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Gowns and Dresses - Instant Costuming
There are many styles of costuming that involve complex layers of exotic embellished fabrics. A standard bedlah ensemble can be composed of as many as 12 pieces or more. Tribal costuming is one of the most gorgeous and sumptuous costuming styles. However, it takes a while to put on all of those exotic layers beginning with pantaloons, skirts, hip wraps, choli and bra, turban and lets not forget jewelry - and lots of it. For all of the exotic decadence of this style of costuming, sometimes you require something a little more streamlined and easy to put on. The solution - the dance gown. No matter what your personal style of costuming dance includes, there is probably a dance gown style for you. Gowns come in many shapes, styles and fabrications, and generally only require a simple hip-wrap and jewelry to complete a finished look. Gowns are offered by most major dance costume vendors but can be simply made using standard sewing patterns. Here are some of the major benefits of dance dresses:
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Modesty - Dance dresses can provide more coverage of the body than the traditional two-piece bedlah bra and belt sets. Many dancers favor more coverage when performing out-of-doors, at family-oriented venues and at schools and children's events.
Coverage - No matter how body-confident you may be, there are days when you may not want to let it all hang out. Dance dresses can vary from loose fitting to body hugging. Dresses made from high spandex content fabric will allow every movement to show, but still conceal the tummy.
Ease of wear - A dance gown can make for simple and easy dressing. If you are attending an event where room and space to change is limited or if you have only a short time to change, a dress can make for simple and easy transformations. Tossing a dress on over your head and zipping up is a quick way to look instantly smashing.
Limitless Style Options - From high-glam to earthy, folkloric to tribal, Gypsy fusion and beyond, there is a style of dress that is perfect for your performance style. A simple dress can be made from shimmering silk for an opulent up-scale look, or from assuite for a more historical look.
Cami in Mauve - This lovely dress began life as a formal gown from Group USA and was intended to be a evening dress. The gown is elaborately beaded with an all-over design in dark bugle and seed beads. The dress goes to the neck in the front, but drops dramatically to the hips at the back. A series of drapes swag across the back, adding visual interest and movement to the back of the dress. A simple black hip wrap draws the eye to emphasize and accent her sharp hip-work. http://www.groupusa.com/home.htm
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To Make or Buy - That is the question!
Any dress that is comfortable to wear and easy to move in can be transformed into a dance gown. In this holiday season, there are literally hundreds of options in the stores. Look for party dresses with beads, sequins and rhinestones that can be worn as-is or further embellished to turn into a fancy dance gown.
If you are planning on making a dress, check the formal pattern section of the commercial pattern companies. Many dancers prefer gowns made from stretchy fabrics. While you are looking at patterns, pay attention to the selected fabrics. If you plan on using a knitted spandex fabric select a pattern that has been adjusted and fitted to accommodate the stretch. Perhaps you are planning on a more traditional style, such as a caftan, make sure to check out the array of patterns available from Folkwear. They have several caftan and traditional dress styles that include directions for traditional needle work patterns to embellish the garment.
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