I hesitated over writing an article that may appear to prescribe to dancers of a certain size or shape what they should or shouldn’t wear as I fully believe that we should all, regardless of our age or shape, jolly well wear what we want!
However, I am contacted so often by curvy dancers eager to find styles that make them feel confident that I think to be nervous of the subject is foolish and ultimately, no help at all to my beautiful customers. At Obsession Dancewear, we always make sure that we have beautiful and glamorous dresses available to buy in our larger sizes; L, XL and XXL, which equate to UK sizes 14-18. Given the stretch in lycra (particularly in Ballroom dresses), our XXL can often fit up to UK size 20.
When designing dresses, I never compromise on my creative vision and desire to produce stunning dresses that focus on glamour, style and enhancing movement. All Obsession dresses, regardless of their size, are heavily stoned, have daring designs and are breathtakingly glamorous.
A must for all dancers, regardless of shape or size, is feeling confident in a dress. If the dancer feels that the dress is too short, or the neckline is too low, for example, she will find herself constantly adjusting the dress. This anxiety is has a very negative effect on confidence and self-esteem and needs to be avoided at all costs! You will know yourself that seeing someone constantly adjusting their clothes makes them seem insecure. Therefore, your dance dress must fit well and make you feel confident. Once that is the case, you can go out onto the competition dance floor and show your dancing to the best of your ability without unwanted distractions.
All of our larger sizes are designed with elements favoured by our curvy customers, these include:
- Modest necklines. For dancers with a full bust, plunging necklines can be uncomfortable. A more modest neckline will allow for a full bra to be worn providing support and comfort. At Obsession, we can add larger cups to dresses or produce dresses without cups.
- High backs. Clever back designs that allow for wearing a supportive bra.
- Full mesh arms. Full arm coverage looks great in both Ballroom and Latin styles and is a favourite with curvy dancers.
- Feature chiffon arms. Often cooler than mesh, chiffon arms can add softness to a dress and are an unusual addition.
- Feature draping. Applied at the upper arm and stomach areas, draping can give dancers confidence without the need for a full dress redesign.
- Feature skirts. There are many skirt designs that can be created, without splits, to increase confidence.
- Front zips. It can be very difficult to get in and out of Ballroom and Latin dresses when you have limited time. Front zips allow for spectacular back designs (which hide bra straps) and make dressing at comps a much easier task.
- Flattering stoning patterns. Feature stoning can transform a dress by drawing the eye to, or away from, certain bits of the dancer’s body or by creating shaping that slims the waist or lengthens the legs.
All of these elements can be designed into an Obsession ‘Bespoke’ dress with a limited number added to an existing Obsession design in a Made-to-Measure dress. To discuss the creation of a Bespoke or Made-to-Measure Obsession dress, do get in touch through our ‘Contact’ page and we will be delighted to help.
If you are looking for a ready-to-wear dress, use the size search function on the website to find gorgeous curvy dresses that already have many of the clever features mentioned above already incorporated in their designs. I guarantee you will find something that flatters your shape, enhances your movement and gives you the confidence to dance to the best of your ability and beyond at your next comp.
