Dance costume

When created for a specific work, a costume may be designed to expose or enhance the lines formed by the dancer's body, or to express the choreographer's artistic vision, or to engage the audience, or combinations of these.

[1] Costumes are designed in accordance with aesthetic requirements, the anticipated movements of the dancer, and budget.

Stretchable fabrics such as jersey, silk, chiffon, Georgette, and Lycra are commonly used because they don't restrict movement.

Natural materials such as Cotton or silk are typically used when the costume is to be dyed because they absorb dye well.

[4] Loud prints or bold color combinations are often avoided as they can distort the body lines and, in the case of tights, tend to make the dancer look larger.

When applying appliqué to stretchable material, the dancer will typically wear the costume so that the design will not be distorted.

Costumes frequently have special construction features and may also have accessories such as false sleeves, collars, cuffs, wristbands, and shawls.

[5] Lining may be used to place a costume in a specific era or ethnic group[3] and give form, qualities of movement and direction, and accentuate points of interest.