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Hey, everyone!
Just got back into town yesterday and am feeling a
little bit of competition lag. It's always great to
get home and sleep in my own bed. I had the opportunity
to attend and work at the Heritage Dance Classic in
North Carolina. The pro events were exceptional, as
was the caliber of the pro/am and amateur events.
It's always fun to go somewhere new, and this was
my first time attending this event. The dancing was
as dazzling as a dress full of rhinestones. Speaking
of rhinestones....
Last week, someone wrote in regarding
appropriate costuming for competitors. Having the
opportunity to travel around to different venues,
it is always interesting to see the different styles
of costumes that competitors come up with. I can see
why it would be frustrating to the newer student or
professional to determine what is appropriate, as
there doesn't seem to be any one particular style
showing up on the floor.
Now, I do want to remind you that
you are getting this opinion from a man's perspective!
So ladies, at anytime during this article ....go ahead,
roll your eyes, shake your head, and then feel free
to drop me a line to give your helpful hints to the
new dancers on the scene! Ok, here are Dan's general
rules for proper grooming for competitors:
Ladies: 1. Seek out an honest opinion
when purchasing a new costume. Don't just ask the
salesperson what they think. They are trying to sell
you their product. Although, I do think that most
designers would be honest with you. After all, you
are going to be telling people who made your dress.
But, get more than one opinion. When you are seeking
a second opinion... DON'T ASK YOUR HUSBAND (or boyfriend).
(You're welcome, guys!). Remember, they love and adore
you, and they know better!
2. What looks best on you in your
regular clothes will also apply to your dance wear.
If you have a short neck, don't wear costumes with
collars. If you wouldn't be caught in a two piece
swimsuit, you will most likely want to stay away from
wearing a two piece latin outfit. This is the number
one, most abused costume of all! If you are considering
this costume, please do the following. Once you have
your two piece latin outfit on, stand in front of
the mirror. Now, turn sideways. Jump up and down several
times. If anything just above the bottom half of your
two piece outfit moves in the opposite direction that
you are bouncing, this is not an outfit that you should
consider!
3. Classic is good. Simple lines,
a nice color, simple jewelry and good make-up and
hair are going to leave a good impression on the judges.
Sometimes it's easy to do an overkill with your outfit.
Too many rhinestones, too many bangles, beads &
fringe can be distracting. Simple and elegant is the
most appealing for all sizes. Tanning make-up is important.
It gives you a healthy look and we are fortunate to
have several products to choose from. Please try to
select one with a more natural skin tone, and cover
all exposed areas (no neon orange)!
4. Don't compare yourself to your
competition. We all have our good qualities and our
areas that need improvement. It matters more to the
judge that you are dressed appropriately and that
you are on time! What is appealing to one person may
not be to another. That is why it is important to
cultivate your own personal style and find what works
best for you. Shop around. Try on several styles until
you know what is the best look for you!
Guys: Ok, you know we have the better
end of the deal when it comes to the costume department.
At the same time, we can tend to become too relaxed
with our grooming techniques. Any tips from others
would be more than welcome but until then, here's
mine:
1. Comb your hair. I know, I know,
it's a simple thing and most of you guys do this on
a daily basis but...... every now and then, we will
see a guy on the floor and wonder...did he miss his
wake-up call? Did the hotel forget to install a mirror
in their room? A good hairstyle is just as important
on the man as it is the woman. Spend a few extra bucks
and go to the stylist, not the barber (and don't forget
to remove any unsightly neck, ear or nose hair).
2. The chance of a flood in the
ballroom is highly unlikely! Check the length of your
pants. Flood pants, (next to an open fly), are extremely
distracting and it is next to impossible to see anything
else when judging.
3. Pro-Tan, good. Eye-liner, bad....at
least, if it is visible to the judge or spectator.
I know this is theater, but a guy with noticeable
make-up is just not very macho looking and, after
all, we are watching a boy-girl sport.
4. Wash your costume! You want
to leave those judges with a sense that you have improved
a lot, not a scent that you have danced a lot! Whew!!
5. We're not off the hook, either,
when it comes to showing flesh. If you insist on wearing
a latin shirt that is open down to your navel, you
need to do the "before and after" test,
like we see in those diet ads. Hold in your gut. Now,
hold it in for 10 minutes, because that is the approximate
amount of time that you will be competing in a 5 dance
event. If your tire inflates, get rid of the shirt.
If you are able to hold your stomach in and you have
that nice six pack...I hate you!
Last, but not least, I would
like to say that some dancers have gone overboard
in the tattoo department. I know, it's an expression
of yourself and all but it is another distraction
and, to many, not very attractive to look at.
Dan
Messenger
03-05-2001
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