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Costume Policy

Introduction

Dragonfly Dance celebrates adult dancers of all backgrounds and body types. As part of our performances, costumes play a key role in enhancing artistic expression, building group identity, and contributing to a cohesive, confident performance.

This policy outlines our approach to costuming, aiming to be inclusive, affordable, and empowering, while ensuring high-quality stage presentation and a smooth rehearsal process.

Purpose

To provide a clear and consistent approach to costumes for showcases.
To ensure dancers feel confident, comfortable, and included.
To maintain quality and cohesion in stage presentation.
To outline roles, responsibilities, and processes for sourcing, approving, and managing costumes.

Scope

This policy applies to all Dragonfly Dance showcase performances and includes all dancers, teachers, and volunteers involved in costuming for these events. It covers:

All decisions and processes related to the selection, sourcing, approval, and use of costumes.
Responsibilities of dancers, teachers, and volunteers in preparing for the performance.
Cost and payment expectations related to costuming.
Events where costumes are required, including rehearsals and the final performance.
This policy does not apply to regular weekly dance classes or other non-showcase studio activities.

Key policy precepts

Body diversity and comfort

We value body diversity and believe every dancer should feel confident on stage. Costumes must:

be available in an inclusive range of sizes
allow for individual preferences in coverage, structure, or style
be adjustable (where possible) to suit individual needs
never force a dancer to wear an item that makes them feel exposed or uncomfortable.

Affordability and access

To keep costs reasonable and ensure all dancers can participate:

A costume fee may be charged per dance to cover expenses such as admin, hiring, cleaning, or simple items, but we aim to keep it low and manageable
Where financial hardship exists, dancers may complete a payment difficulties form
Items like shoes, tights, underwear, or leotards must be purchased by the dancer directly.

Costume approach

Simplified, thematic costumes

We use simple unifying elements such as colour themes, waistcoats, scarves, or other accessories rather than fully matching costumes. This approach offers greater flexibility, affordability, and personal comfort.

Collaborative concepts

Teachers consult with their class to develop costume ideas that align with the dance and theme.
Teachers must seek final approval from the Studio Owner (Showcase Director) before confirming concepts with dancers.
No costume decisions or discussions should happen between students without the teacher involved.

Self-sourced and borrowed items

Dancers may source their own items with teacher approval.
Items may be borrowed from the Dragonfly Dance costume collection or other dancers.
Occasionally, the group may create simple handmade accessories (e.g. armbands, hats, etc.) as a collective project.

Roles and responsibilities

Studio Owner / Showcase Director

Sets the costume policy
Oversees all costuming decisions
Provides final approval for all concepts
Supports teachers, dancers, and volunteers.

Teachers

Develop costume ideas in consultation with their class
Ensure comfort, affordability, and inclusivity are considered
Communicate expectations clearly and gain approval before items are sourced or made
Check costume items during class (especially Costume Call Week).

Dancers

Participate in costume planning and voice concerns early
Do not purchase or make any costume items without teacher approval
Bring their costume to all events where costumes are required
Cover any agreed additional costume costs that exceed the standard costume fee
Provide their own underwear, tights, and dance shoes, unless otherwise agreed
Wear the correct costume, hair, and makeup for all required events
Return any costumes borrowed or hired by agreed timelines
Ensure costume is not damaged when in their care.

Volunteers

May assist with handmade costume elements or borrowed item coordination
May help sort, clean, or return costume items as needed.

Returns, adjustments and disputes

Once a costume has been confirmed and sourced, it is considered final. Changes will only be made if:

The item is not functional
It differs significantly from what was advertised
There’s a serious sizing or comfort issue
An exception is approved by the Studio Owner.

Review

This policy will be reviewed annually and amended as appropriate.