Dancers - where do they get their suits?

[matei]

I was watching one of the many dancing shows that are shown on the BBC (okay - Mrs. Matei was watching it), when I noticed that during a retro-inspired routine, all the dancers had "properly" cut suits, ie high armholes, high-waisted trousers with a nice bit of flair etc.

Where on earth do these people get their suits from? This isn't the first time I've noticed this.

I can only imagine what would happen with an off-the-rack suit.

 

[Tailor Tom]

My thoughts...

Most of their garments are "costumes" and not real clothing. Costumes are made completely different from everyday clothing. I have made many costumes though-out my career. A dancers suit is made with smaller fronts, that include a greater scoop to the front armhole, larger backs to help account for reach, sleeve rotation so the sleeve looks proper when performing, even gussets under the arm to facilitate movement. Many dancers garments are made of stretch fabrics too, for obvious reasons.
Finally, they are custom made and fitted to the individual....that is the most important part.

 

[Yeps]

as a dancer (mostly done with dancing, but whatever) I can attest to the fact that the suits are not real for the most part. Even in something that looks traditional, the material will be mostly stretchy, and cooler. Dancing is very hard work, and it is not nice to take the grime of it from real clothes.

 

[Flat Foot Floey]

My girlfriend has a small fashion label (together with a friend) that aims to be suitable for swing dancers (but also for vintage inspired everyday wear). They startet with a small collection, more to follow...

They don' have jackets yet because they thought dancers would take them of anyway...but high waisted trousers with wide legs and so on.
I would really like to know what you think about their stuff.

www.vecona-vintage.com

PS: Proof that it works for dancers

 

[Kt Templar]

This company makes a lot of the 'Strictly' clothes.

http://www.dancesport-international.com/

 

[bunnyb.gal]

This company makes a lot of the 'Strictly' clothes.

http://www.dancesport-international.com/

Completely off topic, sorry, but I'm guessing you might be familiar with the Wimbledon Dance Academy...?

 

[adamjaskie]

I do a fair amount of swing dancing. You can do it in off-the-rack, but it rides up a lot, and you're probably going to pop your buttons unless you unbutton the jacket. If I'm dancing I usually wear a vest and take my jacket off. If I'm not wearing a vest, I'll unbutton the jacket. I'd LOVE to have a suit that fits me well enough that I don't have to. High armholes, gussets, whatever.

But yeah, pros can afford tailored clothes with specialized construction (and write them off as a business expense!)

 

[Tomasso]

Most of their garments are "costumes" and not real clothing.

Yeah, there was a news piece that aired in Chicago years ago about a Russian emigre who made costumes for dozens of the the world's top dancers and skaters. As I recall, her prices were right up there with Savile Row bespoke.

 

[Kt Templar]

Completely off topic, sorry, but I'm guessing you might be familiar with the Wimbledon Dance Academy...?

Actually, I'm not , I just happen to know one of the machinists there and she is basically constantly working on their costumes!

I have the grace of a baby elephant with 4 left feet! So I leave the dancing to others!

 

[bunnyb.gal]

Actually, I'm not , I just happen to know one of the machinists there and she is basically constantly working on their costumes!

I have the grace of a baby elephant with 4 left feet! So I leave the dancing to others!

lol Guess what? Me too, I "never forget"! But I keep plugging away (or plodding away), anyhow... We're practically neighbours - maybe I'll see you at the Londoners meet-up!