I searched the forum but cannot find a thread on this topic... if one already exists could someone kindly provide a link. I am preparing for an local event (mini-competition format) in March but will be about 7 months pregnant by that point. Does anyone have recommendations on where to find attire (Latin or ballroom or both) for when my mid-section will presumably be noticeably larger. I do not want to spend too much since it is a temporary need, and I just need something dressy (do not need to go all out with fringe and stones). Most of the dresses I've seen fit very tight or close to the stomach, which is where I would need extra fabric to expand into. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
have you tried that dance place in indy...is it Kinney dance supply?.....if you have already looked there, I'd recommend that you check out discount dance supply dot com
I will check out Kinney's, they were not on my radar for this... they seem to be leaning very little girl's dance (jazz/tap/ballet) these days but maybe they'd have something I can use at a decent price.
I had to go over there once b/c I forgot my shoes for my lessons...and, while I didn't spend a bunch of time looking around b/c I was in a hurry, I remember thinking I saw things thst would make me want to return in terms of things like potential practice/showcase wear
The good news is that, these days, maternity clothes are no longer big old tents like they were when I was pregnant. When you say "something dressy" what does that mean? I ask because, when I was pregnant (long before I started dancing,) I got a couple of reeeeally nice eveningwear-type swishy dresses that would have been suitable for dancing from a maternity store outlet at the local outlet mall. Was it Motherhood Maternity? Pea in a Pod? I'll google. Of course, a couple things. One. I would not have paid full price for one of these dresses, since they were one-wearing only type things. So I'd hold out for the outlet mall, if there is one in Indy. And two, it might be hard to find something in the length and fabric you want. But it can't hurt to look.
"Eveningwear-type swishy dresses" is probably the best description of what I have in mind. In the spirit of what they sell at danceshopper dot com. There are actually a couple dresses on there that might be loose enough in the stomach to work.
The only concern I'd have with danceshopper is that dance clothes tend to be ... ahem ... on the small side, compared to non-dance clothes. I think it might be hard to find actual dance clothes that would fit an advanced pregnant body. (Not just belly, at least in my case. Oxytocin can wreak havoc on the hip width as well. *sigh* )
LeNique provided our pro's wife, last year, latins with lots and lots of stretch as she danced up to the point of 2 weeks from delivery...which happened at Emerald Ball. lol. The latins were quite lovely BTW. Contact Lena and/or Nick Kosovich of LeNique - Beverly Hills, Ca and inquire if you can rent a dress for your purpose or ask for a referral to those who do.
ikwym about danceshopper as I have ordered from them before. Thanks to everyone for all the suggestions so far.
We've been swamped at work so I haven't had a chance to shop around much yet. I'm also waiting a little bit to see how much I expand over the next few weeks, since I only recently started to show.
I just wanted to thank everyone for their suggestions and advice. I ultimately bought a couple dresses at danceshopper (dance america brand) - have already worn the "rhythm" dress at an event and received compliments. Waiting for "smooth" dress alterations to be completed. Surprisingly, I took a smaller size than I was expecting (had to re-order). The event I bought them for is this weekend so hopefully everything will work out.
