Thread: Turning A Prom Dress Into A Dance Dress?

I need a very specific style of dress for a performance. It's a very common style, and is easy to find at many prom gown suppliers. But do civilian dresses work as dance dresses, or do they fall apart under the movements? Anyone ever converted a gown to a dance dress?

- Leela

I have and I found that they work fine. The main issue it to make sure that anything which you add is firmly attached and integrated.

Also double and triple check the zippers. Sometimes they simply aren't meant to hold up to the type of abuse we give them!

{{{HUGS}}}

ooh i want to see it. are you going to add any beading?

I remember on thread where someone mentioned that a good fit and stretchy material is important, otherwise you just slide around inside of the dress and your movements won't show properly. I've never done this, but it made sense to me.

I have seen this done before. A lady had on a black dress (sparkly!) and she added a pretty red hip scarf to it. It looked good on her and it really worked. She bought the dress on sale after "Promtime".

That sounds like a really good idea! I thought about it once, then said "Naa!" Definitely let us know how it goes and add your tips. I have a prom like dress too that would be perfect.

Yes, I've done that.
I put a photo of the results in my gallery. This dress is actually two dresses, with jewel necklines. I cut down the neckline and opened up the side slits higher. I cut up the second dress to make the gauntlets. I added dyed chainette fringe at the neck and made a simple belt with more chainette. My niece is wearing it in the photo. I thought it looked more polished with pink harem pants, but she preferred yellow.

Originally Posted by nitewindz

Yes, I've done that.
I put a photo of the results in my gallery. This dress is actually two dresses, with jewel necklines. I cut down the neckline and opened up the side slits higher. I cut up the second dress to make the gauntlets. I added dyed chainette fringe at the neck and made a simple belt with more chainette. My niece is wearing it in the photo. I thought it looked more polished with pink harem pants, but she preferred yellow.

I have looked through loads of your photos nitewindz but i cant find the one where you have used 2 dresses to make a belly dance costume. I would really like to see this can you post a link please to the right picture. Thanks

Ann-Marie Aaliyahbellydance

Originally Posted by aaliyahbellydance

I have looked through loads of your photos nitewindz but i cant find the one where you have used 2 dresses to make a belly dance costume. I would really like to see this can you post a link please to the right picture. Thanks

Ann-Marie Aaliyahbellydance

Hey, Ann-Marie! Welcome to Bhuz.

one thing you have to be careful about is that it doesn't get bunchy and sloppy around your torso when you dance. do some side-to-side undulations, hip 8s of all kinds, shimmies(chest and hips) and lean backs in the dressing room before you buy it and see how it moves. if the skirt has enough weight then it should be find, but i've seen people dance in tank tops and in those fake busties (sp?) that don't really have boning, just the channels, and they get sloppy really fast.

I saw a dress at Windsor store a couple of days ago and, if they'd had my size (and if it met the "how does it move with you" requirements), I'd have it right now in my closet! I could just see myself doing a bit to a "golden age" classic in that thing.

If it works, go for it!

Deborah