Looking at the picture, I can see why a particularly conservative dresser might be hesitant--the costume is being modeled by a dancer with a very mature "look". That being said, in a child size on 9 to 13-year-olds, I think it will be perfectly fine. (Especially with skin-tone tights. I always prefer tights with bike-shorts costumes... I've seen too many unfortunate accidents when dancers start moving around on stage )

Maybe you could explain to your concerned parent that the costume is illustrated with a more mature look, but that in a child size on your students it won't show more than a leotard and tights does? (I'm assuming that your students take class in leotard and tights periodically.) I also agree with the suggestion to find straps that match the costume instead of skin-tone straps if you decide you want to modify the costume--I think that might blunt any "but it's intended to look strapless" factor.

I've worn plenty of dance costumes when I was that age that were about as revealing as that, and I would see no problem with it :S

I think it's a really pretty costume!

Thanks, everyone, for your replies. The costume is from Costume Gallery.

If you think that the age/look of the model may be an influencing factor when showing parents and/or students, one idea may be to cut the picture out of the book and get rid of the model's head. (I know - sounds violent- lol). My SO started doing this many years ago after hearing all kinds of ridiculous complaints that really had nothing to do with the costume. Since then, it has gotten much easier and a LOT LESS complaining. She also has been known to cut arms off if we weren't using armbands or feet so that people don't buy the wrong shoes even though we CLEARLY spell out what they need.

tapgirl1 wrote:

If you think that the age/look of the model may be an influencing factor when showing parents and/or students, one idea may be to cut the picture out of the book and get rid of the model's head. (I know - sounds violent- lol). My SO started doing this many years ago after hearing all kinds of ridiculous complaints that really had nothing to do with the costume. Since then, it has gotten much easier and a LOT LESS complaining. She also has been known to cut arms off if we weren't using armbands or feet so that people don't buy the wrong shoes even though we CLEARLY spell out what they need.

Ha! I think that is a great idea!

I also used to crop out the legs and feet, if were not using the same shoes or tights, head if the hat was different, or older/younger, and even arms if not using the same arm pieces.

No matter what you say, some people have no vision, no brains, or both.

They do show the costume on a younger dancer:

www.costumegallery.net . . .