What To Do With Used Dance Costumes

Whether they’re catalog or custom, your dancer’s costumes might be starting to take over your spare closet, attic, or whole house! Let’s not kid ourselves – we might feel actual PAIN when we have to throw away something like this. After all, we’ve made a significant investment in it (whether it be financial or emotional). 

So rather than tossing them in the trash, I decided to do some research on alternatives to garbage day. Our Facebook community came through in fine style when I asked them what they did with their used costumes! You’ll find some unique suggestions below.

Thanks to everyone that contributed their suggestions and thoughts!

Sell ‘Em

We could all use a bit of extra dough, especially when we consider what we already spent on some of the more expensive pieces. Trying to sell your used costumes can make financial sense. Just be aware that you’re going to need to do a little work to advertise your items and complete the transaction. Also, be sure to clean them as best as you can before shipping them out.

Over the years, I have sold exactly two costumes – I wish you better luck!

Facebook Pages – All you need to do is search “dance costume resale,” and you’re slapped in the face with a TON of different sites to explore. Post your costumes, being sure to include relevant information like pictures (preferably on a dancer or mannequin, front AND back), measurements, brand, size, condition, shipping/pickup info, and price. As always, be careful of exchanging financial information online. 

Dance Costumes Galore – With almost 10k followers, this Facebook page offers “top quality custom and semi-custom new and gently used costumes available at great prices!” If you’ve got some high-quality pieces on your hands, reach out via the page.

Marketplace/Community Pages – Similar to the Facebook pages mentioned above, you will reach a broader audience when you post on these sites. Understand, though, that your listing might get lost in the shuffle because of the specific audience you’re trying to target.

Halloween Costumes – When Halloween begins its approach, try posting costumes on your local Marketplace sites. If you’ve got character-based costumes on hand, even better! 

Donate ‘Em

Despite your best efforts, you just won’t be able to sell some costumes for a second time around. In that case, your best bet may be to donate them to a worthy cause. Not only will you be contributing to a worthy cause, but you’ll be teaching your children a great lesson!

Schools – Many schools put on some type of performance throughout the years, so they might be open to taking donations! If your local school doesn’t want them, reach out to the nearest performing arts institution.

Community Theater Groups – These organizations are always looking to cut costs, so they may be very willing to accept donations. We have a local children’s theater group in our area; they put on multiple performances throughout the year, and need costumes on a continual basis.

Your Home Studio – Sometimes, dance studios send teams to perform in non-competitive events (holiday shows, nursing homes, community gatherings, etc.). Having a host of costumes on hand can help the studio owner put together a look for a performance group without having to invest more money. Also, some dancers might need a costume for an audition (i.e., for acceptance to a performing arts school) or some other solo performance. If the teacher has a stash of them, that collection becomes a valuable resource for those that need it.

Children’s Hospitals and Preschools – Little kids love playing dress-up! You’ll need to check with the individual institution before you donate, especially in our post-COVID world.

Churches – Our local church collects and donates costumes to families in need. We’ve donated a ton over the years (mostly before Halloween), and it makes my girls feel good to know their costumes are going to a worthy cause. 

Dress Up Kit – Put together a dress-up box with the costumes and accessories to create a complete kit! You can donate it to a local family you know, preschool, kindergarten, or babysitter.

*Traveling Tutus was a nonprofit organization that accepted donations of used costumes to distribute to dancers in need. Unfortunately, they have shut down their operations.

Save ‘Em

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If you decide to hang onto those costumes for sentimental reasons, I “get” you. Here are some options!

Senior Photo Shoot – When your dancer is a senior, you can schedule a photo shoot with all of their pieces from over the years! One dance mom is a photographer herself and had a client do this, so she’s saving pieces for her own daughter when the time comes. 

The Infamous Quilt – Many crafty moms will save fabric from many of their dancer’s costumes to make into a keepsake quilt. These moms certainly have my admiration and respect (I don’t have a crafty bone in my body). 

Just a Few – Some dance families save just a select few that carry some meaning. When the dancer is of age, they can decide whether they’d like to continue hanging onto them or letting them go.

To store the costumes, you will need heavy-duty, water-resistant moving bags (like these) or plastic storage bins (like these). Then, they will be ready when the time comes to use them.

Sentimentality vs. Practicality

I’m always amazed at the wave of nostalgia that washes over me when I go through my daughters’ old costumes. The memories and feelings are still fresh, and I long for the days when their tiny little bodies wore each costume. Parting with them can be such sweet sorrow, but I also have a fairly strong practical streak. Of course, both sides are at war with each other inside me (I’m a very indecisive person), so I’m still figuring out what I’d like to do with some of my girls’ stash. Best of luck to you as you tackle yours!

If you have additional suggestions, please leave them in the comments!

Got some stinky costumes? Check out How To Deodorize a Dance Costume!