Repurposing Recital Costumes: For the Holidays

Miss Sassy Pants has been dancing since she was 3. For those of you with kids in dance, you know this is no cheap endeavor. When she began kindergarten, her ballet classes began participating in the winter ballet. This meant that we had TWO costumes each year — one that was winter/Christmas themed, and then the end-of-the-year recital that could vary.

As I shelled out the money for these costumes (which are very cute, mind you), I tried NOT to focus on the fact that 60+ dollars were going into something she’d never wear again.

But, after her first winter ballet, when she was a reindeer and danced to “Rudolf the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” I had an epiphany: I can use this costume to decorate our house! Repurposing recital costumes just made perfect sense!

Hence, our reindeer wreath:

Then, the next year, she was a gingerbread girl and danced to Cookie  Monster’s rendition of “Gingerbread Man.” Keeping my new tradition alive, I added this costume to the mix and simply placed a bow around a hanger and set the “hat” on top. Cute!

Last year’s costume was less of a specific theme, and I almost didn’t do anything to display it. Then, I decided that I, too, can be crafty, so I used a few safety pins, a bow, and a wreath hanger. I thought it turned out great!

If you’re wondering what I’ve done with all the end-of-year recital costumes (that are, strangely, mostly lime green and sparkly), they line her walls as really cool hangings. Good thing she’s still a girly-girl.

What have you done with old recital costumes? Share with me!