pragmatically there are practicality issue for multi-style dancers. Quite a few ladies seem to be wearing slacks at less formal socials. We could argue about this... or we could try to promote occasional dress-up socials where both genders wear classic clothing, perhaps enabled by focus on a specific style.

And don't even get me started on the popularity of latin sandals for general social dancing... (the black coaching shoes are a tolerable compromise of looks for versatility around here)

[Kitty]

And don't even get me started on the popularity of latin sandals for general social dancing... (the black coaching shoes are a tolerable compromise of looks for versatility around here)

I usually compromise: wear latin shoes for half of the evening and standard for another half. How is that?

[Chris Stratton]

I usually compromise: wear latin shoes for half of the evening and standard for another half. How is that?

Hmm, get the DJ to play sets by style and you can change clothes, too.

Then we can add someone to assign a comfortable number of couples to the floor for each dance, and split people into groups so you are only sharing the floor with others of moving at about the same rate. We could even have some of the people watching give out ribbons to the best dancers!

[Warren J. Dew]

What I like to see:

Most important, a tasteful, attractive outfit. It doesn't have to all match perfectly, but it would be nice if it didn't clash and was suited to the person wearing it.

Ankle length skirts are nice. For the afternoon, mid calf is okay. Knee length is okay on girls who are obviously primarily latin dancers. I'm happy to see the hip movement in the movement of the skirt rather than directly.

What I like to dance with:

Full skirt. Closed toe shoes with nonrubber soles. The elegant look and other features above are still nice, but not quite as important. Of course, most important is how good a dancer you are.

[Kitty]

What I like to see:

Most important, a tasteful, attractive outfit. It doesn't have to all match perfectly, but it would be nice if it didn't clash and was suited to the person wearing it.

Ankle length skirts are nice. For the afternoon, mid calf is okay. Knee length is okay on girls who are obviously primarily latin dancers. I'm happy to see the hip movement in the movement of the skirt rather than directly.

What I like to dance with:

Full skirt. Closed toe shoes with nonrubber soles. The elegant look and other features above are still nice, but not quite as important. Of course, most important is how good a dancer you are.

Guys, do you like a long non-full skirt with a slit?
And how do you feel about pants?

[jon]

I prefer my partners to wear clothes they like, can move comfortably in, and don't have dangly or spiky parts that can interfere with the connection or get caught.

Don't often see skirts on women in ballroom or swing social dancing around here, with the exception of Asian women who, perhaps, come from more traditional cultural backgrounds.

[pygmalion]

What's the fun in dancing if you're not wearing a skirt that you can feel swish? :shock: :lol: I like anything knee length-ish with a full skirt. Longer skirts are a bit of a hassle to deal with, so I save them for special occasions.

Just wait until the end of season evening wear clearance at Macy's, Dillards, Burlington Coat Factory, or even JCPenney. Don't buy it unless it's cheap and danceable. It's pretty easy to find dresses that are both.

Also nice are the evening pants with the chiffon overpants. The move really nicely, especially for a dance, like hustle, that moves.

[Sania]

I usually go with black pants so I can wear my black practice shoes with them. (Latin shoes are awful for dancing standard, I don't own any purely social shoes, and I usually wear my court shoes only on the competition floor.) Top varies from extremely dressy to casual depending on the occasion. One of my pairs of black pants is black velvet, so they stand up to formal occasions pretty well.

[dancin_feet]

Social? I definitely feel more comfortable in pants, though occasionally will feel a bit girly and put on a swishy skirt around knee length.

The difference in outfits between latin and standard doesn't really matter to me, other than when performing.

[Chris Stratton]

What's the fun in dancing if you're not wearing a skirt that you can feel swish?

I couldn't agree more!

Tailsuit = "swish" for guys

(please read the vowels in the above carefully)

[DancingMommy]

I wear a midcalf skirt with an asymetrical hem and a healthy slit. 8)

[Warren J. Dew]

Guys, do you like a long non-full skirt with a slit?
And how do you feel about pants?
Narrow skirts with a slit are great for looking at, but a bit of a challenge to dance with. They don't flow the way a full skirt does, instead pulling asymmetrically, which can throw the dancing off subtly.

Nice looking pants, but not jeans, are okay to dance with in a casual situation. With few exceptions, pants don't cut it visually for me.

[Elizabeth]

Longer skirts are a bit of a hassle to deal with, so I save them for special occasions.

I guess this is one of those cases of different people liking different things. I adore ankle length skirts. If anything, I find that shorter skirts are more of a hassle. I guess its just what you're used to. If you're going to have a nice swishy skirt, you may as well go all the way and have it swirling around your ankles. :D Besides, that way a guy has to dance with you in order to check out your legs. :twisted:

[pygmalion]

LOL! I like the way you think.

The mid-length skirt also fits both Latin and standard. That's why it works for me. Plus, my "skirt styling" is still in the developmental stages. :oops: :roll:

[Victoria]

Dont go for the long tight skirt with a slit. I tried this once thinking it was a good idea. Dancing standard/Ballroom is a complete nightmare - my partner could'nt get his leg through between mine in the swing movements! So the skirt was banished to workwear!
:)

[Sania]

I guess this is one of those cases of different people liking different things. I adore ankle length skirts. If anything, I find that shorter skirts are more of a hassle. I guess its just what you're used to. If you're going to have a nice swishy skirt, you may as well go all the way and have it swirling around your ankles. :D Besides, that way a guy has to dance with you in order to check out your legs. :twisted:

Elizabeth,

Where do you find ankle length skirts? Do you have them made? They must be reasonably wide at the bottom in order to be suitable for standard...

[Kitty]

Dont go for the long tight skirt with a slit. I tried this once thinking it was a good idea. Dancing standard/Ballroom is a complete nightmare - my partner could'nt get his leg through between mine in the swing movements! So the skirt was banished to workwear!
:)

Good point. Thank you very much for the advice.
I very much like the look of long skirts with slits. I have one, but it is old now and not dressy enough to wear to dancing. So I never tried.

[Chris Stratton]

Guess it's time to have another discussion of circle skirts.

The basic idea for standard/smooth is to have a skirt made out of a few sectors of a circles sewn together. If you have exactly one circle worth of fabric you could spread the skirt out in a circle on the floor with the waistband in the middle. A conical shape consisting of about 3/4 of a circle is near the lower limit for completely free movement in partner dancing, though a half circle might work for small social steps. At the other extreme, 2 or even 3 circles worth of fabric have been popular in smooth at times.

Some people dislike the way a circle skirt bunches as it drapes over the hips, since it's a lot bigger than it needs to be there. So there is a variation that is fitted over the hips, and the panels only flare out towards (or beyond) a circle closer to the hem; this can also be accomplished with narrower panels and inserts called godets that start part way down. These dresses are okay for dancing provided there is enough freedom of movement in the upper thighs for the wearer and her partner in closed position.

When this came up a while back, pygmalion posted this link to instructions for making circle-derived skirts:

http://www.zilltech.com/FAQCostumeCS.html

(the costume pictures are goofy, but the basic skirt diagrams look sound)

You should also be able to find circle-like skirts at a ballet or liturgical dance suppliers. And of course there are spiffy versions from ballroom dancewear outfits like Chrisanne, which comes out with a new style of 'practice' skirt each year.

[Kitty]

Warren, Elizabeth and Chris both answered that they like to see an ankle length full skirts. Keep in mind though that they are primarily standard dancers :D :D :D

My boyfriend who prefers latin would like me to wear a shorter and/or more narrow skirt (note that I'm not going to just do what my boyfriend would want me to, but rather what I want for myself :D )

As much as I like full skirts I'm afraid they would completely conceal a hip twist... for now that is actually it is good thing :oops: :)

So does anyone have any more ideas for something that would look good in both latin and standard?

[Chris Stratton]

I've seen latin costumes with short, very full (double circle even) skirts. I wouldn't call this a classic look for standard, but it wouldn't get in the way.

I actually made one of these last fall, but it never got used in part over color and fit objections. It was basically two squares of fabric with a small circle cut from the center of each, and a radial slit in each short side. The two pieces were then joined together along these seems to make a 'hankerchief hem' skirt with 8 points. Sizing works out like this: circuference of cutout in each piece is half of waist minus stretch allowance (fabric was lycra). Distance from circle cutout to edge of square blank was the shortest desired waist-hem distance which I think we intended to be just above the knee. Something short and floppy like this works best with built-in same color dance trunks or sewn into the middle of a one-piece leotard-like outfit.

[Kitty]

I've seen latin costumes with short, very full (double circle even) skirts. I wouldn't call this a classic look for standard, but it wouldn't get in the way.

Do you like the look of those?
I feel they often make girl's butt look big, don't they?

[Chris Stratton]

In my opTHUD

dragging sounds........................

(splash)

[Kitty]

Longer skirts are a bit of a hassle to deal with, so I save them for special occasions.

I guess this is one of those cases of different people liking different things. I adore ankle length skirts. If anything, I find that shorter skirts are more of a hassle. I guess its just what you're used to

same true for me: I feel much more comfortable wearing a long skirt. Not every long skirt that I have is danceable though.

[Victoria]

How about a compromise with a three quarter length skirt. I have one and it is really flared with a V shaped drop at each side. At the longest point it comes to the lower shin and at the highest point it comes about 5cm under nmy knees.
This is great for both styles of dancing and you have the slight latin look with the V shape bottom, as well as the flare for the ballroom.

:)

[pygmalion]

That sounds very nice, Victoria. I actually have a prejudice against buying anything lebelled "ballroom." That seems to double the price, for some unknown reason. I just go somewhere else, like the evening wear section, to see if I can find something suitable or adaptable.

And, when it comes to circle skirts, which are pretty easy to make, it's probably cheaper to even have one made professionally than to buy one. The smooth/standard "practice" skirts I've seen are about $200 - $350 each, which I find absolutely ridiculous. $300 for a practice skirt? No way. Just buy the fabric and have one made.

[mamboqueen]

I find it easier to dance smooth/standard in latin clothes than vice-versa. That goes for the shoes, too.

I like a skirt that is around knee length that has some "swish", or nice black pants. I wore these really nice pants from Cache that had a slit up the front of one leg and up the back of the other leg and kept getting my heel stuck in them. Most expensive dance pants I won't wear again!

[Kitty]

How about a compromise with a three quarter length skirt. I have one and it is really flared with a V shaped drop at each side. At the longest point it comes to the lower shin and at the highest point it comes about 5cm under nmy knees.
This is great for both styles of dancing and you have the slight latin look with the V shape bottom, as well as the flare for the ballroom.

:)

Sounds great. Sounds like the best option so far!

I'll look for something 3/4 length that is tight on the top and flares on the bottom. Hope that will suit both styles well.

[Victoria]

Good luck finding that skirt :)

I got mine in a regular shop for the equivalent of about $20

[Elizabeth]

Where do you find ankle length skirts? Do you have them made? They must be reasonably wide at the bottom in order to be suitable for standard...

I used to buy skirts from Chrisanne. Some of their styles come down to my ankle, at least in the larger sizes. I have quit buying from them, though, because they've really gone to the fitted-over-the-butt look. I don't find the look flattering on me and Warren complains that the skirts restrict his movement. The fact that they are so expensive doesn't help either.

I've found a much better supplier of long dancable skirts. There's a store in Blackpool called Javid's. Its on the corner of Coronation Street and Hull Road. They have full circle skirts in a variety of colors and lengths, and their prices are about a third of what Chrisanne charges. AFAIK they don't have a working website, so I just stock up on skirts when I go to Blackpool. I bought five this most recent time.

[pygmalion]

Do you have a telephone number or other contact information? Chrisanne is pricey, as I'm sure you know.

[Warren J. Dew]

Googling found this contact information for Javid Fashions:

{non working link removed}

[SDsalsaguy]

OMG! Someone out/pre-googled Jenn!!! :shock: :shock: :shock:

[Warren J. Dew]

Actually, I cheated ... I knew that "Fashions" as well as "Javid" was part of their name, and my first search turned up that link at the top of the list.

[ShyDancer]

I dance both Latin and Standard, as well as New Vogue every week at the same place and I have found the best thing for me is black pants that are hip hugging but slightly flared at the bottom.

I cant wear a short skirt because of the New Vogue, Most of the NV dances have arials (knee parallel to hip) in them so lifting up my leg in a short skirt for those is completely out of the question!

A long skirt is just impossible to dance latin in, I hate feeling movement around my ankles when I do a sharp close, twist or turn, not to mention the risk of getting a heel caught in your skirt when doing a bakwards lock.
And unless the skirt is very wide around the botton its no good for NV either as it inhibits the lifts.
(You have no idea how many times Ive stood in a change room lifiting my leg in the mirror to see how the skirt I want reacts!)

NV skirts are different again, they fall between knee and ankle length.

I finally gave up trying to find the perferct skirt. My black pants are now the way to go for me!
A hip scarf can accentuate the hips in latin, then be easily thrown off for the standard and NV dances where the flare at the bottom of my pants makes a nice subtle swish .

[Victoria]

I was in Javid fashions this May Blackpool i know the lady in there quite well. It appears that they are loking to sell out and she said that they may well not be there next year!
:doh:

[Elizabeth]

On no! :shock: Javid's can't go away, they just can't! :(

[Chris Stratton]

Just to jump back to the original topic of a moment, a friend of mine has been wearing a knee-length skirt that it probably a fair fraction of a circle for standard practice. It's not absolutely classic standard attire, but the general look is nice, it's completely practical for standard and presumably for latin, and is probably more comfortable in hot weather.

[KevinL]

OMG! Someone out/pre-googled Jenn!!! :shock: :shock: :shock:
:shock: :shock: :shock: :shock:

[Chris Stratton]

How about this for a universal social dance outfit (the white version with fuller skirt)
{non working link removed}

[Pacion]

OMG! Someone out/pre-googled Jenn!!! :shock: :shock: :shock:
:shock: :shock: :shock: :shock:

:shock: :shock: :shock: Declare a National Holiday :lol:

How about this for a universal social dance outfit (the white version with fuller skirt)

Very pretty Chris. So, you going to sew one for me :wink:

[Chris Stratton]

Very pretty Chris. So, you going to sew one for me :wink:

Depends... you going to hop across the pond to go dancing with me?

[Pacion]

Oops! I forgot to remove the quote things from around my post :oops:

You mean I have to dance with you? I can't wear the dress to dance with another guy? :roll: :oops: :lol: (It would still be my pleasure :wink: )

[Chris Stratton]

You mean I have to dance with you? I can't wear the dress to dance with another guy? :roll: :oops: :lol: (It would still be my pleasure :wink: )

If you want to dance more than a tiny bit of latin, you'll probably have to dance with another guy. But I might get jealous about foxtrot...

[Pacion]

Okay then. Looks like I am going to have to add foxtrot lessons to my list of things I haven't done yet, which I can then eventually say, "I did it!!!" :banana: :lol:

[mamboqueen]

....bumps Pacion out of the way....

I'll take one of those in crimson red, and then, I'll meet you 1/2 way down 128 and foxtrot with you! Okay, so I take my first standard class tomorrow; you can bear with me and do my 1/2 American 1/2 Standard version until I'm proficient!

[Pacion]

....bumps Pacion out of the way....

I'll take one of those in crimson red, and then, I'll meet you 1/2 way down 128 and foxtrot with you! Okay, so I take my first standard class tomorrow; you can bear with me and do my 1/2 American 1/2 Standard version until I'm proficient!

:roll: :lol: :lol: :lol: Does the phrase "take a number and join the queue" mean anything to you :wink:

[Chris Stratton]

....bumps Pacion out of the way....

I'll take one of those in crimson red, and then, I'll meet you 1/2 way down 128 and foxtrot with you! Okay, so I take my first standard class tomorrow; you can bear with me and do my 1/2 American 1/2 Standard version until I'm proficient!

That's about what I lead social dancing anyway.

But which shoes were you planning to wear?

[Pacion]

....bumps Pacion out of the way....

I'll take one of those in crimson red, and then, I'll meet you 1/2 way down 128 and foxtrot with you! Okay, so I take my first standard class tomorrow; you can bear with me and do my 1/2 American 1/2 Standard version until I'm proficient!

That's about what I lead social dancing anyway.

But which shoes were you planning to wear?

Red ones of course :wink: Only 'scarlet' women bump other women out of the way :roll: :wink:

:::waves::: hi mamboqueen :wink:

[mamboqueen]

*LOL* It did about 10 years ago; I've become a little more assertive since I've discovered the 10:1 ratio of male/female dancers! But, I'm always willing to negotiate and/or share!

[mamboqueen]

But which shoes were you planning to wear?

My smooth ones??!

[mamboqueen]

Red ones of course Only 'scarlet' women bump other women out of the way

Yeeoouch! LOL! I'll have to make a quick trip to the shoe store and get them dyed!

[Pacion]

*LOL* It did about 10 years ago; I've become a little more assertive since I've discovered the 10:1 ratio of male/female dancers! But, I'm always willing to negotiate and/or share!

Okay, I will start the negotiations. :roll: 70:50, with 70 to me :mrgreen:

(and before some smart Alec by the initials of SD decides to point out, 70:50 is greater than 100 but, I prefer the odds that way, if Chris does not mind :wink: :lol: )

[Chris Stratton]

(and before some smart Alec by the initials of SD decides to point out, 70:50 is greater than 100 but, I prefer the odds that way, if Chris does not mind :wink: :lol: )

Er, right. So I take it that this means i'm going to spend 20% of the time watching two lovely ladies dance latin together?

I think I can live with that.

Hmm, matching or contrasting colors?

[Pacion]

Hmm, matching or contrasting colors?

There is a contrasting colour to red? :roll: :D


Um, no? YOU will be dancing 120% of the time :wink:

Yes, you made the dresses, now you have to make them dance/show them off :D :lol:

[Chris Stratton]

Um, no? YOU will be dancing 120% of the time :wink:

Yes, you made the dresses, now you have to make them dance/show them off :D :lol:

Nah, where latin is concerned I'm management - advice from the sidelines

[mamboqueen]

Er, right. So I take it that this means i'm going to spend 20% of the time watching two lovely ladies dance latin together?


Oh, isn't that every guy's dream???!! Hey, I don't mind dancing with women at all, especially if they can lead!

We definitely will need to coordinate color and/or prints. I'll stick with the red, Pacion. Black?? Gold??

[Pacion]

:doh: :lol: Anyone in management who manages from the sidelines :roll: Is this a tactic to make one of us resign? :wink:

[mamboqueen]

I think there's a universal response to "management" from the sidelines (a/k/a backseat drivers). I am usually polite and pretend either (a) I don't hear or (b) act like he's talking to the guy next to me.

[Pacion]

Er, right. So I take it that this means i'm going to spend 20% of the time watching two lovely ladies dance latin together?


Oh, isn't that every guy's dream???!! Hey, I don't mind dancing with women at all, especially if they can lead!

We definitely will need to coordinate color and/or prints. I'll stick with the red, Pacion. Black?? Gold??

:lol: Have you asked me if I could lead :lol:

As for coordinating colours/prints? I want to wear leopard print with a big boa round the neckline :roll: and lime-green or lilac socksies :roll:


( :lol: don't worry, I will call the Fashion Police myself! :lol: )

[mamboqueen]

LMAO! Socksies??? Hoo ha ha ha!! Guess it's easier than fishnets! And definitely more eye-catching. I actually can't decide between the green or the lilac, so why not just do one of each??!!

[Pacion]

Well, to compete against a 'scarlet' woman, meaning here, one dressed in red versus one who is 'scarlet' in her behaviour, one can't be conventional about these things :lol: especially when she does not believe in queuing anymore :lol:

One of each? No, I think I will wear a matching pair first, and then change them later on, as I will be dancing, <ehem> 70% of the time :wink: :lol:

PS. Socksies is Sabor's term for them :lol:

[Chris Stratton]

Oh come on you two, be sensible.

Pacion is first in the queue

Mamboqueen is first in the line

now is everyone happy?

[Pacion]

Oh come on you two, be sensible.

Pacion is first in the queue

Mamboqueen is first in the line

now is everyone happy?

:roll: :roll: :roll: MamboQueen, may I have this dance? I just remembered how to lead :wink:

Chris, for today, I rename this smilie the Chris Stratton smilie :ladiesma: :lol: I know I shared it with SD and Vince a mere few minutes ago, but you win :lol:

Kitty, my apologies for hijacking your thread. As you see though, I had two willing accomplices :oops: :lol:

[mamboqueen]

You are too funny!

And yes, I'll have this dance!

[Kitty]

what are you talking about? you are perfectly on topic: social dance outfits, right?


I'd ask for a Chris-made dress myself, if I wasn't so afraid to get in the scarlet woman's way...
also I'm not sure if Chris could handle 3 women at a time... what do you think?

[mamboqueen]

Don't worry kitty, I'm all bark. Errr.....maybe I better reprhase that!

[Chris Stratton]

So does anyone have the courage to volunteer the digits?

(Inch or metric is fine)

[mamboqueen]

I'm not sure I understand your question, Chris, but why is it that it always comes down to measurements with you guys???

[Chris Stratton]

I'm not sure I understand your question, Chris, but why is it that it always comes down to measurements with you guys???

Maybe because lycra doesn't seem right for this dress?

[mamboqueen]

Gotcha. Size 8 should do me fine!

[Pacion]

I'm not sure I understand your question, Chris, but why is it that it always comes down to measurements with you guys???

Maybe because lycra doesn't seem right for this dress?

:lol: MamboQueen.

Chris, any material will do me, as long as it is not the same silk used for the Emperor in the children's fairytale "The Emperor's New Clothes" :wink:

I'd ask for a Chris-made dress myself, if I wasn't so afraid to get in the scarlet woman's way...
also I'm not sure if Chris could handle 3 women at a time... what do you think?

:lol: Kitty. I wouldn't worry about Chris. I think he can take care of himself, just fine :wink: Notice how he only admitted to dancing the foxtrot? :lol:

[Chris Stratton]

Gotcha. Size 8 should do me fine!

Doesn't work that way. Have to use actual numbers (http://www.voguepatterns.com/tech/measure/measure.html) (preferably from a NIST (http://ts.nist.gov/traceability/)-traceable rule (http://www.joann.com/catalog.jhtml?CATID=43076&PRODID=12134&AID=10273743&PID=1305831)) to look up in the sizing chart (http://www.voguepatterns.com/tech/measure/bmisses.html).

[mamboqueen]

Very unflattering sizing there! I just had a dress made for me and the person told me I was a typical "8". In any event, on that chart, I'm closer to a 14, which I find questionable.

[Kitty]

off the top of my head
89 - 63 - 91
155


Anything else?

looks like their size 10
what is back waist length?

[Chris Stratton]

Very unflattering sizing there! I just had a dress made for me and the person told me I was a typical "8". In any event, on that chart, I'm closer to a 14, which I find questionable.

Interesting choice of words... ready to wear sizing is commonly known as "vanity sizing" as each manufacturer shifts the numbers a bit further from reality

[Kitty]

:lol: Kitty. I wouldn't worry about Chris. I think he can take care of himself, just fine :wink: Notice how he only admitted to dancing the foxtrot? :lol:

funny, what is he going to do with three attractive ladies that don't know foxtrot?:-)

[Pacion]

Very unflattering sizing there! I just had a dress made for me and the person told me I was a typical "8". In any event, on that chart, I'm closer to a 14, which I find questionable.

Interesting choice of words... ready to wear sizing is commonly known as "vanity sizing" as each manufacturer shifts the numbers a bit further from reality

So, if I am reading you correctly Chris, the manufacturers try to make you believe that you are a 14 say, when in reality you are an 8, so that you will diet tell the cows come home so that you can be an 8 - and in so doing becoming a 2?

[Pacion]

:lol: Kitty. I wouldn't worry about Chris. I think he can take care of himself, just fine :wink: Notice how he only admitted to dancing the foxtrot? :lol:

funny, what is he going to do with three attractive ladies that don't know foxtrot?:-)

Chris? Kitty has a point. So, what are you going to do :wink:

[Kitty]

Interesting choice of words... ready to wear sizing is commonly known as "vanity sizing" as each manufacturer shifts the numbers a bit further from reality

and as a result size 2 skirts are big on me and very few companies make them also in size 0. :-(

[Chris Stratton]

funny, what is he going to do with three attractive ladies that don't know foxtrot?:-)

Okay, so we're standing on the ball of the left foot. We slowly shift the weight to the heel as we extend the top of the right toe back along the floor, being glad that we had that discussion about closed-toe shoes. Now we roll smoothly between the feet, releasing the left toe as the right heel slowly lowers...

[mamboqueen]

sizing is pretty inconsistent; I can walk into Ann Taylor and fit into a 4 or 6, when in most every other place, I need an 8. But, for these pattern designers to go the other way isn't really boosting anyone's ego, for sure! Thank goodness you can always sew your own tags in!!

[Kitty]

sizing is pretty inconsistent; I can walk into Ann Taylor and fit into a 4 or 6, when in most every other place, I need an 8. But, for these pattern designers to go the other way isn't really boosting anyone's ego, for sure! Thank goodness you can always sew your own tags in!!
:D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D

8)


Chris should sew in his own designer tags:-)

[Kitty]

funny, what is he going to do with three attractive ladies that don't know foxtrot?:-)

Okay, so we're standing on the ball of the left foot. We slowly shift the weight to the heel as we extend the top of the right toe back along the floor, being glad that we had that discussion about closed-toe shoes. Now we roll smoothly between the feet, releasing the left toe as the right heel slowly lowers...

then we stop as we realize we are doing about everything wrong (and by we I don't mean you, Chris)...

[Chris Stratton]

The point is that the pattern sizing is actually designed to lead to consistent results, not clothing sales

Men have it so much simpler... the sizes are the actual measurements within a small allowance.

[Pacion]

funny, what is he going to do with three attractive ladies that don't know foxtrot?:-)

Okay, so we're standing on the ball of the left foot...

Whose left foot are we standing on? :shock: :lol:


(and what, are we all doing this at the same time? :D )

[Chris Stratton]

Whose left foot are we standing on? :shock: :lol:


Yours and hers and hers. Maybe mine too the first few times. If all goes well I'll then do natural opposite, otherwise I'll retire to my monogrammed canvas chair with my binoculars and megaphone

[Kitty]

Whose left foot are we standing on? :shock: :lol:


Yours and hers and hers. Maybe mine too the first few times. If all goes well I'll then do natural opposite, otherwise I'll retire to my monogrammed canvas chair with my binoculars and megaphone

Please, don't stand on mine!!!

[Pacion]

:lol: Chris and Kitty. Can I have a yellow and pink ribbon to tie around my ankle so that I can rememeber which is my left foot please :lol:

(at this rate, I am going to end up wearing all the colours under the sun! Forget the Fashion Police, it is going to be the Fashion Marines :lol: )

[Chris Stratton]

:lol: Chris and Kitty. Can I have a yellow and pink ribbon to tie around my ankle so that I can rememeber which is my left foot please :lol:

Nope, no looking at your feet. We can get you 3D glasses with different colored gels if you want.

[Pacion]

:lol: Chris and Kitty. Can I have a yellow and pink ribbon to tie around my ankle so that I can rememeber which is my left foot please :lol:

Nope, no looking at your feet. We can get you 3D glasses with different colored gels if you want.

How is that going to help me remember, pray tell :roll: :lol:

[Chris Stratton]

In all seriousness, I'm a bit confused how "close fitting pullover" is going to work without a zipper in a non-stretch fabric - unless the waist really isn't all that close fitting.

[Pacion]

In all seriousness, I'm a bit confused how "close fitting pullover" is going to work without a zipper in a non-stretch fabric - unless the waist really isn't all that close fitting.

rotfl Chris, that post was about as serious as a US$1m note :lol:

[Chris Stratton]

Laugh if you want, but I recently made something that couldn't be put on, due to a sewing mistake (stretch was in the wrong direction)

[cl5814]

Laugh if you want, but I recently made something that couldn't be put on, due to a sewing mistake (stretch was in the wrong direction)

On a friday afternoon, this was just too funny not to laugh ... i am a seamstress of some sort but i am sure you did not find it too funny...

[DancingMommy]

So does anyone have any more ideas for something that would look good in both latin and standard?

A skirt that is fitted over the hip line but then flares with gores to a hem length you like.

See examples:

http://image2.discountdance.com/image/140x150/n8108.jpg This would be good for standard smooth practice/social.

http://image2.discountdance.com/image/140x150/n8173x.jpg This woule be excellent for latin practice/social.[/img]

[Chris Stratton]

I continue to be suprised how little the inexpensive circle or near-circle 'character skirts' from general (performance) dance suppliers have penetrated the ballroom market. The skirt in the above picture is only available in black or white, but in a nicer color it seems like a good choice for practice or beginner syllabus competition (worn over a leotard if nothing else suggest itself).

You'd have to shop around to get the fabric for less than the finished unit price of some of these.

[DancingMommy]

I continue to be suprised how little the inexpensive circle or near-circle 'character skirts' from general (performance) dance suppliers have penetrated the ballroom market. The skirt in the above picture is only available in black or white, but in a nicer color it seems like a good choice for practice or beginner syllabus competition (worn over a leotard if nothing else suggest itself).

You'd have to shop around to get the fabric for less than the finished unit price of some of these.

Two words: Wal-Mart & Buck-a-yard Fabric 8)

[Chris Stratton]

Two words: Wal-Mart & Buck-a-yard Fabric 8)

I stop in regularly, but only once found anything really usefull - and even that so far hasn't been used except on a project that's solitary role will probably always be to keep the dummy looking decent. I've generally done better finding things I could use at local stores, or in the fashion district on trips to NY.

[DancingMommy]

you haven't seen my stash then, lol!

[Kitty]

I continue to be suprised how little the inexpensive circle or near-circle 'character skirts' from general (performance) dance suppliers have penetrated the ballroom market. The skirt in the above picture is only available in black or white, but in a nicer color it seems like a good choice for practice or beginner syllabus competition (worn over a leotard if nothing else suggest itself).

I just realized: if those character skirts are available in white you could dye them any color you want, even at the same time and with the same dye as shoes to match!

BTW the black smooth/standard skirts that our team owns that I compete in are "character skirts."

[Joe]

You might have a little trouble dyeing if any fraction of the fabric is synthetic.

[55223]

I also like them wear tight, lining out their body. And that also makes the movement of body show fluently and freshly.

[j_alexandra]

I also like them wear tight, lining out their body. And that also makes the movement of body show fluently and freshly.

I almost always wear a chiffon full-circle skirt to socials. Swirl is important, and I'm lousy at the latin dances anyway. I figure a skirt like this is advertising "w t f vw please, and thank you." However, I may try out my carwash pants next time; saw someone last night wearing them, and they danced better than I thought they would. The pants, I mean; the dancer wearing them always dances well, she's a pleasure to watch.

[samina]

Will have to google car wash pants...

[fascination]

for me; either a tight skirt, I don't like spinning and wondering whether or not I am flashing someone my underbits....or I will wear black slacks with some stretch in them...and usually a fairly tight cotton T...or a haltar and then I bring extra shirts and/or shrugs to cut down on having to dance wet or having someone else have to feel it

[tanya_the_dancer]

I prefer to wear my dance pants to the socials, this way I can dance in my practice shoes (black with shoe laces) and not look stupid.

[jjs914]

I prefer to wear my dance pants to the socials, this way I can dance in my practice shoes (black with shoe laces) and not look stupid.

Same here. I like to wear pants so that I can wear practice shoes.

[Ron]

And what about a dress with the bodice fitted only down to the hips with a flared skirt instead of something fitted down past the butt? You will have the fit at the hips for Latin and the flared skirt, with the length of your choice, for Standard.

[j_alexandra]

Will have to google car wash pants...

Wide leg chiffon pants with an overlay of more chiffon front and back; "carwash pants" b/c they flap like the flappy bits that wash your car when you do a drive-through carwash. Love 'em. Like wearing a long skirt and pants at the same time, but weigh nothing and move well. And look good. Don't forget look good. I wore them recently w/a black lace tank top and got compliments from total strangers. Note to self: wear them more often.

[soshedances]

Same here. I like to wear pants so that I can wear practice shoes.

My practice shoes look more like character shoes...they're super comfy, have a suede sole, and look good with skirts or pants.

Though if I'm being lazy and wearing my dance sneakers, I'll definitely wear pants!

[gracie]

Pretty dress and my comfy latin shoes + dance pants so as not to flash.

[soshedances]

Pretty dress and my comfy latin shoes + dance pants so as not to flash.

Dance pants are definitely a must-have, no matter how long my skirt is. :D