WHICH GOWN? WHICH STYLE?

What Style Will Look Best on Me?

The style you select should complement your body, be appropriate for your dance level and type, and catch the eyes of the competition judges.

The Cut of the Dress

Cut is the basis of a good dress. Many copies of professional-grade dresses just don't look the same because of the cut. A well-cut dress is designed to draw attention to the dancer’s assets and should make the dress move well.

The Gown Should Flatter Your Body

If you are thin to average and medium or tall, most gowns are flattering. If you are average to heavy, you should pay careful attention to cut and style.

Type of Dance

A dress used for floorshows or medal exam can be quite different from one that will be used in a competition--a floorshow or medal exam catches the attention of the audience. A competition dress must attract the adjudicators on a crowded floor.

How Much Should I Spend on a Gown?

Ballgowns are expensive because they are so detailed and difficult to construct correctly. They are labor intensive and use yards of expensive fabric and trims: some gowns require up to 50 yards of fabric. In addition, the gowns are designed specifically for dancing and have special support and leotards built in. They are also reinforced at the appropriate places and cut to ensure movement and reliability.

Choose a gown that is suitable for your level of dance. American Bronze dancers will be very comfortable and present very well in Student Grade gowns (starting at about $1000.00) Student-grade gowns can be upgraded at a later date by client addition of more rhinestones and extra skirting.

International and American Silver/Gold dancers should consider Semi-pro or Professional-grade gowns, as these dancers face strong competition for attention on the dance floor.

Professional Dancers usually have a very strong opinion of what they want. We usually trust these dancers to know what is best for them and what the gown should do.

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GUIDELINES FOR DRESSES

Smooth Dances

• Sleeves should be narrow and not impede movement.
• Your dress should be at or above the ankle bone but not shorter than tea length. A too-long hemline is dangerous as you can trip or your partner can step on it.
• Strapless gowns are simply too dangerous, as they can gap, or worse, slip down.
• Some male partners prefer that ladies not wear backless gowns, as bare backs can be slippery and can show hand marks.
• Your dress should move freely and yet not interfere with your partner.

Latin Dances

• Remember that showing skin can enhance your dancing or distract from it, so be careful.
• Your dress should be tight but it must still move, either by the addition of fringe or by the choice of fabric.
• Be sure that you have good bra support.