I know that all mother’s say this, but my daughter is so talented. She really is. I mean, I knew when she was doing pirouettes in the kitchen at the age of three that she was definitely going to be a dancer. There were, however, some things that I definitely DIDN’T know I would be dealing with when she became a dancer.
Costumes. They are amazing and beautiful. They are an art form in and of themselves, and they contribute to giving the wearer the courage to become the character that dazzles an audience. There is no question that the costume is as integral to a performance as the artist who brings it to life. Maybe that is why costumes are so damn expensive.
The cost of the costume is not a complaint; It’s just an observation. Since my sweet, magical dancer can seemingly fly to the heavens and gather clouds from the sky that soak up my tears during her performances, I would mortgage my home for the costumer. It is what happens after the performance that gets me. After the build up, the anticipation, the hair and makeup, the photos, and the accolades; After all of this is over, the costume is cleaned and carefully packed away into an air-tight container or hanging wardrobe never to be seen again (until I run out of room in the closet and have to figure out what to do with it). I didn’t know.
While I do not complain about the cost of costumes (for which I am very fortunate), I know that others can. The cost for many of these one of a kind beauties either creates hardship for families or knocks them right out of the ring. This is not something new. I can clearly remember being a nine year old student of Miss Ellie Brown. Instead of dropping me off at the studio one day, my father had me wait in the car while he talked with Miss Ellie about why I would not be attending any more classes. That sweet woman not only cut my tuition costs in half, she gave my step-mother permission to hand-make my costumes as long as they looked just like the costumes being purchased. I remember helping apply lots of fringe for my flapper number: And, I know that I flapped my heart out.
My point is that everyone has circumstances, but not everyone can figure out how to navigate those circumstances. If my daughter’s dance school accepted donations of costumes, I would bring them a truck load. If I knew that other mother’s were searching for specific costumes at Goodwill, I would keep them well stocked. And, if a site like The Costume Exchange wants to create a space to lighten the burden for parents having bought and buying, then I am in!
I think Miss Ellie would also be in.
tcx.one 