8 Frequently Asked Questions about Dance Costumes

  1. How do I choose the best style & color for me?

Choosing a competition dance dress can feel overwhelming—especially if you’re new to dancing. With so many ready-made options and endless possibilities for custom designs, narrowing it down to the perfect dress can be a real challenge.

To make the decision easier, start by answering these three key questions:

  1. Does the design complement my body type, and can I move comfortably in it?

  2. Does the color harmonize with my natural coloring and stand out well on the dance floor?

  3. Does the style reflect my personality and support my personal expression?

If you’re unsure how to answer any of these questions, I’m here to help. You’re always welcome to contact me for a personalized Color, Style, and Personal Style Expression Consultation.

 

  1. What is the best color to choose for a dance dress?

In the dance world, most competition costumes feature bright, clear tones—but that doesn’t mean you have to wear fluorescent green or hot pink to stand out. If those colors don’t feel like “you,” there are plenty of equally eye-catching alternatives. Universally flattering, stage-friendly colors include True Red, Navy Blue, True Blue, Periwinkle, Teal, Turquoise, Aqua, and Violet.

Be mindful when choosing black. While it’s elegant and absolutely acceptable for the dance floor, it can make you blend in during a crowded heat. If you choose a black dress, make sure it has strong, visible decoration—sparkling stones, bold appliqués, or strategic detailing—to ensure you remain visually striking even in a darker color.

 

  1. How many crystals should I have on a costume?

Crystals are an important part of dance attire—and a major factor in the overall cost—but more is not always better. Design, fit, and color matter far more than excessive decoration on a dress that doesn’t fit properly. In fact, overly embellished costumes can sometimes work against you. Extremely bright sequin fabrics, mirrored elements, and too many crystals can create a blinding effect under stage lights, which may be distracting or even uncomfortable for judges and the audience. Balance is key.

On the other hand, a very simple dress with only a few crystals can look plain or underwhelming next to a well-decorated costume. If you’re working with a limited budget and need to reduce crystal quantity, focus on smart, creative design choices—strategic placement of embellishments, thoughtful lines, and strong color contrast. These details can create a stunning, high-impact look without relying on heavy crystallization.

 

  1. Am I too old to wear pastel or bright colors?

Absolutely not! You are never too old to wear any color. What matters is choosing the right shade—the one that harmonizes beautifully with your skin tone.

If you’re unsure which colors flatter you most, I recommend a Color Analysis. This service provides you with a personalized color palette tailored to your skin tone, eye color, and hair color. It becomes a helpful guide for choosing clothing, accessories, and even makeup that enhances your natural beauty.

 

  1. What kind of dresses do the judges like?

Even though judges primarily evaluate your dancing skills, grooming and attire are still important parts of ballroom dance etiquette. While they aren’t awarding points for their favorite color, they do notice your overall appearance. A polished, cohesive look always creates a positive impression.

A well-designed competition dress should also support your movement. If your dress is uncomfortable, restrictive, or poorly fitted, it will affect your performance—and judges will notice that too.

 

  1. Do I need a tan, and which type is best?

It’s not mandatory to have an artificial tan, but many dancers—especially in Latin and Rhythm—prefer it for its polished, stage-ready appearance. If you choose to tan, I recommend a customizable airbrush tan that develops overnight or an express tan that develops within a few hours. You can also apply an instant spray tan or bronzer on top for additional depth.

However, keep in mind that instant tans can easily transfer onto clothing. If you plan to wear a light-colored dress, be extra cautious to avoid staining.

 

  1. How many dresses do I need per year?

This is completely up to you! However, I recommend having at least two dresses to choose from and bringing both to the event. Before getting dressed, check the ballroom lighting and choose the dress that will stand out best in that environment. If the ballroom is dark, opt for a brighter or lighter color; if it’s brightly lit, a deeper or more saturated color may look better.

 

  1. Why are the dresses so expensive?

I completely agree that high-quality competition dance costumes can be expensive—but there’s a lot that goes into creating a one-of-a-kind custom dress from scratch. Both materials and labor play a significant role in the cost.

The custom process begins with a consultation to select the right design, fabrics, and crystals. Each dress is an original creation, requiring time to develop patterns and achieve a unique, standout look. After the design is finalized, there are fittings, alterations, and adjustments to ensure the dress fits perfectly and moves beautifully on the dance floor.

The final stage—decorating and embellishing—is extremely time-intensive. Every crystal, bead, fringe, and feather is meticulously hand-placed. A well-decorated dress often contains 7000+ crystals, each attached individually, which takes hours of careful work.

Dance costumes also use specialized fabrics and crystals designed specifically for dancers, often imported from Europe. This ensures exceptional quality, durability, and performance, but it also increases the overall cost.

 

  1. Do I need to have a custom dress made or can I buy one “off the rack” ?

Premade dresses are quick, convenient, and generally more affordable. If you find a dress that fits your body well and you love its color and design, buying a premade dress is perfectly fine. Just be sure it’s in excellent condition and that the style is current.

Custom dresses are ideal for those seeking something truly unique. Whether you have a dream design in mind or simply want a one-of-a-kind creation, working with a professional dress tailor allows you to collaborate and bring your vision to life.

Ultimately, whether you choose a premade or custom dress, it comes back to the same three questions:

  1. Does the design flatter my body type and allow me to move comfortably?

  2. Does the color harmonize with my natural coloring and suit the dance floor?

  3. Does the style reflect my personality and personal style expression?

Happy dancing!

Petra