How to Keep Dance Costumes Looking Amazing All Season: Simple Tips for Busy Dance Families12/10/2025
Dance Costume Care Tips Costume week is always so exciting- sparkles all over the place, dancers twirling everywhere, and parents trying to keep everything organized (we see you!). Once those beautiful costumes head home, a little bit of care will help keep them looking picture-perfect for photos, rehearsals, and our big June recital. Here’s an easy, no-stress guide to keeping costumes in their very best shape. 1. Hang It Up Right Away One of the simplest things you can do? Put the costume straight onto a hanger as soon as you get home. Why it matters: Costumes wrinkle quickly when folded or stuffed into a bag. Hanging them helps the fabric settle and keeps the costume’s shape. Tip: Have a tutu-style costume? Peel apart each layer of tulle to steam and hang it upside down and give the tulle a little fluff. This helps it fall correctly and look fuller on stage. 2. Use Steam Not an Iron If your costume has a few travel wrinkles (totally normal!), a handheld steamer is your best friend. Why steaming works: It loosens wrinkles without crushing delicate fabrics, sequins, or appliqués. Tip: Hold the steamer a few inches away and move gently. Please avoid using an iron!!! Even low heat can melt or distort costume material, and we definitely don’t want that. 3. Skip the Washing Machine Dance costumes are not made for everyday laundering, and most will not survive a spin in the washer or dryer. If something gets dirty:
Let the costume fully air dry before putting it back in a garment bag to avoid moisture and odors. 4. Save Costumes for Show Time Only We know dancers want to wear their costumes everywhere. Grocery store? Sure. Backyard? Why not. But until our June recital is finished, costumes should only be worn for:
If your dancer wants to “play dress-up,” have a fun at-home costume they can use guilt-free. 5. Keep All Accessories Together Nothing strikes fear into a dance parent’s heart quite like realizing a hairpiece has disappeared. Tip: Use a small bag, pencil pouch, or even a labeled sandwich baggie to store:
6. What Your Dancer Should Not Wear Under Their Costume This is the question everyone wonders about, so let’s make it super easy:
Have your dancer try their costume on at home once (gently!) just to make sure everything fits smoothly. 7. After the final Spring Recital? Wear It Anywhere! Once our Spring recital day is over and we’ve celebrated all their hard work, dancers can enjoy their costumes however they want - tea parties, playground adventures, next years' Halloween costume, and sparkling Target runs included. Need Recital or Rehearsal Info? All of the detailed hair, makeup, and rehearsal information is in the recital packets sent to your email and shared in BAND. You can also scan the QR code on your costume name tag for quick access anytime. We’re Here to Help! Thank you for taking such good care of your dancers’ costumes. It truly keeps our performances looking polished and magical. If you ever have questions or need help, please reach out. 
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MakeupMakeup is used to make facial features and emotions visible under the stage lights, so dancers will need to wear more makeup than they would on a normal day. This helps their expressions shine all the way to the back row. I've linked all of my favorite products below. For performance day hair & makeup, you’ll need:
REQUIRED TEAM COLORS: The two required matching colors are for lipstick and eyeshadow. Lipstick: You'll need to get the Maybelline Superstay Matte Ink Lipstick. Each class has their own shade. Mini Company – Shade 150 “Pathfinder”amzn.to/44RirOB Petite Company – Shade 80 “Ruler”amzn.to/3MqdaaA Senior Company – Shade 340 “Exhilarator”amzn.to/3MqwjsV Eyeshadow: amzn.to/48LSVvs You'll also need this specific eyeshadow palette- It's called the elf bite sized eyeshadow palette in the color cream & sugar. You will find the video for the eyeshadow application under number 3. Makeup Video Tutorials1. This video is a basic tutorial for how to do the foundation/contour face makeup for the stage. I've linked all of my favorite products in this blog post above. You should use your preferred products and colors that match your skintone for your face makeup. You DO NOT need to get the exact products they use in the videos. The only products that need to be exact matches are the eyeshadow and lipstick. Ignore the eyeshadow she does, we'll do the eyeshadow look from video #3 2. This video is also great for some basic contour/foundation and eyelash tips. 3. Required eyeshadow palette & application tutorial. The specific eyeshadow method starts at about 8:15 and goes until 11:30. *Please note that a liquid liner on top with a slight wing is required to finish out the look, and a little of the darkest shade of eyeshadow on the bottom is also required. Hair
Company Hair Instructions:
Center Part Mid-High Ponytail with Braids (3 Braids for Senior Company, 2 Braids for Petite Company, 1 Braid for Mini Company) 1. Start With Prepped Hair
Competition Dancer Essentials: Hair & MakeupHey friends! I'm super excited to finally be putting together my first edition of company dance essentials. This first post will include all of my favorite HAIR & MAKEUP essentials. I grew up dancing competitively, and did my own hair and makeup from the time I was 10 years old. Now, I'm a mother of three dancers as well as a studio director. I've tried SO many products and can now confidently recommend products that I cannot live without. Simply click each photo to find each item on Amazon and add them to your cart! Hair Essentials
Competition Dance Makeup Must Haves (& Studio B requirements)
There’s something pretty amazing about watching a dancer make a movement their own. Maybe they add a little extra flair to a turn or find a new way to express a feeling through motion. That spark of creativity? It’s one of the most rewarding parts of being in the studio. Dance is more than memorizing choreography. It’s about discovering new ways to move, think, and express what’s going on inside. And the best part? There’s no one "right" way to do it. Whether it’s a quiet improv moment across the floor or a team piecing together their own routine, we see creativity in action every day. Why Creativity Matters Thinking creatively doesn’t just apply to dance. It helps kids learn how to approach problems from different angles, try new things, and stay open-minded when things don’t go as planned. These are life skills that show up in school, friendships, and even future jobs. When students are encouraged to take creative risks in a low-pressure environment, it builds confidence and resilience. And movement-based activities like dance, tumbling, and cheer are full of chances to explore ideas, play with possibilities, and be themselves. Dance as a Creative Outlet Creativity shows up in class in so many ways:
What the Research Says Studies have backed this up. One published in the Journal of Educational Psychology found that students involved in dance developed stronger creative thinking skills and were better at coming up with new ideas. And when students are given time to improvise and reflect, those skills grow even more. What It Looks Like at Studio B We try to make space for creativity in every class. That might look like:
For Dance Educators As educators, we play a big role in shaping how students view their own creativity. It’s not just about assigning choreography or setting counts—it’s about asking open-ended questions, offering choice, and creating an environment where students feel safe to try, fail, and try again. Encouraging students to take ownership of their movement and ideas can transform your class into a space of real artistic exploration. Not every dancer will grow up to choreograph professionally, but every dancer can benefit from learning how to think creatively. As teachers, we have the opportunity to nurture those skills in ways that will serve our students for life. In a Nutshell Dance helps kids think big. It gives them a space to create, imagine, and explore. Whether they’re sharing their ideas or finding their own groove in class, that creative spark is always welcome here. Because at the end of the day, we’re not just teaching steps—we’re making room for students to grow into bold, thoughtful, expressive humans. And that’s something worth dancing about.   At Studio B Dance Company, we believe connection is just as important as choreography or skill-building. While our students come through the doors to learn dance, tumbling, acro, or cheer, what they often find is a second home—a place where they feel safe, supported, and surrounded by friends who cheer them on. The Power of Community Being part of a class means being part of something bigger. Whether working together to master a routine, practicing a tumbling pass, or building trust through partner work in cheer, students learn to rely on one another. They support each other through challenges and celebrate each other's progress. This shared experience creates strong bonds that extend beyond the studio walls. Whether it's helping a teammate improve a skill or sharing pre-performance nerves, the friendships formed through movement are rooted in encouragement, empathy, and trust. What the Research Says Studies have shown that participation in extracurricular activities, especially the performing arts and team-based programs, leads to higher feelings of belonging and social connection. A 2022 study in the Journal of Youth and Adolescence found that adolescents who participate in group-based activities like dance and cheer report stronger peer relationships and a greater sense of inclusion. Belonging is more than just being included—it's feeling seen, heard, and valued. That's exactly what we strive for in every class at Studio B. Studio B: A Place to Belong We work hard to make sure every student feels welcome from the moment they arrive. At Studio B, we:
Why It Matters When students feel like they belong, they’re more confident, more motivated, and more willing to take creative risks. They show up not just for class, but for each other. That sense of belonging leads to deeper engagement, stronger mental health, and happier, more resilient kids. Studio B is more than a studio—it's a place where real friendships are made and every student is seen and supported. Because everyone deserves a space where they truly belong. At Studio B Dance Company, we’ve seen firsthand how powerful dance can be in shaping not only strong dancers—but strong, confident people. While students come to class to learn technique, what they often leave with is something even more valuable: a deep sense of self-worth and the confidence to take on new challenges. More Than Just Movement Dance provides a unique platform for personal growth. In every plié, leap, and turn, students learn to trust their instincts, express themselves, and push past their comfort zones. Unlike many structured activities, dance blends discipline with freedom—giving students room to grow in their own time, their own way. When dancers step onto the floor, they’re not just learning steps. They’re learning to show up for themselves, to take risks, and to celebrate their progress. Whether it's performing in front of an audience or nailing a new combination in class, these moments build lasting self-confidence. The Research Behind the Impact Studies show that arts-based education, especially dance, contributes significantly to increased self-esteem in children and teens. According to a study in Arts Education Policy Review (2013), students engaged in dance reported greater motivation, improved self-image, and enhanced emotional resilience. These gains were attributed not just to physical activity, but to the supportive, expressive nature of dance instruction. What Confidence Looks Like at Studio B Confidence doesn’t always start big. Sometimes it begins with a shy smile during warm-up or a quiet student volunteering to go first. At Studio B, we foster these moments through:
Why It Matters The confidence gained through dance spills into everyday life. It helps students speak up in school, try out for teams, make new friends, and face challenges with courage. Dance builds a foundation of strength, pride, and self-assurance that carries into everything they do. At Studio B, we believe in more than strong technique. We believe in strong hearts, strong voices, and strong minds. And we see that confidence bloom every day—in every dancer, on every stage.
 At Studio B Dance Company, we know that movement is more than just physical activity. It's a powerful tool for supporting mental and emotional health at every age. In a time when stress and anxiety are on the rise, especially among young people, movement-based classes like dance, tumbling, acro, and cheer offer uplifting and effective outlets for expression, growth, and connection.
The Science Behind It Research has shown that physical activity, especially rhythmic and expressive movement, can:
A study published in Frontiers in Psychology (2019) found that dance movement therapy significantly improved symptoms of depression and anxiety. Another study from the American Journal of Dance Therapy (2020) showed that regular participation in movement-based classes can increase emotional resilience and promote positive self-perception. Creating Space for Joy and Expression Our classes provide a unique combination of movement, creativity, and community—a trifecta for emotional release and personal growth. Whether students are learning choreography, mastering a tumbling skill, or building teamwork in cheer, they have a safe and supportive space where they can:
Why It Matters at Studio B At Studio B, our mission goes far beyond teaching steps and skills. We believe in nurturing the whole student: body, mind, and spirit. We:
Final Thoughts Movement doesn’t just strengthen muscles—it strengthens hearts. By supporting mental health through joyful activity, we help students feel empowered, centered, and more connected to themselves and their community. Because at Studio B, it’s not just about learning routines. It’s about creating space for joy, connection, and self-expression—every time we move. At Studio B Dance Company, we believe in movement for every body. In a world that often sends narrow messages about how we should look or move, dance can be a powerful tool for self-acceptance, confidence, and joy. What is Body Positivity? Body positivity is the belief that every person deserves to feel confident, respected, and celebrated in their own skin—regardless of shape, size, ability, or age. It's about rejecting unrealistic standards and embracing the beauty of our unique bodies. Dance as a Path to Self-Love When students step into a dance class, they learn more than steps and technique. They learn to appreciate what their bodies can do. Dance teaches strength, coordination, creativity, and expression. These experiences shift the focus from how a body looks to how it moves, feels, and grows. For young dancers especially, this shift is powerful. Developing confidence through movement helps them build positive body image, self-esteem, and resilience—tools that carry into every part of life. Research published in the Journal of Youth and Adolescence (2018) found that adolescents who engage in physical activity, including dance, reported higher levels of body appreciation and lower levels of body dissatisfaction. Another study from the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (2021) found that dance interventions improved body image and self-esteem, especially in young women. A Welcoming, Inclusive Studio Culture At Studio B, we create an environment where every dancer is valued. We:
Representation Matters Seeing a variety of bodies dancing, leading, and succeeding helps break down harmful stereotypes and opens up new possibilities for every student. We strive to highlight and celebrate dancers of all backgrounds and abilities in our classes, performances, and media. Final Thoughts Dance is for everyone. And at Studio B, our goal is to help every student feel empowered, seen, and supported just as they are. Because all bodies are dance bodies. And when we move with love, we grow without limits.  The Academic and Cognitive Benefits of Dance Education At Studio B, we know that dance does so much more than teach steps. It builds confidence, fosters friendships, and creates a lifelong love of movement. But did you know that dance can also make a powerful impact in the classroom? Research continues to show that students involved in dance and the arts often perform better academically—and it’s not by accident. Here’s why: Dance Boosts Brain Power Dance engages the brain in complex ways. Learning choreography strengthens memory and sequencing skills. Practicing routines enhances spatial awareness. And working with music improves rhythm, timing, and auditory processing. All of these contribute to stronger cognitive development. According to a study supported by the Dana Foundation’s Learning, Arts, and the Brain initiative, dance activates brain areas involved in attention and working memory—two key skills that support academic learning. Improved Focus and Discipline Students who participate in structured dance programs also develop critical life skills like focus, discipline, and perseverance. Dance classes require students to listen, observe, self-correct, and set long-term goals—all habits that translate directly to the classroom. A 2011 study published in the Journal of Youth Development found that youth involved in the arts showed improved executive function skills, including self-regulation and sustained attention. These are foundational tools for academic success and personal growth. Higher Academic Achievement Dance education has also been linked to measurable academic outcomes. The Arts Education Partnership reports that students who are highly engaged in the arts are more likely to:
Why It Matters at Studio B At Studio B, we design our dance programs with the whole child in mind. We’re not just building dancers—we’re building confident, focused, resilient individuals who thrive both in and out of the studio. From preschoolers learning to take turns in class, to teens pushing through a challenging routine, every dancer gains skills that serve them for life—including in school. Want to Support Your Child’s Growth? Whether your student is just starting their dance journey or has been dancing for years, their time in class is doing more than just training technique—it’s helping them build a strong foundation for success. Join us this season and experience the Studio B difference.  |
AuthorNatalie Brisighella is the owner and director of Studio B Dance Company, proudly serving the Cache Valley community. With over 25 years of dance training and more than 15 years of teaching experience, Natalie is passionate about combining proper technique with a positive, inclusive environment where every student feels seen and supported. Archives
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