Preparing Your Competition Costume: Dos and Don'ts

Image credit: Dance Production House

You've registered for Commonwealth Classic, you've been practicing your routines, and now comes one of the most exciting (and sometimes stressful) parts of competition prep: choosing your costume. What you wear on the competition floor matters—not just for judges, but for your own confidence and performance quality.

Let's demystify competition costumes and help you look and feel your absolute best on the floor.

Understanding NDCA Dress Code Requirements

The National Dance Council of America (NDCA) has specific dress code guidelines for sanctioned competitions like Commonwealth Classic. These rules exist to maintain the sport's standards and ensure fairness. Here's what you need to know:

For Women - Pro/Am and Amateur

Rhythm and Latin:

• Dresses, skirts, or dance pants are acceptable

• Hemlines should be tasteful (minimum coverage required)

• Nude undergarments should not be visible

• Rhinestones and embellishments are allowed and encouraged

• Latin dresses are typically shorter and more revealing than Smooth dresses

• Two-piece outfits are acceptable if the midriff connection isn't excessive

Smooth and Standard:

• Full-length gowns are traditional (though not strictly required)

• Flowing skirts that move beautifully across the floor

• More conservative than Latin/Rhythm styling

• Can include modest slits for movement

• Elegant, refined aesthetic

Nightclub:

• More relaxed than ballroom styles

• Contemporary styling acceptable

• Should still look polished and intentional

General Requirements:

• No visible bra straps (unless they're decorative and part of the design)

• Proper undergarments that don't show through

• Costumes should be secure (you'll be moving vigorously!)

For Men - Pro/Am and Amateur

Rhythm and Latin:

• Dress shirt (often black) or Latin shirt

• Dress pants (typically black)

• Dance shoes (Latin heels or practice shoes)

• Shirt can be open at the collar

• More fitted, contemporary styling

Smooth and Standard:

• Tailsuit, tuxedo, or formal suit

• White shirt

• Tie, bowtie, or cravat

• Traditional, elegant styling

• Smooth dance shoes

General Requirements:

• Professional appearance

• Well-fitted (not baggy or overly tight)

• Clean and pressed

• Appropriate shoes for the style

For Youth and Junior Competitors

Youth dress codes are more conservative, with additional modesty requirements. Check NDCA youth guidelines for specific rules about hemlines, embellishments, and styling.

What Works on the Competition Floor vs. Practice

Your competition costume is not your practice wear, and for good reason. Here's why:

Visual Impact from a Distance

Judges sit 20-40 feet away from you. Your costume needs to:

• Create visual lines that extend and enhance your body's movement

• Be visible in bright ballroom lighting (what looks garish up close often looks perfect from the judges' table)

• Photograph well because you'll want those competition photos!

• Catch light through rhinestones, sequins, or fabric sheen

Freedom of Movement

Competition costumes are designed for specific technical requirements:

• Stretch panels in strategic places for extensions and flexibility

• Weighted hems in Smooth gowns for beautiful movement

• Secure closures so nothing shifts mid-dance

• Built-in support eliminating the need for regular bras

Durability Under Performance Conditions

You'll sweat, stretch, and move vigorously. Competition costumes are built to handle:

• Moisture (both sweat and humidity)

• Repeated wear

• Vigorous movement without tearing

• Professional cleaning

Practice wear, even nice practice wear, isn't designed for these demands. Save your competition dress for competitions, dress rehearsals, and maybe photoshoots.

Budget-Friendly Competition Costume Options

Competition costumes can range from $150 to $5,000+. Here's how to look amazing without breaking the bank:

For Your First Competition: $200-500 Range

Option 1: Buy Pre-Owned The used competition dress market is robust and smart. Dancers outgrow dresses, change styles, or simply want fresh looks. You can find barely-worn designer dresses for a fraction of retail price.

Where to shop:

• DanceSportClassifieds.com

• Facebook groups: "Ballroom Dance Costumes for Sale"

• Studio bulletin boards

• Competition vendor areas (they often carry consignment pieces)

Option 2: Rent Some boutiques and designers offer rental options, especially for higher-end gowns. Perfect if you're competing infrequently.

Option 3: Simple New Dress from Budget Brands Brands like DSI London, Dance America, and others offer entry-level competition dresses that look sharp and hold up well.

Option 4: Modify a Formal Dress If you're handy or know a seamstress, a formal gown from department stores can be modified for dance (add stretch panels, adjust length, add embellishments).

Mid-Range: $500-1,500

This is where you'll find excellent quality from established dancewear brands, often with customization options:

• Custom sizing for perfect fit

• Choice of colors

• Moderate rhinestone detailing

• Quality fabrics that move beautifully

Brands in this range: Chrisanne Clover, DSI London, Zhannakens, Dance America

Investment Range: $1,500+

Custom-designed, made-to-measure dresses with:

• Unique designs (no one else will have your dress)

• Extensive rhinestone work

• Premium fabrics

• Perfect fit tailored to your body

• Designer name recognition

Smart Budget Strategy:
Start with one versatile dress that can work for multiple styles. A black Latin dress can often work for Rhythm. A flowing Smooth dress in a neutral color works across styles. As you compete more, build your costume wardrobe strategically.

Common Costume Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake #1: Choosing Fashion Over Function

That gorgeous dress with the dramatic off-the-shoulder sleeves? Beautiful... until you try to lift your arms into dance frame. Always, always, always try on dresses and MOVE in them before buying.

Test your dress:

• Can you achieve full frame extension?

• Can you do your deepest lunge?

• Can you execute your fastest spins without wardrobe malfunction?

• Can you breathe comfortably?

Mistake #2: Wrong Dress for Your Dance Style

Latin dresses are cut differently than Smooth gowns for good reason. The movements are different, the aesthetic is different, the technical requirements are different.

Quick guide:

• Rhythm/Latin: Fitted, often shorter, emphasis on legs and hip movement, more body exposure

• Smooth/Standard: Flowing, elegant, emphasis on lines and extension, more conservative

• Nightclub: Contemporary, relaxed, can be more fashion-forward

Mistake #3: Ignoring Your Body Type

Not every trendy style works for every body. Choose cuts and styles that flatter YOUR shape:

• Pear-shaped: Emphasize your upper body, choose full or flowing skirts

• Apple-shaped: Structured bodices, avoid emphasis at waist

• Athletic build: Add feminine details, choose dresses with movement

• Petite: Avoid overwhelming details, choose proportional embellishments

• Tall: Work those long lines! Flowing skirts and high slits look amazing

Mistake #4: Too Many Rhinestones (Yes, It's Possible)

Rhinestones catch light and create visual interest. But there's a tipping point where "sparkly" becomes "disco ball." You want judges focusing on your dancing, not being blinded by your dress.

The sweet spot: Strategic rhinestone placement that enhances lines and creates visual interest without overwhelming.

Mistake #5: Uncomfortable Shoes

Your shoes matter as much as your dress. If your feet hurt, your dancing suffers.

Shoe requirements:

• Proper ballroom/Latin dance shoes (not street heels)

• Heel height you can actually dance in (2.5-3 inches is standard for women)

• Secure fit (no slipping or pinching)

• Broken in BEFORE competition day

• Extra pair as backup

Mistake #6: Forgetting the Details

• Hair: Should be secured and styled appropriately (no hair in your face mid-dance)

• Makeup: Stage makeup is heavier than street makeup because of lighting and distance

• Tan: Many dancers use self-tanner or spray tans for definition under lights

• Jewelry: Keep it simple and secure

• Nails: Neat and appropriate length (not so long you can't make proper fist in frame)

Mistake #7: Buying Too Far in Advance

Bodies change. If you buy your dress six months before competition, it might not fit the same on competition day.

Ideal timing: Purchase or finalize your dress 4-8 weeks before competition. Close enough that your body won't change significantly, far enough that you have time for alterations if needed.

Where to Shop: Trusted Vendors and Boutiques

Online Retailers (Try Before You Buy)

• DanceShopper.com - Wide selection, good range of prices

• DanceSportUK.com - European brands, beautiful designs

• DanceScape.com - Custom and ready-to-wear options

• RachelAnns.com - Specializes in custom ballroom gowns

Social Marketplaces

• DanceSportClassifieds.com - Largest used dress marketplace

• Facebook Marketplace and ballroom dance groups

• eBay - Filter for "ballroom dance dress" or "Latin dance dress"

At Competitions

Many competitions, including Commonwealth Classic, have vendors on-site selling:

• New dresses

• Accessories

• Shoes

• Rhinestones and costume jewelry

• Practice wear

Pro tip: Vendor areas are great for trying before buying, and many offer competition-weekend discounts.

Local Boutiques and Designers

If you have a ballroom dancewear boutique in your area, visit! The personalized service, ability to try multiple styles, and immediate fit adjustments are invaluable.

Costume Care: Making Your Investment Last

Between Competitions

• Air it out immediately after wearing (don't stuff sweaty dress in a bag)

• Spot clean any makeup or sweat stains

• Hang properly on a padded hanger

• Store in breathable garment bag (not plastic)

• Keep away from direct sunlight (prevents fading)

Long-Term Care

• Professional cleaning once or twice a season (find a cleaner experienced with competition wear)

• Rhinestone checks before each competition (reattach any loose stones)

• Seam inspections to catch small tears before they become big problems

• Proper storage in a cool, dry place

Travel Care

• Invest in a good garment bag

• Pack with tissue paper to maintain shape

• Hang immediately upon arrival

• Steam (never iron directly) to remove wrinkles

• Bring a small repair kit (needle, thread, safety pins, fabric tape)

Building Your Competition Wardrobe Over Time

You don't need five different dresses for your first competition. Here's a smart approach to building a competition wardrobe:

Year 1: The Essentials

• One versatile dress that works for your primary style (Rhythm OR Smooth)

• Quality dance shoes for that style

• Appropriate undergarments and accessories

Year 2: Expanding Options

• Add a dress for your secondary style

• Begin building your shoe collection

• Invest in better accessories (jewelry, hair pieces)

Year 3+: Personalization

• Custom or semi-custom pieces

• Multiple dresses per style

• Premium accessories

• Signature looks that become "yours"

Final Thoughts: Confidence Is Your Best Accessory

Here's the truth: judges notice your dancing first, your costume second. A confident dancer in a simple dress outshines a nervous dancer in a $3,000 gown every single time.

Your costume should make you feel:

• Confident - You look good and you know it

• Comfortable - No tugging, adjusting, or worrying

• Authentic - The dress suits your personality

• Ready - When you put it on, you're in competition mode

When you find the right dress, you'll know. You'll move differently in it. You'll stand taller. You'll feel like a competitor.

That's the dress that's worth every penny.

See you on the floor at Commonwealth Classic 2026—and we can't wait to see what you're wearing!