Night & day: classy costumes for any hour

Dance Magazine, Oct, 2007 by Khara Hanlon

Few experiences stir a dancer's emotions more than performing in an amazing costume. A carefully chosen ensemble adds vitality to any portrayal. And stepping into costume has the power to transform even the shyest of souls. Suddenly a student feels more beautiful, mischievous, or powerful. Combine a spot-on costume with music, movement, and lighting and the result is pure magic. Dancer and audience alike can be transported to distant places or times. A costume is just one component of the mood of a piece, so think of the entire dance when choosing one. Is it set at nighttime or the morning? Is the dancer in the city or deep in the forest? Whatever the setting, a costume enhances the atmosphere of any piece. It's funny what a little fabric can do.

Kara is wearing KELLE COMPANY, "Sweet Emotion," #8706, 800.707.8333, www.kellecompany.com

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Heather is wearing WOLFF FORDING & CO., "Canned Heat," #5487, 800.888.8496, www.dancecostume.com

CAPEZIO, Latino Ballroom Shoe, #BR11, shown courtesy of www.shopdiscountdancewear.com

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COSTUME GALLERY, "Prima" tutu, #8957.

Casey is wearing COSTUME GALLERY, men's shirt, #A42-60, vest, #A54-04, black performance pants, #930-51, 800.222.8125, www.costumegallery.net

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Monique is wearing EUROTARD, princess seam handkerchief dress, #13805, 770.475.3045, www.eurotard.com

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LEBO'S, "Tears of Pain," #3537, 704.321.5000, www.lebosdancewear.com

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ALGY Performance Collection, "Desert Rose," #1-DESE, 800.458.ALGY, www.algyperforms.com

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LEO'S DANCEWEAR, "Le Jazz Hot," 800.736.LEOS, www.leosdancewear.com

WEISSMAN'S DESIGNS FOR DANCE, pullover shirt, #4098, sequin tie, #99-4105, straight-leg pants, #1147, 800.477.5410, www.weissmanscostumes.com

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WEISSMAN'S DESIGNS FOR DANCE, "All Right Now," #4096, shown with optional white patent boot spats, 800.477.5410, www.weissmanscostumes.com

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A WISH COME TRUE, "Graceful," #9064, 215.781.2000, www.awishcometrue.com

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ART STONE/THE COMPETITOR, "Intensity," #C-563, 800.522.8897, www.artstonecostumes.com

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SATIN STITCHES, custom-created short jumpsuit, 800.48.Satin, www.satinstiches.com

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CURTAIN CALL COSTUMES, "Urban Heat," #C8-J2921, 888.808.0801, www.curtaincallcostumes.com

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LIBERTS, asymmetrical hologram and sequin top, #10435, lightweight metallic Lycra pants, #10145, 800.624.6480, www.liberts.com

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CURTAIN CALL COSTUMES, long-sleeved shirt, #C8-B7923, straight legged pants, #C8-B1529, 888.808.0801, www.curtaincallcostumes.com

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MIRELLA, camisole leotard, #M244L, www.mirella-dance.com

BODY WRAPPERS, convertible can-can corset, #7785, 800.323.0786, www.bodywrappers.com

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CICCI DANCE SUPPLIES, "Dream Catcher," 800.652.4224, www.ciccidance.com

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THE APPLAUSE/A. CHATILA CO. INC., "True Colors," 718.966.0600, www.theapplause.com

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--Cole Porter composed "Night and Day" for the 1932 musical The Gay Divorce. The 1934 film version, The Gay Divorcee, starring Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire, was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Picture.

hair & makeup by DAVID TIBOLLA

Modeled by Kara Klein, Heather Godrey, Monique Smith, and Casey Ross of DDO Artists Agency

photography by PAUL SUNDAY