AK Dancewear proudly stepped into the world of custom costume design for the very first time – and what an unforgettable beginning it was. We had the honor of creating tailor-made costumes for Avant Chamber Ballet’s 10th Anniversary Gala, premiering Artistic Director Katie Puder’s new work, Rhapsody in Blue, at the Moody Performance Hall in Dallas.

Bringing Katie’s Vision to Life

From the very first email, Katie shared her inspiration: the costumes needed to be blue, with a look that was elegant, sassy, and chic. With live piano accompaniment, she wanted the design to strike the perfect balance – eye-catching on stage without ever overpowering the music or choreography. She also envisioned hi-lo skirts that would flow beautifully with every turn, highlighting the many spins and movements woven into her choreography.

During our design meeting, we brought a wide range of blue fabric swatches for Katie to explore. From light shades to deep tones, her eyes settled on a rich navy blue that captured the essence of the piece. From there, we sketched out the design based on one of her favorite AK Dancewear silhouettes: the AURORA leotard. We attached a hi-lo skirt that brought her movement goals to life, ensuring the costume was not only beautiful but also functional for the dancers.

The Details That Made It Shine

Every element of the costume was thoughtfully chosen. To give the design a stage-worthy finish, we used shiny metallic thread and hand-beaded accents that reflected just the right amount of light. Under the stage lamps, the costumes shimmered spectacularly, enhancing the elegance of the dancers’ movements without distraction.

This was not just another project – it was our very first custom costume, and we wanted it to be perfect.

From Studio to Stage

After Katie approved the design and specifications, we sourced the ideal fabric and began production. The process took several weeks, with rehearsal fittings to ensure the costumes moved exactly as intended. When the dancers finally stepped onto the stage, the result was stunning: graceful, flowing skirts paired with the sophistication of the AURORA bodice.

This very project also sparked the inspiration for one of our beloved collection pieces today: the CASIE Hi-Lo Skirt. What started as a custom request for Avant Chamber Ballet became a core design that dancers everywhere can now enjoy.

A Gift of Artistry

As part of our ongoing commitment to supporting the arts, AK Dancewear donated the entire set of costumes to Avant Chamber Ballet as a sponsorship for their milestone 10th anniversary. We were proud to gift these pieces as a way to celebrate their artistry and to stand beside a local ballet company that continues to inspire audiences across Dallas and beyond.

Capturing the Moment

Our amazing friend and acclaimed professional dance photography Rhi was there on the big day to capture behind-the-scenes photos of our very first custom costume fitting. Seeing our work premiere alongside Katie’s brilliant choreography was a milestone for AK Dancewear — one that was even highlighted in the press: AK Dancewear Supports Avant Chamber Ballet.

Want to see the costumes in motion? 🎥 Watch the Instagram Reel we shared about this journey.

About Our Custom Costume Service

Designing the Rhapsody in Blue costumes taught us how rewarding it is to transform a choreographer’s vision into reality. Today, our custom costume service is one of the most exciting offerings at AK Dancewear.

Here’s how it works:

• Consultation & Sketch – We meet with dancers, directors or choreographers to understand the artistic vision and movement needs.
• Fabric Selection – We source fabrics that meet both design and performance goals.
• Production Timeline – Depending on complexity, custom costumes take between 6 and 20 weeks from sketch to final fitting.
• Final Fitting – Ensuring the costume looks spectacular and feels comfortable on stage.

Custom costume service starts at $280, and each project is created with the same care and detail that we brought to Avant Chamber Ballet’s premiere.

Looking Back, Moving Forward

Our collaboration with Avant Chamber Ballet will always hold a special place in our story. It was the beginning of our journey into custom and tailor-made costumes, the spark that inspired a core design in our collection, and above all, a celebration of artistry and community.

At AK Dancewear, we are more than just dancewear makers — we are collaborators, visionaries, and proud supporters of the arts.

🔗 Ready to bring your vision to life? Contact us at info@akdancewear.com to begin your custom costume journey with AK Dancewear.