Hello.......

I just recieved a ballroom dress (for smooth) that I ordered online. I have two questions that might seem silly, but I don't know alot about ballroom fashion (for competition)and what looks good or is appropriate...........perhaps I can get some imput......

The gown looked like it was a pale buttery yellow online........I was a little shocked to see in reality it is a bright sunshiny yellow!!!! It's pretty, but not quite what I expected........how does that color look on the floor? Would it be too gaudy or flashy? Also. it has a "hooped" hem........(not a a hoop.....but sewn stiffly so it makes frothy looking curlicues on the bottom) I think it is pretty......but an experienced competitior at the studio told me that type of hem is too old fashioned and out of date looking. Is that true? I like it. IS there such a thing as "out of date" styles that don't look right on the dance floor? What about colors? This gown color is so vibrant I was thinking I don't even needs stones. Any experienced ballroom fashion advice will be greatly appreciated.

Yes, just like any other type of fashion, there is such a thing as ballroom fashions being out of date or out of style.

The color may be fine on the floor, but maybe you might need to do some alteration of the hemline to make it more up to date.

If I were you, I'd still do the stones.

Yellow is a great color on the floor--it shows up really well.

Don't be worried about being too bright. The lights on a comp floor tend to wash everything out, and you will be seen from a distance, so it won't look too vibrant.

I would put some stones on it, or it will look unfinished. You don't need to go overboard, but perhaps line the neckline and sprinkle some on the bodice.

I like the fishing line hems, too, but they are out of style. If it's a subtle effect, you could keep it if you really wanted, but if there are distinct curlicues, I'd remove the wire.

Good luck on your comp! I'm sure you'll look beautiful! (What are your plans for hair and makeup?)

The "hoop" skirt is a no-no in my book. Have it taken out and replaced with a thick satin band that matches the dress. I think a vibrant color will help you stand out. I love bold colors on the dance floor - even for smooth.

You absolutely need stones. You don't have to do the standard clear ABs, but you could do a yellow stone that will give the dress sparkle. Check out this list: http://www.danceshopper.com/swarovski-rhinestones-FlatBacks
From the sounds of it, citrine stones would be beautiful!

Again, I beg you to get rid of the wired/"hoop" skirt. I have seen skirts slightly wired/shaped and covered in a satin band. That looked nice, but it wasn't full-on loopty-loo wiring.

Good luck!!

I like the idea of a satin band on the bottom. I am going to put stones on the skirt of the dress........the bodice already has them.......I intend to add a few more to the top too.............to clarify.........the hem is not a HOOP.........., but it is called a hooped hem..........it is lighly wired so it has some shape on the bottom.......it does not stand out, far away from the body, but it hangs nicely......actually, it's not even wired.......but sewn in such a way that it has the curlicues (more like soft waves)..........not full on loopty -loo wiring.......it has three layers of chiffon and would be very expensive to replace. I have seen lots of dresses with that type of hem for sale (even new ones).........soooooo, I just want to make sure I understand the terminology correctly......does my description clarify better........and is what I've described still a no-no?..........also,.......is there a web site where I can learn about current trends in ballroom fashion...........so I don't make a mistake?????? It's really difficult for a beginner to know what to look for......what's in and what's not.

It sounds lovely. Is there any possible way to post or email a picture of the dress? If the skirt just has shape, I think it will be fine.

To see what's going on with trends, look at the sites of the major dress makers. My favorite is Designs to Shine by Maria McGill. (designstoshine.com)
Really, it's your choice. Just be comfortable.

Dance-dance..........thank you for your advice........when I really really checked out the hem..........there was a very thin wire........I was able to take it out.....and it was so much easier than I thought it would be.......and I DO like it so much better without! I was afraid to do it..........but I took the leap and it worked out well...... I appreciate the wisdom of experienced dancers as yourself.........Am checking out the site you suggest.....Thank You!

Bright Yellow looks great on the ballroom dance floor! It photographs well, too. The thin wire @ the bottom of your ballgown simply keeps the full skirt from rising too high on underarm turns. Re: old fashioned? Feathers on the hem.....now that's OLD Fashioned! But who knows? Tulle is coming back in popularity. I wore tulle back in the early 70's for competitions! If you're ever in the Miami area....look us up!
Bijoux Dance Center
4150 SW 70th Ct.

if i were you i wear it in competitons because bright yellow+lights=shining. You will sure keep the attention of the judges and of the audience

I can't wait till Feb. and the Indiana challenge to wear the yellow dress...........I made a few modifications to it and added crystals and now it is very pretty.........