Fashion is definitely influencing the dance and drill market. You want to be up to date in your dancing technique and garment selection. Selecting the perfect outfit for your entire team should be done with the same enthusiasm and energy as your choreography and technique. The outfit you wear is the first thing the audience and judges will see. First impression is critical in creating a lasting positive impression.

Fashionable dance apparel can be found in an unlimited number of places. Catalogs offer a number of options at a reasonable price. You may even be lucky enough to find something ready-made at your local department store. Fashion magazines are often an inspiration for customized garments to fit a theme or the look you are seeking to achieve. Combine your best ideas to create one sensational costume!

Choosing slimming fashionable performance apparel is not an easy process. In order to compliment the figure types of all team members you must choose styles that are appealing on a variety of body types. Your challenge is to create a visual illusion. To accomplish this goal, consider the following:

Beware of trends. Today many ready-made garments are disposable. We wear a garment for one season and dispose of it the following season. Vinyl, wide bell pants and the baby doll look are examples of more recent trends. Not only are they in style for a short period of time, but they often look best on the perfect body type. Trend is important in performance apparel; however, if your team's goal is to use the garment for years to come, take the time to recognize the difference between trend and fashion. The best "rule of thumb" in selecting a garment that is flattering and will remain fashionable is to choose simple classic lines.

You may have the most sensational fabric and style idea, but it will be easily ruined if the garment is not balanced correctly. For example, when choosing a two-piece outfit such as a banded bra and pant, be sure that the top balances with the bottom. Do not band your bra top with black and choose red as the waistband. The balance will surely be skewed and you may draw attention to the wrong place! In considering the total look, retrieve those markers and colored pencils. Illustrate the garment several ways to create the most balanced look. With the recent trend in blocking and athletic striping, balance is more important than ever.

3. Weigh up!

Do you want your audience looking at your face or your hips? The most basic of design and fashion principles is to draw your eyes up, not down. In order to achieve this look; make sure the focus is on the upper body. Select styles with detail, color and focus to the shoulders and neckline. This is not only important in drawing the eyes up, but it will be most flattering to all figure types.

Consider all body types when making a garment selection. When designing or choosing a style, the rule of thumb is to create an hour glass shape. This means weight, color and design to the neckline and shoulders, contouring to the waistline, then curving out at the hips. Remember that a style that looks good on one person may look horrible on another. For example, when choosing a pant style, a tight, contoured look may not be flattering to the person with fuller hips and thighs. You will need to choose a cut that is fuller, drawing attention away from this area.

Long lines, particularly those that are more vertical in nature, are the most slimming. Instead of banding the waistline with a horizontal line, add a "V" inset to the center front. This creates the illusion of length. For an empire look, add a point to the center front and gradually drop the line to a point in the back. Adding princess lines in a leotard, skirt or dress is generally a sure bet for creating the illusion of long and lean. Stripes to the side of a pant or unitard will add length and draw attention to leg movement. If your goal is to emphasize arm movements, long sleeves or a pointed finger loop finish to the sleeve enhances choreography.

When choosing a garment with color changes, it is important to achieve continuity. Flow must occur throughout the garment. Repeat colors used in one section to another; such as top to bottom and front to back. A general rule of thumb is to select three, no more than four colors in one garment (this includes black and white). Continuity is instantly lost with too many style lines and colors. Without continuity, your garment becomes distracting and overwhelms your performance.

7. One-third, two-third rules.

Fashion designers have been using this rule for years. What does this mean? Never divide your garment visually in half. One part of your garment needs to be longer than the other part of the garment. A perfect example of this principle is the empire look. It is used on lyrical dresses, unitards, leotards and two piece garments. It allows you to create that "balance" previously discussed. It also reinforces the "long is lean" principle.

Poor fit is not fashionable! This is particularly critical in performance apparel. The garment you wear must compliment your moves. If the garment disguises moves or distracts from your technique, don't buy it! A perfect example is the "baby doll" look. Although it may be the trend, this style hides the waistline and adds weight. Avoid it! Adding princess lines and contouring the garment to the waist will allow you to create a similar look that has more fit and shape. Good fit is neither too tight nor too loose.

Trimming and accessorizing your garment is one of the most exciting additions, making a simple garment sensational. Take the old look and make it new with sequins, trim and rhinestones. When it comes to trim, contrast generally works to your advantage. Trim allows you to accent style lines, add detail and maintain balance to the garment. Add a strip of sequin to your pant leg for length and definition. Scatter rhinestones or introduce a heat transfer draw attention to the upper body. A scarf at the neck will frame the face. These simple ideas provide the final touches to your performance.

Now it is time to "go the distance." A garment may look sensational on one person at a distance of ten feet and become lost on the football field or in an arena. View the garment in the performance setting. If you have the opportunity, order one garment before purchasing for the entire team. You will feel more confident that the final look is indeed slimming, fashionable and enhances your dance.