There’s nothing quite like a dance costume. It holds all the excitement of the performance to come—and of course, the sparkles! For many dancers, putting on their costume brings out the confidence and joy they’ve worked so hard to build.

Because costumes are made from delicate fabrics—stretchy lycra, sequins, beading—they need a little extra care. The good news? It’s simple to keep them looking great with a few easy guidelines.

Costume Do’s and Don’ts:

✅ DO help your dancer choose a safe spot at home to store their costume, away from pets, food, or siblings who might want to play dress-up.

❌ DON’T allow playtime in the costume. If it rips or gets stained, it’s too late to replace.

✅ DO remind your child to only drink water and avoid snacks while in costume—especially during photo day or recital. Food and drink stains are often permanent.

✅ DO hang tutus upside down (unless told otherwise by your teacher). This keeps them nice and fluffy!

✅ DO consider a nude leotard underneath the costume if your dancer finds it itchy. It adds comfort and modesty without altering the costume.

✅ DO allow costumes to “rest” outside the garment bag if they’re wrinkled. A steamer can be used if you’re familiar with one, or simply hang the costume in a steamy bathroom.

✅ DO check that everything is packed and ready to go in a garment bag for picture day and recital. If possible, arrive dressed in costume for both!

If you’re ever unsure how to store or care for a costume, please ask! Costume care can feel new, but it doesn’t need to be stressful—support is always just a quick question away.

Class-by-Class Costume Guide