BellaOnline Forums Hobbies and Crafts Costuming Moving while in costume....

Does anyone have any stories to tell about trying to move around while in costume?

I remember one time I was in a children's theatre production and I had to be dressed like a spoon. My feet had about four inches of space to move in, so it was like trying to walk while your knees were tied together. Very difficult! I was always afraid I would fall down and not be able to get back up. And sitting down was not an option! That was a tiring show to do...

Teresa. . Oh do I have stories. I used to own a costume rental business as well as a vintage clothing restoration shop.
I had a mission . . I was going to make sure that Jr. High and High School drama departments had better costume so these kids would learn how to walk,dance and move in a costume. I did this for many school districts, not just my local one.

To the stories or at least one of them. Lion, Witch & the Wardrobe.. . . .Centaur. . .My hubby welded the frame to be the back and hindquarters of the horse. It had a Hip ring out of steel. I covered it with fake fur which included the front legs so you stepped into it like a pair of pants, attached the belt which was part of the hip ring. The hind legs had wheels on them (tiny ones in the hoofs). So when you walk it was like have a semi truck trailer following behind you. You had to make wide turns and watch when you backed up.

Originally this was to be worn by a boy (13 years old) unbeknownst to me the director changed it to a girl. I had to scramble to make a furry vest since I had counted on the top being bare. Oops.
The Girl was mortified at the costume, her peers made unkind remarks.(Jr High. . go figure) But it looked great. Once on stage in front of the audience she was the hit. The kids in the audience loved her the best. She got validation.
This costume went on to be a horse in the Velveteen Rabbit and in Charlotte's Web.

Sorry this was long, I'll write again about the Little Mermaid costumes, and the Gown/mask issues

In the past (if you are who I think you are) we discussed your buisness more than once. You are very talented. You may remember me , I was the (older model) for Macy, Sax 5Th Ave., and Calvin (Avon ) or maybe you don't remember me.

merrygem, that centaur costume sounds FABULOSO!! I'd love to see a picture! Do you have a website?

Hi I have to make a centaur costume for my 9 y/o son for The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. The frame is made of PVC and I've picked out the fabric for the body but I'm not sure how to attach the body to the boy. Any help, photos or suggestions you can give me would be much appreciated. I will give you my private email if it would help.Thank you in advance--
Colleen