What to do with old dance costumes?

Repurposing and Reusing Old Dance Costumes

1. Transform into Halloween Costumes

• Superhero: A colorful or sequined leotard paired with tights or leggings and a cape can transform into a superhero costume. Create your own emblem or headpiece to complete the look.

• 80s Jazzercise: Use a colorful leotard and tights as the base, then add legwarmers, sweatbands, and chunky sneakers for an authentic 80s workout look.

• Zombie Ballerina: Combine a ballet costume with zombie makeup for a spooky twist. Use liquid latex and eyeshadow to create a decaying effect.

• Angel: A white leotard with a tulle skirt or tutu can become an angelic costume. Add homemade wings and a halo for the finishing touches.

• Odile from "Black Swan": Transform a black leotard, tutu, and tights into the iconic Black Swan character with heavy black makeup, red contacts, and black feathers.

• Catwoman: Pair black latex pants or a jumpsuit with a black leotard, add cat ears and whiskers for a sleek feline look.

• Flapper Girl: Jazz dance costumes with fringe details make excellent 1920s-inspired flapper costumes.

2. Dress-Up Play

• Encourage imaginative play with ballet tutus, jazz costumes, and tap outfits.
• Create themed dress-up boxes (e.g., princesses, superheroes) using various costume pieces.
• Use accessories like headpieces and gloves to enhance the dress-up experience.

3. Upcycle for New Dance Performances

• Change Components: Modify existing garments by switching out, adding, or removing design elements. For example, change pants to shorts, shorten skirts, or add/remove sleeves.

• Add Color: Transform a costume's look by incorporating new color elements. This can be done through color blocking, adding accessories, or dyeing parts of the costume.

• Mix and Match: Combine pieces from different costumes to create entirely new looks. This is especially effective for creating practice wear or casual dance outfits.

4. Create Memory Quilts or Shadow Boxes

• Create a quilt using fabric from various costumes, incorporating photos or embroidered details.
• Design shadow boxes with costume pieces, photos, and other dance memorabilia.
• Frame particularly beautiful or meaningful costume elements as wall art.

Donating Old Dance Costumes

1. Local Organizations

• Schools and Community Centers: Drama departments, after-school programs, and community theaters often welcome costume donations for their productions.
• Daycare Centers and Preschools: These facilities can use costumes for dress-up play areas.
• Dance Studios: Some studios accept gently used costumes to lend to students who may not be able to afford new ones.

2. Donate2Dance

• Founded in February 2018, Donate2Dance has helped over 60,000 dancers worldwide.
• They partner with over 250 dance programs serving inner-city children and those with special needs.
• Donors can ship items directly to Donate2Dance or connect with local dance programs in need.

3. Other Non-Profit Organizations

• The Costume Bank: Some areas have costume banks that lend costumes to schools and community groups for performances.
• Theater Companies: Local theater groups may accept costume donations for their productions.
• Goodwill or Salvation Army: These organizations can resell costumes to benefit their charitable programs.

Selling Old Dance Costumes

1. Online Marketplaces

• eBay: A popular platform for selling various items, including dance costumes.
• Facebook Marketplace: Local selling groups often have dance-specific buy/sell/trade groups.
• Poshmark: An app-based marketplace that's becoming increasingly popular for selling dance wear.
• DanceCostumesForSale: A website specifically designed for buying and selling used dance costumes.

2. Consignment Shops

3. Dance Studio Sales

• Set up a day for dancers to bring in and sell their old costumes.
• This can be a great fundraising opportunity for the studio or competition team.

CrazeCosplay.com: A Resource for Costume Ideas and Purchases

• Diverse Selection: CrazeCosplay.com offers a wide range of cosplay and Halloween costumes, including some that could be adapted for dance performances or repurposed from dance costumes.

• Inspiration: Browse their extensive catalog for ideas on how to transform old dance costumes into new characters or themed outfits.

• Accessories: Find accessories to enhance repurposed dance costumes, such as wigs, props, or character-specific items.

• Custom Options: For those looking to replace old dance costumes with new, themed outfits, CrazeCosplay.com offers custom-made costumes that could be suitable for certain dance performances or events.

Creative Repurposing Ideas

1. Costume Jewelry and Accessories

• Create hair accessories using appliqués, sequins, or small costume pieces.
• Design unique jewelry using beads, rhinestones, or fabric from costumes.
• Make costume-inspired bags or purses using larger fabric pieces.

2. Home Decor

• Create throw pillows using costume fabrics.
• Design wall hangings or tapestries from larger costume pieces.
• Use tutus or skirts as unique lampshade covers or table skirts.

3. Craft Projects

• Make ornaments or decorations for holidays using sequins and beads.
• Create scrapbook embellishments with small costume pieces.
• Design costume-inspired dolls or stuffed animals.

Responsible Disposal

• Textile Recycling: Many communities have textile recycling programs that accept worn-out clothing and fabrics.
• Craft Material Donations: Schools or community centers may accept costume materials for art projects.
• Composting: Natural fabric pieces (like cotton or silk) can be composted if all non-biodegradable elements are removed.

Preservation and Storage

• Clean costumes thoroughly before storage to prevent staining or odors.
• Use acid-free tissue paper to stuff bodices and prevent creasing.
• Store in cool, dry places in breathable garment bags or boxes.
• Avoid plastic bags, which can trap moisture and lead to mildew.

Conclusion