Dress to impress for less Dancewear can be one of the most enticing aspects of ballroom, but also one of the most expensive. Marianka Swain investigates the second-hand market eople are definitely “The biggest problem with “ looking for more second-hand is the risk factor, P dancewear bargains particularly buying an expensive since the recession,” observes ballroom dress based designer Desiree Edwards of on a picture, so it’s Desire Designs Desiree. “But safest to meet the ballroom follows trends just like seller and try on the high fashion, so it’s difficult to product, but that’s not think in terms of finding one always possible with outfit that lasts, especially international transactions.” if you’re competing.” If you prefer to see a Luckily for fashion-savvy and range of second-hand clothes competitive dancers, there’s in the flesh, DSI sales manager now a burgeoning second-hand Carol Williams recommends market through both big brands Change of a Dress at Blackpool, and independent websites, which an agency that accepts items allows dancers to purchase of any brand and sells them on. outfits at a fraction of the price “Lots of dancers do it now, and or sell their dancewear and it’s a great way to save money.” make some money back. However, Eva is proud that “At Chrisanne, we have she hasn’t had any reports of something called the dishonest buyers or sellers. resale process,” “There are people out there who’ll explains Noelle Nadal. try to scam you, so if you get a “We vet the dress that strange email from someone a customer’s hoping offering double the price for to resell, make sure your item after you’ve posted it it’s in good condition and then to them, delete it, and if you’re price it accordingly. When a new Dancesport UK website: “We’ve unsure about the method of customer buys it, the previous been running our second-hand payment, don’t take risks. But, owner gets a percentage of the section for eight years and it’s in my experience, scammers sale back. You can get fantastic had an incredibly high success are from outside the ballroom discounts on the dresses, rate. We post the advertisements world – the second-hand market sometimes up to 70 per cent.” from sellers and buyers contact allows dancers to deal directly It benefits both buyers them directly, so they can discuss with other dancers, and it’s and sellers, notes Eva Allen, the product and find the best a very honest community.” webmaster and owner of the way to arrange the purchase. Hannah Godfrey, who dances ➤ “Dancers like seeing pictures of what they’re buying – you never know how a commissioned dress will turn out – and hearing from another dancer that the outfit works well on the floor” MAY 2011 \ DANCETODAY \ 25 danceFEATURE danceFEATURE for the University of East Anglia, the surroundings. In terms of agrees with this assessment: Second to none: the top ten deals cerise lustre-Lycra gloves outfit, worn by professional sizing, compare your figure to “I’ve bought all my dresses and belt and matching Kristina Rihanoff on “Strictly the seller’s in order to work out second-hand. Although I wasn’t 1. Angel delight on net over-layer, worn by fan choker necklace. Come Dancing”. Standout if it will be the right fit for you. always sure about sizes, they White ballroom favourite Ann Widdecombe on Size 8. design and features 3,400 Most importantly, no matter what often have pictures of girls dress, worn by “Strictly Come Dancing”. Features Price: £412.20 Swarovski elements. your size, always pick a dress dancing in them, so you can professional Natalie 10,100 Swarovski elements. (reduced by 70 per Price: £686.88 (reduced with personality and impact.” tell how the dress looks on the Lowe on “Strictly Price: £600 cent from £1,374) from £1,374) If you’re not sure what will suit competition floor and, most Come Dancing”. Contact: Chrisanne (as before) Contact: Chrisanne Contact: Chrisanne (as before) you, the second-hand market importantly, how the skirt moves.” Made with Lycra and (as before) is a great way to experiment The second-hand market also angelskin, brushed 4. Bird of paradise 9. Let’s get ready to rumba with different styles, says seller gives purchasers a taste of the embroidery on Eye-catching kingfisher-blue Fully Samantha Kolijn, who’s ranked higher echelons, notes Noelle: net and 3,200 ballroom dress made with chiffon, crystallised second in Amateur Standard in “We sell on dresses worn by Swarovski tulle and silver Latin the Netherlands with partner ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ stars and elements. Lycra, plus bodysuit with Dennis Voermans. “Rather than by our sponsored professionals, Price: £624 ten packets beautiful violet paying full price for something like Kristi Boyce and Morena (reduced from of Swarovski drape, worn and being stuck with it, you pay Colagreco, so aspiring dancers £1,248) crystals on only once a lower price to try something can buy a dress that made it to Contact: Chrisanne the bodice, for a rumba out. If you don’t like it or you the final competition rounds. It (020 8640 5921; sales@ feathered skirt showcase. want a change, you can sell it instantly makes you stand out, chrisanne.com; and matching Features about on and find the next dress.” as people associate the dress www.chrisanne.com) wrap. Worn only 40 Swarovski crystals. Size: bust It’s a system that’s growing with the sponsored dancer.” That twice. Size 8–10 33”, waist 27”, hips 35”. in popularity, observes Eva: recognition is a safety net, adds 2. Lovely in lilac (height 1.69m). Price: £850 “Dancers like seeing pictures of Eva: “You couldn’t get away with Never-worn, Price: £900 Contact: jennieyleung what they’re buying – you never stealing a dress and wearing it at bespoke Elaine Contact: [email protected] @gmail.com know how a commissioned dress competitions, as everyone knows Gornall-designed will turn out – and hearing from everyone in the ballroom world – lilac ballroom dress. 5. Berry bright 10. Purple passion another dancer that the outfit including everyone’s dresses!” Features an unusual Dynamic blueberry Figure- works on the floor. Good dresses Desiree advises thinking Swarovski-jewelled and silver Latin 7. Pretty in pink hugging sell very quickly; one customer about your personal style before halterneck bodice and dress, made with Elaine Gornall-designed rose- purple Latin put up two dresses and sold making a purchase, “especially includes matching crepe fabric. coloured ballroom dress. Organza dress made them in two days! Above all, it which colours you have in your gloves with jewel Features all- underskirts beneath white lace to by Natasa gives you greater freedom to wardrobe and which parts of detailing. Size 8–10. over sequin net create volume, Swarovski crystals Ambroz, IDSF explore various options, save your body you want to highlight. Price: £750 plus fabric and 7,800 on bodice and a crinoline band second vice- some money and benefit from the Once you’ve worked that out, postage Swarovski elements forming a collar. Matching gloves president worldwide dance community.” l shop around to find the best Contact: rejuvena@ to stand out on the with floats and earrings included. and chair deal. But don’t automatically hotmail.com floor. Size 16. Size 6–10 (height 1.68–75m). of the IDSF Websites go for the cheapest option: Price: £2,130 Price: £1,450 Education Department. Chrisanne: dancewear is an investment, 3. A Widdy Contact: Chrisanne Contact: Dress is heavily stoned with www.chrisanne.com as well-cared-for, high-quality wonder (as before) samanthakolijn@ Swarovski crystals and jewelled Desire Designs clothes can always be sold on.” Silver lustre- hotmail.com accessories included: necklace, Desiree: www. Noelle suggests researching Lycra and satin- 6. Black magic earrings and hairpiece. desiredesignsdesiree.co.uk the dancefloor you’ll be on: chiffon ballroom Distinctive jet Latin costume, 8. Red-hot mama Size 8–12. DSI: www.dancesport- “Lighting is key! Some floors dress with with 500 Swarovski elements Super-sexy red Price: £300 international.com are very pale with bright lighting, red brushed and black dropper sequin discs lustre-Lycra and Contact: ida.slatkish Dancesport UK: so if you wear a pale dress, embroidery built on a Lycra leotard. Includes stretch-satin Latin @hotmail.com www.dancesport.uk.com the colour will disappear into 26 / WWW.DANCE-TODAY.CO.UK MAY 2011 \ DANCETODAY \ 27.