Used dance costumes can be an excellent, budget-friendly option for performance, auditions and dress-up occasions. If you are searching for dance attire that won't cost a fortune, consider purchasing a previously worn outfit rather than buying a brand new one from your favorite store or catalog. If you are willing to spend a little time shopping around for a used costume that meets your needs you can save a significant amount of money.
Six Places to Find Used Dance Costumes
Since many dance costumes are purchased for recitals, they are often worn only one or two times before being offered for resale. While it may take a bit of time to locate a secondhand dance outfit in the right size and theme, the savings can make the time and effort that it takes to find one worthwhile.
Here are six resources you may want to utilize when shopping for used dance attire
1. Consignment Dance Costume Retailers
There are a number of consignment shops that specialize in used dance attire. These stores sell used costumes on behalf of owners in exchange for a sales commission. Even if there isn't a consignment dance costume store in your local area, you may be able to find an appropriate outfit from an online consignment store that specializes in dance costumes.
2. Local Dancewear Stores
Visit stores in your local community that carry dancewear and get to know the sales staff. The employees are likely to speak to others who are involved in the dance community on a regular basis and may be able to connect you with costume owners who are looking to recoup some of the money they have spent on costumes that are no longer needed. There may even be a bulletin board in the store where customers can post information about used costumes that they are looking to sell or hope to purchase.
3. Dance School Studios
Since dance schools hold recitals and performances on a regular basis, they are a great place to make contact with people who have gently used dance costumes that are for sale. Contact dance studios in your area to see if a list of people who want to sell costumes is available. Even if a list is not available at some studios, you may be permitted to post a sign on an on-site bulletin board specifying what you are looking for.
4. Thrift Stores
Many people donate their used dance outfits to thrift stores rather than taking the time to try to sell them. You never know what kind of costumes you might find when you visit local thrift shops such as the ones operated by Goodwill-Easter Seals and the Salvation Army.
5. Online Auction Sites
You might be able to find a terrific bargain on a lovely dance costume on eBay or another online auction site. Of course, you need to realize that there's always a possibility of getting into a bidding war with other buyers when you locate dance attire through this type of resource. Have a clear idea of how much you are willing to pay for a costume and set your maximum bid accordingly. If someone outbids you, then you'll need to keep looking for other options.
6. Classified Ads
Individuals and companies that are trying to sell secondhand dancewear often place classified advertisements in print and online classified sites. If you are having trouble finding the right costume, you may even place a "costume wanted" ad of your own as a way of locating a potential seller.
Secondhand Dance Costume Considerations
It's important to be flexible when you are shopping for used dance costumes. If you are too rigid in your expectations, you may have a hard time finding a suitable outfit. Start out with a general theme and color scheme rather than a preconceived notion of exactly what the costume must look like. By keeping an open mind and staying flexible, you will greatly increase the chances that you will find a great deal on a terrific costume that meets your needs.
