Costumes
We spend a lot of time choosing costumes for every class, making sure they suit the dance, are age-appropriate and are the best quality we can source while keeping costs reasonable.
Costumes are organised during late Term 2 and early Term 3.
COSTUME SIZING
Your child will be measured in class towards the end of Term 2.
Using these measurements, we order the closest available costume size for your child from the supplier's sizing options.
Please remember that our concert costumes are standard sizes and are not custom-made to each individual child's body shape. Children with similar measurements can still have very different body shapes, so some costumes may fit perfectly while others may need a small adjustment.
We always do our best to order the most appropriate size available for your child.
ALTERATIONS
As costumes are standard sizes rather than custom-made, alterations are sometimes needed to get the best fit for your child.
Reasonable alterations such as taking up straps, adjusting elastic, shortening hems or other small fitting adjustments are the responsibility of parents.
If you feel there is a genuine sizing issue rather than a simple alteration, please let us know as soon as possible so we can check it for you.
COSTUME COSTS
We work on an average of approximately $90 per costume.
Some costumes will cost a little more and some a little less depending on the design, detail and supplier.
Please note: Competition dance costumes are generally more expensive than our regular concert costumes.
COSTUME DEPOSITS
A $50 deposit per dance is required to secure your child's costume.
The first $50 costume deposit will be added to your Week 9 invoice in Term 2.
If your child is in more than one dance, an additional $50 deposit will be added to your Week 1 invoice in Term 3.
All costume deposits must be paid by Week 1 of Term 3.
Once costumes are ordered, our suppliers do not accept cancellations or refunds. For this reason, costume deposits are non-refundable, even if your child later decides not to participate in the concert.
PAYING OFF YOUR COSTUMES
You're very welcome to start putting money towards your costumes earlier.
Think of your Costume Account like a lay-by – you can transfer smaller amounts throughout the year rather than paying the full balance at once.
For example, some families choose to transfer $10 a week, which can make the final costume payment much easier when concert time comes around.
All costume deposits and payments are receipted, and you can keep track of your costume payments through your Parent Portal.
*PLEASE NOTE
Your regular dance fees must be up to date before your child's costume can be ordered.
Costume money is kept in a separate account from regular class fees, so please make sure costume payments are transferred to the Costume Account below and not your regular fees account.
COSTUME ACCOUNT
CMDA PTY LTD
Costume Account
BSB: 082-201
Account Number: 883 404 104
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Looking After Your Costumes
We put so much time and care into choosing our concert costumes, and a little bit of preparation at home will help make sure your dancer looks and feels fabulous on stage. ❤️
Please Label Everything!
Please clearly label all costumes, shoes, tights and accessories with your child’s name. With hundreds of costumes and accessories backstage, things can very easily get mixed up!
Preparing Your Costume
When you receive your costumes:
Hang them up straight away and unzip the garment bag to allow plenty of airflow.
Please do not iron costumes unless you are certain the fabric can be safely ironed. Many dance fabrics, sequins and embellishments can be damaged by heat. Hanging the costume in the bathroom while the shower is running and allowing the steam to gently release the creases is usually the safest option.
Remove any tags or labels that can be seen when the costume is being worn.
Please check all straps, fastenings and embellishments. Any loose or unattached straps should be sewn securely before dress rehearsal.
Any small alterations needed for the best fit — such as straps, hems or minor adjustments — are the responsibility of parents. Our costumes are ordered in the closest available size for each dancer and are not custom-made to individual body shapes.
Headpieces & Accessories
Many of our costumes come with headpieces, hats or other accessories.
Don’t worry if you’re unsure how something is supposed to be worn! We will go through this at dress rehearsal and show the students exactly how we would like each piece positioned and secured.
Please keep all accessories together with the correct costume and make sure everything is labelled.
Keeping Costumes Special
Please only allow your child to wear their costume for dress rehearsal, photo day and their concerts.
We know how exciting it is when those costumes arrive, but keeping them safely put away between these events helps ensure they stay clean, fresh and looking beautiful for the stage.
Tights & Shoes
Always have a spare pair of tights! Tights have an amazing ability to ladder at exactly the wrong moment, so a labelled spare pair in the costume bag can be a lifesaver on concert day.
Please also make sure your dancer arrives with clean performance shoes. Little details really do make a difference when an entire group is together on stage.
Quick Changes
Some of our dancers have very quick costume changes during the concert.
We have a dedicated team of wonderful concert helpers who assist with these changes and make sure the next costume, shoes and accessories are ready to go.
If your child has several routines or quick changes, we may also recommend that you stay backstage to help your own child. We’ll provide more information about quick changes and what your dancer needs closer to concert day.
A little organisation beforehand makes concert day so much easier — label everything, keep each costume and its accessories together, and have that spare pair of tights ready! ❤️