I'm planning to compete in the newcomer category of a competition next February and would like to purchase a tuxedo for the smooth dancing section of the competition. (This will be the first of many competitions, I hope!) I've heard that the cut of tuxedos for ballroom dancing differs slightly from that of regular tuxedos. They apparently don't bunch up at the shoulders when one is dancing. Can anyone give me any advice/tips on this concern of mine? I live in Northeast Indiana, so if you know of any retailers or suppliers that you'd recommend around the region, please don't hesitate to let me know. Any and all information would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Larinda - Thank you for responding. My wife is still out of town and I haven't told her the message yet. She will be back in a few days and I'll have her contact you when she gets back.

Rice...
I also wore a blueish greenish dress at Ohio. It too is a very simply designed gown. It is very metallic and shiny. Don't know if perhaps this is the one you are refering to?!

Larinda

I'll Start with David...
Yes I think that is probably very true of Oniks ability! American style seems to be his specialty. For a good quality pair of Standard tail... definately look for people abroad who make that their specialty! (I just meant to say I would never try to do an underarm turn in a suit from the UK.)

Another excellent tailor in England is Arthur Ashmore, but try as I did all day, I could not find a phone # for him.

Now for Rice...
At USDSC, for the first several rounds, I did wear a seafoam green, very light simple, dress with a type of drapey top. For the Final I wore a light blue dress with a black drapey top...the two dresses are identical except for color.

I don't know about being "commercially" available, I've never seen anything in a store quite like them, but both dress are for sale through me and my sponsor, Dore.

Both dresses had completely sheer skirts which we opted to line with a second layer afterwards. You are more than welcome to see them again. I can send them to you if you like.

Larinda McRaven
LarindaMcRaven@aol.com

Before you rush out to buy a tailsuit, you should check the "costume" rules of the competition you're planning to attend. Costuming is commonly restricted or not allowed at the newcomer level.

While a tux is not a dance costume, any man attending dance comps regularly should own a tux. You can wear it at any of the black tie functions.

Regards,
Blair

A very interesting comment Larinda, I had just the opposite result from buying from ONYK. I purchased a suit for Standard which I had to alter drastically. Two other ONYK suits owned by friends suffer from similar problems. I guess from this, that your suggestion is a good one, buy domestically for american style and foreign for international.

Larinda - I'm sorry to deviate from the topic but since we are in the subject of dance apparel I would like to take this opportunity to ask you (if you don't mind)if you were the one wearing the silky seafoam green or light blue gown during the semifinals? My wife likes the cut of the gown for its simplicity, elegance, and practicality as a formal evening wear. Is that gown available commercially?

We apologize in advance if it's a mistaken identity but that's the couple we've been watching that night. Thanks.

Rice

Hi everyone,
Thanks for the responses to my original post! I really appreciate the help! I will be sure to check the rules of the competition to make sure that I'm not 'overdressed'. Tails look wonderful on good dancers, but I've yet to reach that stage! Spending more than a few hundred dollars for a tuxedo is certainly out of the question at the moment! I do plan on purchasing a tuxedo, nonetheless, for use at formal balls and other black tie events. Does anyone have any idea what cut is used most often or looks more flattering when used while dancing? I was born and raised in Malaysia, where I attended an all-boys' school (Bleeuch, in retrospect!), so I have never had the occasion to wear a tuxedo. As such, my knowledge of this formal dress is almost non-existent.
Again, thanks to everyone for their help and for any future responses that I will receive! Ta!

brandon..

Brandon,

Buying a tuxedo (not a tailcoat) is not much different from buying a good suit. You have many of the same options such as single vs. double breasted and various collar shapes. The style you choose will be based on your personal preferences and body type. Look for a good men's wear store or tuxedo shop to help you with this.

Good luck,
Blair

Congratulations on you desicion to purchase a pair of dance tails!

If you are panning on competing regulary, then this is a very wise decision. If, however, this competition is a one shot deal, or you are unsure of your commitment to compete, then wearing a black vest and black pants is just fine. Also, have your teacher check the rules of the competition for costumes in the newcomer catagory!

Dance tails are VERY different than regular tuxedos! So it is important to purchase them specifically from a ballroom tailor and not down the street at the Mens Shop or Wedding Shop!

There are a few things to consider when picking out tails. All tailors will send you as many fabric samples, with different patterns and wieghts, as you like. They will also offer you sample drawings of different cuts and styles (such as wider legs or slimmer legs, closed double breasted or open double breasted...) So you should be able to get exactly what you want.

REMEMBER, the fabric samples you hold in your hand will feel much heavier once you cover your entire body...so pay very close attention!!! and pick a relativly lightwieght piece.

As for fabric pattern, you can choose solid, or pinstrip, or houndstooth...you could pick black, deep charcoal grey, navy blue... these are all personal preference as well as budget.

Plan on spending between $1000 and $2000 for a brand new pair. If you want to, you can check out all the dance web-sites classified ads for in-expensive used suits, as well.

One really important thing to consider is the style in which you plan to compete. If you dance American style or both American and Int'l, then I would definately stick with a tailor located within the US and that deals a lot with American style competitors.

My Professional partner, Steve Hevenor, and I dance American style. One time we purchased a pair from Ronn Gunn of London. We immediatley returned them and had to haggle and argue considerably to get our money back minus our deposit which we lost.

The tailors outside of the US do not understand fully the requirements of Open Position. As soon as Steve raised his arms above dance position the tails rode up his neck, any arm motions at all caused bunching in the back. And when I was apart, the front was gaping wide open instead of laying flat.

Personally we have bought from ONIK for years and never had a problem. He is located in LA.

Here are a few phone #'s of tailors you can try

In the US
Onik 213-380-3272
Randall 602-279-1210 ( I think they do tail...I know they do pants and vest suits)

In the UK
Choice 44-181-715-9200
Ronn Gunn 44-181-539-7075
or his sales representatives in FL
Diedre of London 561-966-1660

There are lots of other very qualified tailors throughout Europe, some very nice ones in Italy and Germany! If you really want to shop around let me know.

Hope this info helps!
Larinda McRaven