| Ballroom
My
integrated project was to design and make a women's ballroom dancing costume.
I chose to do this because I would like to eventually become more involved
with making dancewear. I was able to work very closely with a company
called Spirited Dancewear, who taught me how to make these costumes.
I had a lot of fun designing the decoration, and many hours were spent
glueing diamantes and sewing feathers to complete the dress.
The
dress was worn at the National Capital Dancesport Championships in Canberra,
June 2000. The competition was held at the Australian Institute of
Sport.
Several
factors needed to be taken into consideration when designing this costume.
Colour is a major factor of the design. A dull colour would be lost,
and would blend into the large dancefloor, whereas too strong a colour
may not compliment the elegant flow of the costume.
The
weight of the fabric used affects the way the final dress moves on the
floor. A heavy weight fabric will be too stiff, and will not move
well. If the fabric is light weight, the dress will not hang well,
it will float around the dancer, and will not be able to hold the weight
of the decoration added.
During
this course, I learnt a lot about the theatre and film costume industries.
Through practical work placement, I was able to get a feel for what is
involved. I was able to meet high profile deisgners and costume makers
who taught me various tricks of the trade. Some of my work placement
allowed me to work in the art department for Bazmark on one of their
films, and help finish costumes for the stage version of Grease
the musical.
The
best part of this course was having teachers who are currently working
in the costume industries, who are eager to share their knowledge.
We were all given up to date information and contacts with suppliers.
Most
importantly, this course was fun, which makes it a lot easier to put hours
of hard work and effort into each project. |
