Standard Floats: Perfect Drapes For Your Ballgown

A sumptuous set of Standard floats can make a ballgown more interesting, more versatile and more colorful.

First, they can completely change the look of a dress, making an old dress feel new.

Also, Standard floats can be detachable so the dress may be worn for both American and Standard dance styles.

Or, for more fun and versatility, change floats for every showcase so you always feel like you’ve got a fresh look for that special routine!

On a Standard gown for competition Dancesport, a swanky swag is money well spent.

Chiffon/Georgette floats are super high impact for only pennies compared to the cost of a new gown.

For a classic competition gown, chiffon / georgette is usually the fabric of choice because it’s lightweight, flows beautifully and is sheer enough that the dress shows through even the largest floats. Solid colors are most often used.

For specialty routines or your local studio’s annual showcase, the sky’s the limit for your Standard floats!

Feel free to use the classic chiffon / georgette if you want, but you’ve got the option of using charmeuse, glitter mesh, glitter chiffon, super soft organza … any type of “silky” fabrics that flow well are perfectly acceptable.
Animal prints, florals, burnt out velvet…. really, you have a lot of fun fabric choices!

Take a look at the video below, as well as the photos, to see what a big difference the float color and shape can have on the dress.

P.S. SEW LIKE A PRO™ courses are open for enrollment. I hope you’ll join us – or tell a dancing, skating, sewing friend to sign up!

“Thanks, Teresa! I continue to slowly plug away at the class and it is wonderful! So thorough. There is nothing else like it… You are doing a fabulous job and are a huge inspiration!”
— Kathy, U.S.A.

“I’m really glad someone (you) had the idea and the drive to follow through on what had to be a massive undertaking and I am truly appreciative! … Thank you so much for providing this program. I think we should have an after-party, lol! “
— Beverly, U.S.A.

“This is a fantastic opportunity to learn the “secrets” of good dress making. You definitely make a difference because what you are teaching is coming from a caring, giving attitude and it shows.”
— Teri, U.S.A.

aaa

Sign up to receive two extended training videos!

Be eligible for Sew Like A Pro™ enrollment specials too.

We value your privacy and would never spam you

SEW LIKE A PRO™ courses are open for enrollment.

Don't miss it.

If you're not in to making costumes,

tell one of your dancing, skating, sewing friends.

They'll thank you. I promise.

red and orange Standard floats for a competition style ballgown — In this photo, you see one red Standard float and one orange. (The orange fabric is just draped yardage. It is not cut to any particular shape.) Do you like the slightly asymmetrical look?

red Standard float with multi color drapes on left arm — This time the dress dons one large red Standard float with several smaller pieces (scraps of fabric as it is 🙂 in different colors. Notice how this opens the dress up and creates a sense of space?

large orange Standard float with multi color drapes on left arm — I exchanged the red Standard float (in a previous photo) with this double-draped orange that attaches on the opposite side of the body. Just these two easy changes make a tremendous difference in the look of the dress. What's your favorite float style and color? Leave a comment below!

WATCH NEXT: Not sure which colors look great together? Check out my blog on PERFECT COLORS FOR DANCE AND SKATE COSTUMES.

WATCH NEXT: Check out this video for tips on storing your gown properly.

Thanks for watching!

Which is your favorite style of Standard floats?

What would you like to learn about making costumes?

Please leave a comment below!

Do you have any other tips you want to share, or want me to expand on in a future post?

Register to receive two extended Sew Like A Pro™ training videos!

Also get early enrollment bonuses.