Receiving Costumes

• Each class performing in the Spring Ballet will receive a costume.
• Costumes arrive based on when they were order and demand. Each costume is custom made after ordering. Usually costumes begin arriving for the Spring Ballet in February.

Costume Sizing

• Student measurements are taken by CPAC staff in November for each class participating in the performances.
• Every effort is made to order costumes that will fit. When ordering, we take into account the age of the student and the probable growth during the remainder of the dance year.

Costume Information Sheets

• Costume information sheets are provided for each class via email once the costume is received and distributed.
• Costume information sheets lists all items required for the performance including: color of tights required, type of dance shoes, hairstyle, any basic alterations (e.g. tacking down bows or securing straps), and accessories for the costume.
• Please verify the required color of tights and dance shoes well before the dress rehearsal to ensure you have the supplies needed. Allegra’s Boutique makes every effort to stock tights required, however due to fluctuation in class sizes and needs we cannot guarantee your size and color will be available the day of the rehearsal or show.
• Costume information sheets will let you know if undergarments such as a nude leotard are allowed (usually only with white costumes). If you are allowed to wear a nude leotard: Ensure straps are fully hidden by pinning as needed, use nude straps as clear straps are shiny and more visible in stage lights, verify the costume covers all parts of the nude leotard including around the thighs, double check the nude leotard is fully hidden prior to going onto stage.

Safe Storage of Costumes

• Store costumes in a safe place where curious siblings or pets do not have access.
• Do not use costumes before the dress rehearsal. Replacement costumes are not always available and are always expensive in part due to express shipping costs.
• Do not wear the costume in a car. It can easily be torn in a seat belt or otherwise damaged getting into or out of a car.
• Dressing rooms are provided for both the dress rehearsals and the performances.
• Never eat or drink in a costume. A cover up cannot guarantee a costume will be free of damage.

Getting Costume Ready for Performance

• Costumes usually come in a bag. Remove them from the bag and let them sit in a steamy bathroom to help remove wrinkles.
• Tutus may be hung upside down on a hanger by the crotch in order to let wrinkles fall out and to keep the skirt fluffed.
• Do NOT iron your costume!
• Do NOT get your costume wet!

Getting In and Out of a Costume

• Gently roll the bodice down and pull the costume up by the waistband where the tulle is attached.
• Pulling a costume on by the straps or skirt can tear a costume.
• Before pulling up a costume, verify you are not standing on the skirt which can tear it.
• Remove the costume in a similar fashion being careful not to step on the skirt.

Costume Costs and Payment

• Costume payments are billed in November and are due December 1st. In order to receive all costumes in time for the performances, costumes are ordered in December.
• There are NO REFUNDS on costumes. Please make sure you are available on the dates of the mandatory dress rehearsals and performance days before December 1st.
• Costumes are custom made upon ordering and thus unable to be returned.