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Ballet/costume management for nonprofit dance company

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Expert: - 3/2/2009


Question
I just took on the volunteer responsibility of managing costumes for the local dance company of which my daughter is a member. Up to now, the inventory and its condition has mostly been in the company directors, and there appears to be no fixed system for making sure all pieces are returned, in good condition. Rather than reinvent the wheel, I'm trying to get ideas for good systems of costume management, including how to set the cost of costume rental.

Absolutely any ideas or referrals to other sources deeply appreciated.

Felicita Fields

Answer
The cost of costume rental should be related to the fees for that costume, for example, cleaning.  A base fee can be set, and then the costume cleaning fee can be added to it.  Around fifty dollars is a good starting point.  

I don't have much experience with costumes otherwise, so I can't give too many other tips, other than make sure the costumes are organized so that you'll know when something is missing.

Good luck taking on that endeavor!

Ballet

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Connie

Expertise

I can answer lots about ballet, specifically the Vaganova syllabus. I'm still training, but both my parents were professional dancers, so most answers will be coming from them, not me. :) They're the experts. Obviously, questions about difficult technique, etc, would be better answered with someone else, but if you're just becoming interested in dancing, or are having problems with basic steps, like pirouettes or plies, then I may be able to help

Experience

I've seen ballet since the age of 0, because of my parents, and I am training to become a professional dancer now.

Education/Credentials
School.

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