A. In the Beginning...

3. Costuming

Costuming to me means getting ready from your head to your toes, putting together the entire package. It helps to try out your costuming at a Night of the Stars before a competition. You'll need to practice in your dance outfit a couple of times before the real thing.
  1. Have your hair trimmed and combed neatly. A little bit of hair spray for the guys is fine, unless you're in the upper level, you'll need more. Ladies, have your hair done by a professional dance hairdresser if you can afford it. It goes a long way to making you feel more confident.
  2. Make up for the ladies is not required, but it certainly helps to make yourself more visible on the dance floor. Have one of the more experienced competitors help you with your make up or hair. If you do this, please be considerate of everyone. Negotiate a convenient time for both of you where you're not rushed. Don't try to do your hair and make up 10 minutes before you're due on the dance floor. You should already be lined up waiting.
  3. Jewelry is nice for both sexes. Earrings and/or a necklace for the ladies completes the outfit. It should not overpower the dance outfit, but you should be able to see it. Men can wear jewelry as well. Items like pins can make a nice statement.
  4. Dance outfits. Men should wear a clean shirt and pants commensurate with the style of dance. For the lower levels, a tie and coat for the smooth dances makes a nice impression. For the higher levels, tail suits is recommended. For the rhythm dances, open collar or closed is a personal preference. Either is acceptable, as long as it's neat in appearance. Ladies should wear a nice dress that allows for free movement for the lower levels of dance. ALWAYS wear dance pants (sometimes called trunks) and sheer-to-waist pantyhose. Undergarments should not be shown while dancing. For the higher levels of dance, a professionally made dance outfit is recommended. There are always used ones for sale if you can't afford a new one. You might also be able to find someone who knows how to make ballroom dance outfits for a reasonable price. You can also get the "shell" and "stone" it later.
  5. Shoes are a must. Ballroom dance shoes are recommended. They actually help you dance better. Shoes come in all shapes and sizes. Most dance shoes are in English sizes, which run anywhere between 2 to 3 "sizes" smaller than American shoe sizes. For instance, I wear a ladies 5½ American shoe size, but my opened toe dance shoes are a 2½ English shoe size and my closed toe dance shoes are a 3 English shoe size. Make sure you get fitted properly. You could avoid painful feet and injury by getting shoes that fit well. If you buy a dance shoe with suede soles, do yourself a favor and buy a shoe brush to pick the nap up.