Dancing in the Buff

WARNING: This post is about to get real, raw, and un-cut.

This last week was the first time that I thought practically, I can see why some people choose to do nude pieces. I know--I surprised myself. The only reason I even thought such a think, was because I have learned to hate dance costuming. I have had to come up with 1-2 affordable costumes for each of the seven dance classes I teach, and it is the biggest headache I've yet to encounter. Also, most dance costumes are ugly, or ridiculously expensive, so I find myself resting between a rock and a hard place. And how the heck do I find one outfit that looks good on 20 different female bodies? (Not to mention, find something they don't complain about.)

After letting my mind wander, for what sometimes seems like days at a time, I thought "Wouldn't it be easy if we could all just dance naked? Think of the money I could save on costumes! Think of the time I could save from measuring, searching, and fitting. Think of the free range of motion! Yes, nudity is the answer."

But this thought was fleeting.

Nudity is not the answer, and here's why:
1) It is not so great to watch someone else be nude on a stage. (I have never witnessed full nudity on stage, but there was a frighteningly close incident involving a man in a nude dance belt a.k.a. man-thong.)
2) It would be risky! You are just asking to be accidently scratched or stepped on in the tenders within a group number, or get floor burns in places you never knew were capable of getting floor burns.
3) Any feeling of freedom would soon be replaced with an awareness of all the jiggling. It doesn't matter how skinny you are--if the human body is moving, then it is MOVING.
4) Sweat, everywhere. No further explanation necessary.
5) I guess it would be immodest...

I truly think the human body is a work of art. But that art should not be unveiled with movement on a public stage. After expressing and processing all my thoughts, I guess I'll just need to fork out the cash and find some real costume solutions. Even with the complaints I might get from some of the dancers on their dislike for a certain costume, I can tell them without hesitation, "Well at least it's better than dancing naked."