Behind the Seams: A Look at Costuming

Costumes are a vital ingredient to the magic that happens at Slay the Stage. Not only do they add to the glamor and allure that the show is known for, they also play an important role in portraying the characters and stories that each performer brings to the stage.

Being a Slaybae as well as the designer behind the brand Glorious Spirits, I’d like to share some of my tips and experiences with choosing and creating costumes.

When I am working on a performance, my costumes are more than just show day attire. In fact, they are usually the beginning of my choreography process and the inspiration for my character or story. While starting with a costume may seem backwards, having a character in mind gives me something to emotionally connect with. By understanding my character and their story, it is easier to work out choreography because I am able to imagine what they would feel and how their movement would reflect those emotions. That being said, how would I decide on a costume in the first place? There are several things that I give thought to. I like to go through the following checklist:

-Is it comfortable?

-is it secure?

-Can I move freely in it, executing my full range of motion?

-Is it suitable for my equipment? For example, does it have any pieces or accessories that will damage or get caught in the aerial fabric, straps or poles?

-Does it reflect a style of dance that I am comfortable performing?

These are qualities that I take into consideration when designing a show costume. The process is so much fun and feels a little like fairy Godmother magic! There is something so rewarding about starting with a few flat sheets of fabric and watching them take shape into a show worthy outfit that is sparkly or sexy, something that glows or flows as the dancer moves. Seeing them on an artist in action is such a fulfilling feeling. There is also limitless creative freedom to be found in costume design. Everyday fashion follows trends and styles of the current time creating certain limits for designers. Costume design is not like that, it has no rules and that is why I love it. In costuming, if you can dream something and it can be created, you can wear it! It can be as shiny, frilly, colorful or crazy as you like because the chances are that the more ‘out there’ it is, the more the audience would love it.

If you would like to follow some of my creations I am on Instagram @glorious_spirits and Glorious Spirits Official on Facebook.