This method creates a distinctive look that gives a little extra texture and at the same time appears to cover a little more of the dancer’s body. This look is a little more demure yet dramatic. You might use this method if you wanted to cover your belly button and if you wanted to give your dance texture. It is a simple, simple way to use a boa.
Supplies:
- Dance top
- Dance skirt, shorts or briefs
- Boas
- Thread to match boas
- Needles
- Safety Pins
- Scissors
Directions:
Choosing Your Dance Top and Dance Bottom
The first thing you want to do is choose the type of dance top piece you want and the type of dance bottom you want. On our sample we are using a simple dance bra and a dance skirt. But you could use a skirt, shorts or briefs on the bottom and anytype of bra that you want.
Pinning the Boa to the Dance Pieces
It is important to pin the boa while the dancer is wearing the top and the bottom. It is important to use safety pins since you are pinning the boa while the dancer is wearing the dance pieces. Once the dancer is wearing the top and the bottom, choose where you want the boa to start. On our sample, we are starting on the right shoulder. After you have pinned the boa to the starting point, play around with it until you decide how you want the boa to traverse down the front of the costume and where you want the boa to end. Personally, we like the boa to continue down past the waist of the bottom piece so that it does not just end abruptly at the waistline. But, where the boa ultimately ends is a personal preference. Next, pin the bottom of the boa at that predetermined spot. You then want to pin the key points along the neckline and at the center of the top so that the boa does not pop out. You want to do the same with the bottom. When you are done pinning the boa to the top and to the bottom cut the excess boa off at the bottom. If you wish, you could make it a little more dramatic by pinning a second boa along the side of the first boa. It would make it easier to sew the boas down if you wait to add the second boa until the first boa is sewn in place.
Sewing the Boa to the Top and Bottom
Sew the boa to the top and bottom from the inside so that the stitches do not show. Make sure that you catch the thread that runs down the middle of the boa. Of course, you want the thread to match the boa. As always, it is a good idea to tie knots on the inside every couple of stitches to make sure that the boa stays in place in case the thread breaks. Once the boa is sewn down, you could add the second boa if you wish.
