Costume sourcing- High Street Shops

When sourcing for costumes with my supervisor we looked in various shops but discovered that Primark was the best option for both clothing and accessories as not only does it keep the costs down but the large variety of items allowed us to keep to the designs without breaking the bank. We also looked in shops such as H&M, Claire's Accessories, Peacocks and many others but none had the selection, quantity in the various sizes we needed for our dance numbers other than Primark.
We managed to find feathered accesories for the pointe work number, flowered hair grips that we took the grip off and attached to the gathers on the can-can skirts, various tops for numerous numbers, fascinator-style top hats for the tap piece; which were exactly what I was hoping to source, office wear for Zoe's contemporary piece which ended up being a shift dress to match one which had been donated to the showcase, a waistcoat and a pair of trousers to match a pair I already owned. The trousers for this number are also going to be used for the 'male' dancers in the piece 'Separation' which will be closing the second half. We also found the perfect flared trousers for Nathalie's lyrical solo however they seem quite long for her so I am going to arrange a fitting to check the length and take them up if necessary.

On the other hand, it is not always possible to source everything that is needed in the shops, as we found when trying to search for floaty dresses for the ballet number. All the white dresses that were on sale were linen as the shops were preparing for their Summer collections. We therefore have decided to compromise and use 2 black skirts and 2 white skirts from the Adele openeing number

Stencil for Street Dance

 
Today we spray-painted the stencil design onto the white strap-tops for Charlotte Fitch's street dance... due to the delicate nature of the stencil, the inner section of the R fell off however it does not hinder the design
I think by using spray paint we managed to keep the design clear without the lines being too obvious, giving a very urban street feel so I am happy with the overall result.




However, printing white onto black tank tops (which was questionable in retrospective) did not, as I had feared work well enough to show the design. Thankfully we only ruined one top in finding this out so the rest are still useable. I have decided to use a similar method to what I am using for the 'Pop' dance with cutting and weaving the fabric. If we had more money I would attempt to source some hot pink tops to go underneath or failing that white tops but I think that it would be too expensive at this point.

Sourcing and Organisation

Over the weekend I continued sourcing items for the dance showcase and we are now almost finished in terms of sourcing. We have had to compromise on some items due to lack of funds however the costumes are coming together and will hopefully look very effective on stage.

eBay has become a valuable source to search for items for the showcase. I looked in local party shops to access prices for neon double-layered tutus for the 'disco' number and discovered that I can get them for less than half the price online than they are available in the shops. Furthermore I can buy matching legwarmers and fishnet gloves.

  

Another item I was able to source online were 1950's underskirts that we are using for the can-can, it is a much cheaper option than can-can outfits and a lot more effective than plain skirts.














Today I got posters, flyers and tickets printed for the showcase and started promoting the event ready for ticket selling throughout the week. I also booked more time in the studio to finalise routines so am building a schedule of rehearsals. Furthermore, I spoke to a film student to arrange filming of the event and the possibility of selling DVD's to fundraise for next year's showcase as I would like this to be an annual event. Although I have learnt the scale of things from working on the current showcase so would like to apply for funding early on so that we can access a theatre and have a budget to work with.

Dance Showcase

Today has been a very productive day with lots of quick decisions
A group of us went to view the space again today to work out logistically the best way to use the space. We have decided against hiring a stage due to lack of funds but are instead creating a rather unique lay-out for the seating to allow better visibility of the area we will be dancing in.
After visiting the space I went costume sourcing with my supervisor Tessa and we managed to find some good deals to reduce the amount of costumes we have left to find.

Final Poster Design

Lastly, I worked with a graphic designer Louise Jones so she could design posters and tickets for our showcase and I am extremely happy with the overall result. We will now be able to print out our posters and tickets on Monday ready to start selling.

Furthermore I have discussed PR with Merly from Art's and Event's Management to help get some advertisement and press to spread awareness of the showcase as well as help with sourcing some items for seating arrangements.

Make and Design Developments

Today, all of the circular skirts were cut out for the Adele, "Make You Feel My Love" dance, ready to be sewn together. The cost of the fabric was quite expensive but I think they will look very effective on stage and will easily be re-used or sold on as long as the finishing is done well

The Illustrator file

Furthermore I designed and made a stencil for the t-shirts for Charlotte Fitch's Street dance today using Illustrator.

The final stencil

When I was happy with the design- which is based on a photograph of me taken by Lola Hinks for a first year photography project on Movement, I then had the design laser cut into a stencil to allow spray paint to be applied to t-shirts to create a bold, effective and cheap logo!


I found this process to be very quick and easy and am hopeful that the finished product will keep the detail of the stencil once it has been finished.

Tutorials

My Costume Supervisor organised a meeting today with our tutuor to discuss the development of the showcase thus far and it had reminded me to ensure that communication is our priority; so that nothing gets lost in translation. We discussed the progress in terms of sourcing and also my worries about presenting my sketchbook, they were put to rest when I was told it was not important to put my research into my sketchbook before the showcase so I have decided to leave all the images I have collected bookmarked or saved on my computer ready to be presented neatly after the performance, when I have more time.

Learning Agreement

NAME:                                Jennifer John

COURSE:                            BA (Hons) Costume with Performance Design        

UNIT TITLE:                       Self Directed Project                    

REF. NO./LEVEL:                CSS518

WEIGHTING:                       2.0      

DURATION:                         9 Weeks       

HOURS OF STUDY:            300 Hours    

Unit Leader:                       Adele Keeley

DESCRIPTION:

I’ve always had a passion for dance, having learnt since the age of two. This experience has given me a reasonably extensive knowledge of the ergonomics of costume design for dance. I set up a dance society at the University to allow me to continue my hobby. Furthermore, I have always had a passion for fundraising for charity so decided to fuse my extra-curricular passions with my chosen career path and hold a charity dance showcase. I will be designing the costumes for the show as well as working as the producer, one of the choreographers and a dancer in the performance.

I am interested in designing for dance, television and film and thus far have managed to gain experience working on student films; therefore I decided to seize the opportunity to design for dance to gain more experience of this field of work.

The showcase will be on the 5^th and 6^th of April at Rubyz Cabaret Club in town so I will be working alongside a costume supervisor, set designer and an arts and events management student to help me organise this event in time. I will also have a small team of volunteer makers to work on the costumes for the showcase. I think this project will help me to develop my skills working as part of a team and collaborating with others. In addition I believe that this process will give me a much greater understanding of working round limits such as space, money available, time constrictions and working with performers.

I will be working to a strict budget gained via fundraising so will have to work closely with the costume supervisor to ensure we are able to keep the showcase cost effective.

In terms of work produced, I will generate a sketchbook of ideas and designs for the showcase, showing my development throughout the design process. I will also include images of the showcase to show the final outcome of the event. In terms of my role as producer, I will include a folder tracking my progress, and the more technical side of my role, such as the emails which were sent when trying to hire a venue, finding quotes for stage hire and general organisation.

Whilst designing for this project I will keep to a set colour scheme to keep the costumes looking cohesive, keeping to black, white, red and hot pink as I think they will work well with the general feel, music and dance styles of the show and will also look very effective on stage. Furthermore, I will take inspiration from fashion design, general street-wear and from previous dance productions; exploring various styles whilst keeping it as low-cost as possible. I will therefore look into re-creating basics such as a white shirt to make them more aesthetically interesting.

To use my time effectively I will make sure I keep good contact with my costume supervisor and regularly show her the progression of my designs so she is able to source and organise the costumes for the showcase in good time.

Aims:

A1       To provide opportunities for self-initiated, autonomous learning

            and develop the ability to plan time and work independently

A2       To provide opportunity to study the contextual development of costume and performance design

A3       To further develop the creative, intellectual and practical applications of research and contextualisation within a self initiated environment

A4       To propose, develop and evaluate professional aspirations through professional development planning

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of this unit you will be able to:

LO1     Identify and define the context for the development of your own work towards professional aspirations

LO2     Demonstrate an understanding of the development of Costume with performance design

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LO3     Have developed the creative, intellectual and practical applications of research and contextualisation

LO4    Consolidate and demonstrate professional aspirations and planning                      through your Progress File

Assessment Requirements:

• 1 sketchbook with designs for the showcase
• 1 folder as a production file
• Final images of the showcase

Which will be under pinned by personal development planning (in your blog journal) and a final written evaluation (750 words) evidenced in your Progress File                                                                                                                                                                     100%

Each assessment requirement must be passed at a minimum grade of 40% to successfully complete the unit.

Assessment Criteria (specific criteria related to the learning outcomes and linked to the statement of generic assessment criteria matrix):           

           

1. Evidence of knowledge of contextual and theoretical issues – The level to which you have considered the context of your project and evidenced that to your body of work (LO1, LO2)

2. Evidence of understanding through synthesis and development – The application and extend to which research has informed decision-making and project development together with the appropriate management of time (LO2, LO3, LO4)

3. Evidence of evaluation and reflection – The extent to which you have reflected on the progress of your project and used it to inform personal development planning (LO4)

4. Evidence of realisation through the communication of ideas - The presentation of your work and the level to which specialist knowledge has been applied, communicated and evidenced (LO3, LO4)

Reference Material

This will vary according to the needs of the individual project.  You will define Reference Material through personal investigation and consultation with staff and list it in your Learning Agreement.

• Carlton Books (2006) Vintage Fashion- collecting and wearing designer classics. London: Carlton Books Limited

• Davies, H (2008) 100 New Fashion Designers. London: Laurence King Publishing Ltd

• Packer, W (1984) The Art of Vogue Covers 1909-1940. Second Edition. Hong Kong: Mandarin Publishers Ltd.

• Stephan Hann (2008) Stephan Hann: Couture Remixed. Germany: Stephan Hann

• V&A Publications (2007) Kylie. Second Edition London: V&A Publications

Rehearsals

Rehearsals have become quite intensive in the lead-up to the dance showcase. This week I have acquired the Movement Studio from 4:30-6:30 on Tuesday, 4:30-7:30 on Wednesday, 4:30-9pm on Thursday and 4:30-6 on Friday so will be spending a considerable amount of time working with the dancers and choreographers to ensure the material is ready for the performance

I am aware this will make fitting in costume work difficult but the dancing will have to take priority as that's essentially what the audience are paying to see, and I am sure we will be able to source suitable items in time for the show

Production Meeting

Today I got together with Tessa, the costume supervisor on this production to share my design ideas and to formulate a plan of sourcing and make-tasks to give to our small team of makers. The meeting was very successful and we now have ideas for how to complete costumes for the majority of the numbers in the showcase without spending too much money.
We made inquiries to some online companies about potential discounts for bulk-buying items and are awaiting a reply.

Set List

I have been developing the set list, trying to get a definite list of exactly who is in which dance and when. This has been quite a challenge and I have had to move around the numbers a lot. I have finally managed to produce a set list which does not have any immediate quick changes. I have sadly had 2 dancers drop out of the showcase entirely and have had dancers changing dances, which has made things very challenging for various reasons, such as choreography/costume designing and sourcing and organising of the set list.
Hopefully this will remain the final set list-

	FIRST HALF
Number	Style	Dancers	Choreographer
1	Lyrical	Jennifer John	Jennifer John
		Emily Pain
		Frayah Humphries
		Zoe Rolph
		Tessa Cox
		Grace Noble
		Emily Vandyke
		Nathalie Moore
2	Contemporary Jazz	Hannah Leon	Hannah Leon
3	Pointe	Emily Pain	Emily Pain
		Frayah Humphries
		Nathalie Moore
4	Beginner's Can-can	Tessa Cox	Emily Pain
		Ash Ramsay
		Emma Louise Wilson
		Lydia Garde
5	Breakdance Society	…..	…..
6	Street	Jennifer John	Jennifer John
		Nathalie Moore
		Frayah Humphries
		Hannah Leon
		Zoe Rolph
		Jeff Tong
		Grace Noble
		Ash Ramsay
		Amanda Ferris
7	Tap	Emily Vandyke	Emily and Tessa
		Tessa Cox
8	Beginner's Street	Charlotte Fitch	Charlotte Fitch
		Helena Edwards
		Becci Burnard
		Natalie Oakley
		Amanda Ferris
		Ash Ramsay
9	Contemporary solo	Jennifer John	Jennifer John
10	H&S	Zoe Rolph	Jennifer John
		Grace Noble
		Emily Pain
		Nathalie Moore
		Frayah Humphries
		Tessa Cox
		Emily Vandyke
	SECOND HALF
1	Contemporary	Jennifer John	Jennifer John
		Frayah Humphries
		Grace Noble
		Hannah Leon
		Tessa Cox
		Amanda Ferris
		Zoe Rolph
2	Break dance soc	…	…
3	Ballet	Emily Pain	Emily Pain
		Frayah Humphries
		Lydia Garde
		Grace Noble
		Zoe Rolph
4	Lyrical	Nathalie Moore	Nathalie Moore
5	Contemporary	Zoe Rolph	Zoe Rolph
		Jennifer John
		Emily Pain
		Grace Noble
		Ash Ramsay
		Lydia Garde
6	Pop	Danni Jackson	Danni Jackson
		Alicia Poulson
7	Modern	Emily Pain	Emily Pain
		Frayah Humphries
		Grace Barham
		Amanda Ferris
		Charotte Fitch
		Becci Burnard
		Helena Edwards
8	Body manipulation	Hannah Leon	Hannah and Jeff
		Jeff Tong
9	Disco	Ash Ramsay	Ash Ramsay
		Amanda Ferris
		Natalie Oakley
		Becci Burnard
		Helena Edwards
10	Can-can	Jennifer John	Jennifer John
		Emily Pain
		Zoe Rolph
		Frayah Humphries
		Hannah Leon
		Nathalie Moore
		Grace Noble
		Emily Vandyke
11		ALL- Finale	-

Jasmin Vardimon

I decided to look for books in the library that could inspire my design process, yet found some rather old fashioned and classical dance books. As a result I have decided to research fashion designers and look at previous dance productions.



Jasmin Vardimon's 'Yesterday'

One dance production that particularly inspired me was 'Yesterday' by Jasmin Vardimon. I saw this performance in The Roses at Tewkewsbury and loved the casual attire of the dancers. It gave a sense that they had just walked off the street and ended up on stage. This style worked  so well with the abstract contemporary movements and complimented the underlying storyline of the work.

This style has been employed in various pieces by Jasmin Vardimon and it creates a very natural aesthetic to the costumes. As a response to this I want to use office inspired clothing for Zoe's Contemporary number, which is to Rufus Wainwright's 'Little Sister'. The piece plays with child-like movements combined with abstract contemporary dance so I think this will contrast well with the mature attire.



Viktor and Rolf

When trying to keep to a strict budget it is important to make the most of cheap and available items. For this reason I am going to try and recreate basic items such as the plain white shirt. When this idea was proposed I instantly thought of the below piece from Viktor & Rolf's Fall 2003 collection; which was inspired by Tilda Swinton. I love the maipulation of this basic classic and would like to explore this concept for my contemporary piece to James Blake's 'Limit to Your Love'.

Viktor & Rolf
Fall 2003

Stage Hire

One of the biggest obstacles I have come across since getting a location (which was kindly offered to us for free by the wonderful staff at Rubyz Cabaret Club) has been stage hire. The current quotes that have been offered to us are far beyond our budget and we do not want to use a large proportion of the ticket money on paying off the stage hire; as it somewhat defeats the object of the charity fundraiser. For this reason we are considering the possibility of not using a stage, and instead having different methods of seating/standing space to still allow the audience to have a suitable view of the performance.

Rubyz Cabaret Club, Bournemouth

Street Dance Ideas

Street Dancer

I find street dance one of the more restrictive styles to design for without exploring logo design. I believe this is due to the strong sense of the clothing reflecting the  underground culture and urban style. Furthemore I believe that I am quite limited in terms of what I can design on a tight budget, especially with the strict colour scheme within the showcase.
I will use Adobe Illustrator to create a logo which can then be laser cut into a stencil. This will be a quick and easy solution to creating personalised street-wear.
I will do some samples to test what materials will be best to use for printing out the t-shirt logo and will experiment with spray paint to create an urban look to the garments.

Colour Scheme

As the showcase is in memory of Adam Dyke; the father of one of our dancers, we have quite a strong focus on love within the show. The music is also often quite abstract and bold so I decided it would be best to have quite a strong colour scheme. The initial colours that came to mind were red, black and white but I decided to also add hot pink as I decided the neon colour would add a great contrast and look very bold on stage. Furthermore, it would prevent the costumes from becoming too predictable.


Contemporary Dancer



I came across this image of a contemporary dancer in red and thought it looked quite striking and would work well of stage. This helped me draw the conclusion to stick to the colour scheme.

Dance Showcase for Winston's Wish

I started up a Dance Society at the Arts University College in Bournemouth after hoping to join it and discovering it did not exist! I now run the society and teach the Intermediate class and a body conditioning session on a weekly basis. I have always had a strong passion for fundraising money for charity and decided to give my dancers something to work towards and have a dance showcase for charity. I asked around to see if anyone had a particular charity in mind, only to discover one of my dancers had been helped greatly by Winston's Wish when she lost her father. I discussed the situation with her and we decided it would be a fantastic opportunity to commemorate her father and raise money for Winston's Wish.
I decided to focus my time on the showcase and produce and design the costumes for it as part of my Self Directed project after getting advice from my tutor so am currently working on making the production a success with a small budget.
I have a small team of helpers and we are also focusing our efforts on fundraising for the show.