Last weekend saw the long anticipated return of Strictly Come Dancing - since its debut in 2004 Strictly has been one of the most popular programmes on our screens. Every series we see a new cast of celebrities take to the flow to learn a variety of dance routines including the waltz and the foxtrot clad in spectacular dancer costumes composed of the most stunning Dressmaking Fabrics. The talented wardrobe department at the BBC is responsible for creating the breathtaking designs. Head designers, Vicky Gill and her team have a number of aspects to consider when they are sourcing the Dressmaking Fabrics for both the professional dancers and the celebrities. Each week the designers will begin by sketching a rough design of each dancers outfit, the design will depend largely upon the particular them of that weeks show and will be required to complement the choreographed dance routine and the live music. Where possible the designers will work to keep the design as close as possible to the traditional costume design for example a salsa costume is likely to be considerably more frivolous and adventurous than a traditional ballroom costume and be composed of brighter shades of Dressmaking Fabric such as reds and oranges. Back in 2014 eventual winner Caroline Flack danced the cha cha in a dazzling gold fringed dress, this piece was all about its texture and movement and was perfect for the fast paced latin performance. Dressmaking Fabrics for more traditional ballroom performances tend to be lighter with more fluidity of movement.
Back in 2014, The Saturday's star Frankie Bridge proved to be one of the most popular contestants of the series. Partnered by Kevin Clifton, Frankie performed a show-stopping waltz in week 2 wearing a breathtaking tutu inspired gown. The specific shade of emerald Dressmaking Fabric was sourced to specifically complement the romantic theme of the performance and was expertly constructed from multiple laters of satin and georgette. The cinched in waist hi lighted Frankie's dancers shape and worked perfectly with the full volume of the netted skirt; a rhinestone adorned bodice perfectly enhanced the soft femininity of this beautiful gown making it the perfect choice for the elegant and romantic performance of this traditional dance.
[caption id="attachment_4134" align="alignleft" width="222"] Holly Valance's argentine tango dress composed of red Dressmaking Fabrics.[/caption]
The argentine tango is one of the most dramatic dances performed on the show and is a performance I always look forward to thanks to the beautifully dramatic costumes. An interpretation of the classic tango, the argentine tango originates from Buenos Aires at the end of the 19th century and is a fiery and passionate dance. When creating the costumes for these performances, the costume designers will be looking for Dressmaking Fabrics to reflect both the intensity of the story and its Latin roots. Traditionally, women dancing the tango will wear long skirts however for modern performers all lengths of skirts are considered acceptable as long as free movement is allowed. Tango dresses are often recognisable by their asymmetrical hemlines and adorned fringes and are most often composed from stretch Dressmaking Fabrics such as lycra. The argentine tango is a dance that completely bewitches its audience and it is imperative that the customers designers produce a dress that will do justice to the performance. Dresses worn for this most anticipated of performances are usually of a dark and dramatic palette and include Dressmaking Fabrics in shades of purple, red and black and are often the most risqué costumes of the series. Back in 2011, Neighbours star Holly Valance wowed audiences when danced the argentine tango with her professional partner Artem wearing a beautiful red gown with diamante detail paired with the traditional tango fishnet tights. This beautiful costume was constructed from a mesh Dressmaking Fabric which allowed the performer full range of movement whilst creating the atmosphere of a latino dance hall in which the dance was originally performed.
We carry a fantastic selection of Dressmaking Fabrics perfect for creating show-stopping dance costumes which are favourites with dance schools and theatre companies all over the country. Powernet Dressmaking Fabric in particular is an excellent choice for dance costumes - sometimes referred to as body stocking, power net is composed of 82% nylon and 18% spandex and is often used as a base layer for dance costumes or for adding detailing such as a chest panel or sleeves. Power net features a fantastic 4-way stretch resulting in a fabric which gives maximum range of movement whilst remaining comfortable and fully breathable. Our sequin jersey Dressmaking Fabric is a popular choice for latin costumes; featuring 6mm sequins this particularly fabric looks wonderful under stage lights and is available to purchase in a wide range of colour options. For traditional ballroom costume our satin Dressmaking Fabrics are the perfect choice particularly lightweight satins.