Every ballroom dance has its own set of customs and traditions that differentiate them from each other, and the dresses worn for each dance are an important part of that history. Amateur and professional dancers alike need high quality dancewear that they can freely and easily move in, as well as making them look and feel fantastic. Understanding exactly what dancers expect of their dancewear will help you to create highly successful pieces that will be treasured for years.
Tango dresses
Tango dresses are usually a one-piece outfit with a form fitting top half. The skirt should swing and have a high slit to reveal the leg. In order to guarantee the tight silhouette required, you will need to use materials with a high degree of stretch in them. Your tango dresses are far more likely to sell if they distinguish the dancer with high levels of decoration, such as beading, glitter and rhinestones.
Waltz and Fox-Trot dresses
Elegance is key with the Waltz and Fox-Trot dances, and dancers will be looking for dresses made from expensive light-weight silks and satins. Typically ankle-length and with a wide swinging skirt, these one-piece dresses should accentuate the soft, delicate and graceful movement of these dances.
Latin and Swing dresses
Latin and swing dresses should be shorter versions of a Tango dress, revealing the whole leg and emphasising the sensuality of these dances. Connotations of wildness can be conveyed through the use of leopard and tiger print fabrics.
Rumba and Samba dresses
When designing rumba and samba dresses, contrasting ruffles should use bright colours and take influence from Caribbean style.
Charleston dresses
These knee-length, light-weight dresses are heavily embroidered with long fringes, beads and paillettes help the dress move in time with the rhythm of the dancer. A dance and style truly rooted in the 1920’s flapper style, these dresses need to be about free-movement and high energy.
Cha-Cha dresses
The two-piece Cha-Cha dress is well-known by those in the amateur/professional dance scene and those outside it. The close-fitting, tight top features an off-the-shoulder neckline and the skirt needs to be full and flounced, especially at the bottom.
As with the Tango dresses, rhinestones, beading and glitter should be used to emphasise movement and make the dancer appear even more glamorous.
For more information about the dancewear fabrics we supply, don’t hesitate to call us on +44 (0)1204 692 223 or email sales@carringtonfabrics.co.uk.