My tips for choosing a lyrical dance costume!

Hey dance moms! Let’s talk about something that keeps me up at night – lyrical costumes! After countless competitions and hundreds (yes, hundreds!) of dollars spent on costumes, I’ve learned a thing or two about picking the perfect lyrical outfit for our dancers. Trust me, I’ve seen it all – from costume malfunctions to last-minute alterations, and I’m here to share what really works!

Most studios will give you some ground rules or colour choices for your particular dance but if you are out there fending for yourself here is some advice.

First things first – let’s remember what lyrical dance is all about. Our kids are out there telling stories through those beautiful, flowing movements, and the last thing we need is a costume fighting against them. I learned this the hard way when my daughter’s first lyrical costume was way too stiff – never again!

Here’s what I’ve discovered really matters:

The One-Piece Wonder Take it from me

One-piece costumes are your best friend for lyrical. My daughter used to wear separate tops and skirts until that one competition where… well, let’s just say the top had its own choreography! Now we stick to leotards with attached skirts or one-piece designs. So much less stress during performance time!

Fabric is Everything Ladies

I cannot stress this enough – lightweight fabrics are worth every penny! I’m talking chiffon, spandex, and jersey materials. Remember when Sarah’s daughter wore that gorgeous but heavy costume last season? Beautiful, yes, but she was exhausted halfway through her routine. We’ve all been there, right?

The Perfect Fit

Here’s my number one mom tip – never, and I mean NEVER, order without trying on or at least taking fresh measurements. My daughter grew two inches between ordering and competition season last year (cue the panic ordering of a new costume three weeks before regionals!). Now I always order with a little room for growth, especially if we’re ordering early in the season.

Making It Special Now

This is where it gets fun! While basic costumes work great, I love adding special touches that make my daughter’s eyes light up. But here’s what experience has taught me – keep those sparkles and sequins secure! I spend at least an hour before competition season checking every rhinestone and securing any loose ones. Nothing worse than leaving a trail of glitter across the stage (though it has made for some funny videos!).

Shopping Smart

Can we talk about costume shopping stress? I’ve learned to start early and look everywhere. Some of our best finds have come from unexpected places! Last season, I found an amazing deal on a high-end costume in a Facebook resale group – half the original price and only worn once! Don’t be afraid to check those resale groups and local dance shops. Sometimes last season’s styles are perfect for this season’s routine.  Read our blog here for tips on where to buy and sell.

Here’s my final piece of advice – Feel Confident

Whatever costume you choose, make sure your dancer feels confident in it. I’ll never forget when my daughter tried on her first lyrical costume – the way she twirled in front of the mirror told me everything I needed to know. When they feel beautiful and comfortable, it shows in their performance.

And remember, other dance moms are your best resource! I’ve gotten some of my best costume tips from chatting with other moms during those long competition days. We’re all in this together, trying to help our dancers shine their brightest!

Anyone else have some lyrical costume wisdom to share? Drop me a message – I’m always learning from this amazing dance mom community!