One of our teachers chose this costume for a 9-13 year lyrical group. One of the parents has concerns that it is too revealing, with "the arms and legs all exposed". We felt that compared to many of the low-cut or 2 piece costumes out there, that this was somewhat modest. Leos and tights are at least this revealing. The rest of the group love the costume.

Mom and dancer are very nice, not the typical complainers. I think they are just a bit more modest in dress than many of our students. I suspect that she would not be allowed to wear shorts and tank tops....

How would you handle this? I am pretty sure that they will pull the dancer if we don't change the costume.

Too bad for them. I wouldn't change at all. However, would they be bare legged or wearing tan tights? I think they may change their opinion if the're wearing tights.

Honestly, shes a dancer, and this is a modest dance costume. I would shoe her the books that have all the skimpy costumes. One thing that might work.is putting thicker real straps on it instead of the tan ones. Will they wear tights? If they wear tan tights her legs will not be exposed. They will actually be covered.

Thanks for your replies. Yes, they will be wearing tan tights. ("but they look bare") I will pass the thicker stap suggestion along =)

I get that mom thinks it's too revealing but it's not first off. Secondly, I had an issue like this before, parent thought it was "too mature" picture it on a 9 year-old it looks different right? We have the natural ability to do this and parents do not. As soon as the costume came the mom agreed...looks completely different on a 9 year-old. I wish more costume companies would show the costumes on different ages.

The costume is cute...don't cave for this mom!

I agree that this costume is fine for a nine year old (certainly more mature than some costuming, but not inappropriate). Mom has the right and duty to decide what sort of clothing her child will wear. If she is the type to not allow her child to wear shorts and tank top, then I can understand why this costume does not work for her.

Unless you live in a conservative area and mom is the norm, I would just kindly explain that you hear her concern and understand if her daughter will not be able to participate in the dance. I would let her know that I respect her decisions for her daughter and that I was sorry that this year's costume wasn't going to work for her. It doesn't sound like mom demanded it be changed, but I still wouldn't. Hopefully mom will understand and will either allow the costume or will continue with lessons and participate in the show next year.

It looks like a biketard underneath all the flowing layers which when paired with tights is more modest than a leotard.
I agree that perhaps a colored strap in a similar colored sheer fabric could be just the right compromise if you choose to try. If you think the costume is fine then explain to her that the age of the model could be affecting her perception and perhaps she could withhold judgement until she sees it on.

I am using this costume too (10-12 year olds), and we are known for being conservative in our costume choices. Like your students, mine will also be wearing tights with it. I don't see how it could be looked at as inappropriate. With tights, the only skin showing will be the arms and neck.

I think it is fine too. I had a family for a while who didn't want their Creative Movement, then into Pre Ballet daughter (so 3 to 6 years old) in a costume with bare shoulders. It is a good think I wasn't her teacher, as I always chose baby ballet costumes with just the straps. I'm the SO, but my teachers pick their own costumes. Her teacher liked the "party dress" type costumes better anyway, so she always had the kind with little puff sleeves. Last year my high school jazz teacher picked a costume with capri pants and a tunic tank top. The mom of two of the girls said her daughters could show their shoulders!!! REALLY? Teacher let them wear a nude long sleeve leotard underneath. Sheesh, where do these people come from? Oh well. Problem solved. It wasn't for a competition, just recital, so I approved it. Seemed ridiculous to me. I guess that could be an option for you, or you could just decide that this is the costume and this is how it is to be worn and let them withdraw if they don't like it. If they stay, it will be the same thing every time you pick a costume.

I agree with the other posters, if you cave in & change, this mother will do it to you again & again & again. I rid myself of a mother just like that this year!

Totally agree. Don't cave. I would understand if it was a 2 piece bikini costume and the mom was upset, but this is just a pretty lyrical costume! I would tell them that they will be fully covered (as in there is a biketard with full coverage shorts underneath that will not show any stomach either. And you're right, a leo and tights is more revealing than this. It's gorgeous btw, what book is it from?

Used this costume this year....it's beautiful on stage and not inappropriate at all

This is a VERY beautiful costume! I would use neutral tights, but I do that for all lyrical costumes.

Too bad the model is older, and bare-legged, as it does look like more of a woman's nightie! I would use a darker color, if available, in addition to tights. And I think it's a bit mature for 9 year olds, but OK for ages 10+

With the thousands of costumes to pick from, I personally would have looked for something similar, but a bit longer, for this age group.

this is why we don't show anyone any pics of costumes. it always looks better/different on your dancers. when the costumes come in, then they can see it. all they do is complain when they see a pic.

I think the costume is beautiful! I think it's a very child-like costume even on the model who is older. It's very whimsical.

Like someone else said, it's essentially a biketard with some flowy pieces attached. Do the students wear tights and a leotard to class? Because this is no different.

Heh heh heh, pick another, more revealing one and say, "This is the other choice."

Well, not really, but tell her that it covers more than most leotards, and it does, so if she chooses not to participate in the dance, you understand.

Do NOT give in. UGH

Dream_chaser wrote:

Heh heh heh, pick another, more revealing one and say, "This is the other choice."

Lol I would do that... sounds like me

My eight and nine year olds are wearing this costume for their lyrical piece and they love it. After their first showcase, the parents were concerned about the top being considerably low but it does have a biketard underneath so they are completely covered. It is definitely visually pleasing on stage. Hope it works out!

I love this costume and don't find it inappropriate at all. I'm considered to be a "conservative" studio.

Maybe if the dancer were less sexy looking, mom would have no issue. Sometimes I wish that costumes that came in adult and child sizes, were shown on both age groups. We can see how they will look, but others do not have that vision.

Well if mom thinks this is too revealing, I'm guessing she'd flip if her daughter wore a platter tutu - omg her bum ruffles would be showing!!

Don't change it!

Where is this costumes from? I think it's beautiful!

Triskit wrote:

Well if mom thinks this is too revealing, I'm guessing she'd flip if her daughter wore a platter tutu - omg her bum ruffles would be showing!!

Don't change it!

But it's ballet! There's nothing immoral or distasteful about ballet, I mean there's nothing sordid there. At all. *cough*Manon*cough* I mean, a tutu is the epitome of beauty. There's nothing sexy about ballet, they're always fully dressed. *cough*Spartacus*cough* And it's never violent or morbid! Not at all!!