We spend many hours determining the correct costumes for each class. They are always age-appropriate and of the highest quality possible. Costumes include all accessories (hats, gloves, etc.), but not tights or shoes. Costume selections for each class will be posted in early-December on the Recital Bulletin Board by Day and Teacher.
In an effort to ensure that costumes are delivered in time for Picture Week and an organized distribution to our students during Costume Week, costume orders are placed during the December holiday break. Costume manufacturers do not accept cancellations or offer refunds; therefore RDC does not refund costume fees.
Costumes will not be ordered until the Recital Fee is paid in full. Parents or guardians accept full responsibility for all expenses, including surcharges and postage for costumes that are ordered late. If you choose to participate in recital in January or your Recital Fee is not paid before holiday break, you may be assessed a $10 rush costume fee and any other delivery charges we are assessed by the costume companies as we will have to place a separate order for your child’s costume. Revolution Dance Center is not responsible if costumes are not received in time for the recital due to late payments.
The estimated cost of costumes is between $48 and $75 depending upon the size and elaborateness of the costume. In early December, costume costs will be available by class. Costume Fees are due in full by Monday, January 14 th. Any special orders, including extra-large sizes, may require an additional charge (determined by the costume company). Additional charges are the sole responsibility of the parent or guardian. Accessories, such as headpieces or gloves, are included in the cost of the costume. Unless specifically indicated, tights, socks and shoes are not included.
RDC carries pink ballet shoes, black jazz shoes and black tap shoes and pink and tan tights in the RDC store that you can purchase for recital. We will also be placing
an order in late April for other shoes required for dances. Those items can be purchased from the RDC store as well. We will do our best to make sure we have the right sizes, but don’t wait until the last minute to request a size or purchase shoes or tights. We suggest that you purchase an extra pair of tights for last minute emergencies. We also have nude leotards in the RDC store that can be worn under most recital costumes. These leotards are NOT required but may make your dancer feel more comfortable especially if she needs to change costumes during recital.
Costume measuring begins the first week in December, during scheduled class times. Each child will be measured in order to determine his or her proper costume size(s).
RDC orders recital costumes from a number of well known dance costume companies. We do not order custom costumes because they would run well over $150 each. The costume companies each have their own size charts which may or may not be the same as other companies. The costumes are mass produced on an assembly line. The costume company size charts are not exact, and as a result, some dancers will be “between” sizes. Therefore, in some cases the costumes will need to be altered to ensure a proper fit. It is RDC’s policy to order the costume size which best meets the dancer’s measurements, depending upon whether the costume is a leotard, a dress, or two pieces. As a result, if your dancer has some measurements in a smaller size and some in a larger size, RDC will generally order the larger size. As a result, the costume may need to be altered. Also, we realize that some children (especially younger ones) may grow from January to June, so we try to make some accommodation for growth spurts in the sizing of the costumes by adding 1 inch to the girth measurement.
Alterations are sometimes needed after the costumes have been distributed and are the sole responsibility of the dancer’s parent or guardian. RDC can give you recommendations for cleaners that also do alterations, but it is the parent’s responsibility
to get the costumes altered and the cost for alterations is not included in the cost of the costume. In addition, in some cases, the costumes arrive from the manufacturer without some of the decorations attached. During “Costume Week” (see below), each dancer will try on their costume and the parents will be shown how each costume is designed to fit and look. It is the parent’s responsibility to attach any loose decorations according to these instructions before photos and dress rehearsal.
Distribution – COSTUME WEEK – Tues May 27 to Mon. June 2nd
Costumes will be distributed to the dancers in their regular classes during Costume Week. Your child will not receive her/his costume until all outstanding balances for the season (including Costume Fees and tuition, etc.) have been paid in full. The final dates of Costume Week will be posted by January 14, 2008.
Each child will receive a garment bag labeled with their name and class. The bag will contain their costume and accessories for that dance (excluding tights). Each child will try on the costumes during the class time during Costume Week. The teacher will show parents how the accessories should be worn and if any alterations are necessary. They will also review how each child should look for pictures, dress rehearsal and recital day, including hair, tights and shoes. In order to receive complete instructions, make sure that you and your child are in class during Costume Week. If you join a class or decide to participate in recital after January 1st, your costume may not be in for Costume Week. We will do our best to make sure it is delivered before recital. We will let you know individually if your costume delivery date is expected to be later than Costume Week.
Class photos will be taken during Picture Week (see below). To ensure that there are no costume problems, students should not wear their costumes, accessories, or tights prior to the photo session, dress rehearsal, or performance and we recommend that all costumes, accessories and tights be left in the garment bags until needed.
Withdrawal
No refunds will be made if a parent or guardian withdraws a child from the studio or a particular class after costumes have been ordered and prior to the recital. Parents or guardians may pick up purchased costumes at RDC during Costume Week and up to June 30 th during regular business hours. Costumes not picked up after June 30 th become the property of RDC.
We recommend that each student’s name be placed in his or her costumes, shoes, accessories, and tights. Here are a few Do’s and Don’ts to make sure your dancer’s costume is ready for recital –
We recommend that each student’s name be placed in his or her costumes, shoes, accessories, and tights and these items be left in the garment bag until photos, dress rehearsal and recital.
TIPS: Costume Common Sense