Fashion for Performance Artists

Most singers and dancers of today are in the position they are in because of excellent training, and most training is very rigorous. Thus, the large majority of dancers and vocalists are fit (singers have to keep in shape too, in order to maximize lung capacity). When looking for the right clothes, they will most often shop for something that will make them look good; something tight-fitting and often revealing. After all, this is the world of a performer, and in order for a performer to get noticed (in auditions or on stage), one must look one's best. This is especially true for a dancer. Wearing clothes that show off legs, arms, and abs are essential to any dancer wardrobe, as it accentuates those areas used in movement.

Every dancer will have a set of warm-up clothes, as well as a few sets of auditioning clothes. The warm-up clothes will be relatively loose-fitting, something that the person feels comfortable in and can move around well in. Tights and/or leotards are a classic favorite, found in many retail store in just about any city. For auditioning, a dancer (as well as a vocalist), will have clothes which show off the best parts of that person's body. Jewelry or other accessories, in this case, are a no-no, as they not only distract judges from the performance, but also make life difficult for the performer. Something simple yet sexy is required for these processes.

Color is important here as well. On stage and in auditions, a singer or dancer wants to stand out without looking obnoxious. Blacks are often the most slimming color you will find, which is beneficial, but it can also be plain and boring. Most singers/dancers, at least serious ones, will avoid flashy outfits or sparkles, and focus on a humble yet bold color, like a deep red or blue, to express him/herself. The right choice of colors can make or break a good performance.

On stage, a vocalist will often be given a costume, which varies from gig to gig. If they are singing for stage (as in theater), a costume will most definitely be worn. And often, even for simpler gigs like concerts, the wardrobe department at the concert hall will decide the outfits for the performers. But if not, a singer should pick his/her outfit very cautiously, paying attention to a myriad of details. For example, what kind of crowd will this place draw? If it will be an older crowd, hit up your long shirts and classy dresses or dress pants. For a younger, hipper crowd, head on over to a vintage store and pick out something funky, if that is to your taste. Nothing wrong with taking a step back to the 60's or 80's with a wild hairdo or a tie-dye shirt. As opposed to auditions or more serious gigs, smaller venues for younger crowds are often attracted to wild, zany colors and bold statements.

Next, how big of a venue is it? If you are singing for a large crowd, wearing shirts with logos on them won't do you much good, as your message probably won't get past the third row (unless there are cameras, in which case, why are you reading this profile and not out doing famous-people stuff, you snob?). And don't forget: larger venues will often cater to a more formal crowd, in which case you can kick your eight-inch heels under the bed for now. In a smaller concert hall or auditorium, go for something more intimate. Girls, wear something that shows off your "personality." Guys, that tight blue button-down shirt from The Gap that your mother got you that you thought was a size too small could come in handy now.

Lastly, what kind of music will you be performing to? This should be an obvious, if not excruciatingly important detail. Don't whip out cowboy boots and jeans for a punk rock gig, unless your jeans are ripped and/or covered in patches and your boots are black and scary-looking. Similarly, if you're singing with your barbershop quartet at the old folk's home, stick with something humble, think your Sunday's best. Again, these should be painfully obvious to anyone, but some of us need extra pointing out...

Dancers, of course, have their own set of performance apparel. Generally, these are similar to audition pieces, but with a bit more pizzazz. Leotards and tights are still worn, but often a dance piece will call for something extra. Dancing shoes, varying depending on the show, will be worn as well. Most classical dancers should be equipped with a pair of soft ballet slippers, and modern or jazz dancers should have some form of hard-soled shoe. Then, of course, there are clogs for clogging, taps for tapping, etc.

Now, singers and dancers aren't always in go-mode, begging the question: what do we wear when we're not singing or dancing? That will vary from person-to-person, and there is no way to define a set fashion sense for this group, as there are far too many different types of people who are interested in singing and dancing. One thing I can say from experience, however, is that in general, men who sing/dance tend to go with tighter-fitting clothes, and are much more groomed than your average male. Female performers are the same way, to a lesser extent, and as with anything else, there is always grey area.