How To Find The Best Rhinestones For Dance Costumes

Many of us have watched the television show, Dancing with the Stars. Typically, the competitors wear beautiful, glittering costumes that sparkle with each movement. As mothers of dancers, we want to achieve a level of glamour with children’s competition costumes, too. Yet, the best rhinestones for dance aren’t always the most expensive.

Best Rhinestones For Dance

Undoubtedly, sparkle is important when stoning dance costumes. Generally, high quality crystal rhinestones produce the most glittering scintillation. However, you can create a nice play of light with a greater quantity of less expensive quality stones.

Of course, some dance moms only want the highest quality dance rhinestones. These are brand name crystalline products with the greatest number of facets. At one time, Swarovski was the best on the market. However, several years ago, they removed themselves from the retail market. Since then, Preciosa has become the leader in crystal components. While these are the best, they’re also the most expensive.

Moreover, choosing a less expensive brand will allow you to buy a greater quantity of crystal bling. Although each rhinestone will have less sparkle, you’ll have more rhinestones for a nice play of light.

For centuries, European rhinestones dominated the market, but recently Asian manufacturers have emerged as a less expensive alternative. However, when buying from certain companies, be careful about buying cheaply made products. Sometimes, the color won’t be consistent within batches. Other times, the foil backing may fall off. Buying from a reputable seller can help avoid poorly manufactured rhinestones.

Some Dance Costume Stoning Ideas

For the beginner, stoning a dance costume can seem intimidating. In addition to choosing colors and sizes, you have to decide on the placement of stones.  However, once you begin, you’ll see how easy it is to bedazzle costumes.

Often, the best way to begin is to lay out your dance costume on a flat surface. Place some rhinestones on the garment to see the layout. As you place the rhinestones, note the distance between each stone. The ideal spacing depends on your rhinestone size and the pattern. When stoning in a linear pattern, keep the spacing between the rhinestones consistent.

Some popular ways to embellish dance costumes include:

• Along the neckline
• On the straps
• Scattered on the bodice

If you feel comfortable with stoning dance costumes, you may want to try one of these rhinestone pattern ideas:

• Ombre effect
• Geometric patterns
• Reverse scatter pattern

Color, Size, and Shaped Crystals To Create Rhinestone Designs

Another idea is to mix sizes, shapes, or colors. Doing so gives your crystal design depth and texture. For example, using different sizes allows light to bounce unpredictably, adding overall interest.

Rhinestone shapes also have varying faceting patterns that create unique plays of light. Generally, shapes are great for accenting particular areas. However, most manufacturers create shapes in sew on designs, making application a bit more time-consuming than hotfix or gluing. Of course, you can always use a rhinestone adhesive to attach sew on rhinestones.

Finally, color choice can impact your rhinestone design. For instance, you can choose a complementary hue for a vibrant pop of color. Or, pick a similar hue for a more subtle and cohesive look. 

Another option is to use Aurora Borealis rhinestones. These have a special AB coating over the standard color, giving the stone a color-changing appearance. Typically, the facets on AB crystals have greater visibility due to this coating.

Rhinestones For Dance - FAQs

Are you shopping for the best rhinestones for dance? Below, we answer a few commonly asked questions to help you decide on a quality crystalline product.

How Many Rhinestones Will I Need?

Of course, your rhinestone design usually dictates the quantity of crystals necessary. However, the size and spacing between each piece also affect the required number of rhinestones.  Generally, expect to order between 3 and 5 gross.

What Is the Difference Between Flatback and Hotfix Rhinestones?

While some crystalline products, like chatons, have pointed backs, both hotfix and flatbacks have a flat backside. Although flatbacks require an adhesive to attach them to fabric, hotfix rhinestones have glue on the backside.

When heated to 250° F (120° C) to 390° F (200° C), the glue melts, allowing application.  The glue solidifies when cooled, forming a permanent bond with most fabrics.  For hotfix crystals, you’ll need an applicator tool, heat press, or non-steam iron.

Where Can I Buy Crystal Rhinestones Online?

If you’re looking for high quality rhinestones for dance, trust Rhinestones Etc. Since 2011, we’ve been selling quality embellishments at competitive prices. We currently carry the luxury brand Preciosa Maxima and the economically priced PriceLess Rhinestones. Moreover, most orders ship the same day, so you receive your crystal bling fast.  

Browse our online store to find the perfect brand, size, and color for your bling project.