Costume help (K9 Freestyle)

[Wonka & Nilla]

Ok, PV, you've helped me pick out the new song and you've been so supportive of Wonka and I... now I need help with costume ideas for the new k9 Freestyle (Dog Dance) routine we're putting together. I've got about 4 months until the Dog Show performance (in June) and I want to get started on the costume in case I need to make anything or have trouble finding the right garment. The song is "Rock this Town" by the Stray Cats and I'm attemping a fast, Jive/Swing sort of routine with lots of circles, through the legs and running steps.

My first thought was something 1940's looking (because of the Jive/Swing theme)... like the wide-leg pants women sometimes wore and a blouse that ties at the front. I think it would be very comfortable. Similar to this...


But, when I was talking to my instructor and another student last night, they thought Wonka might be "lost" in the pant legs while doing the 'between my legs' moves. They suggested a 1950's teenager look with capri pants or rolled up jeans, white shirt, with a scarf at the neck. Similar to this...


The other option would be to go with a very short, full polka-dot or poodle skirt... it would have to be SHORT (mid-thigh) though because I'm afraid of not seeing Wonka and stepping on him with anything knee length or longer... and I'd probably have to wear shorts or something under it for modesty when I'm bending over and such. Similar to this...

I think the skirt would look really cute, but it's probably also what I'm least comfortable wearing.

SO.... give me your thoughts!!!!! Does the song "Rock this Town" trigger any sort of costume idea for you that I haven't mentioned? What do you think would look cool to the audience, but still be easy to move and dance in? Please give me your opinions.

[BeachyKeen]

Even though it's swing/jive, "Rock This Town" gives me a much more 50's feel rather than 40's (although those clothes you posted were neat; where are they from?)

I like the idea of a bobby soxer outfit with rolled-up jeans; very cute, and comfortable, too.

[SaraFaust]

I vote for the 50's teen pic with the capris and bobby socks!! If you need a little pair of jeans for Wonka I might be able to hook him up! ha! ha!

[Wonka & Nilla]

LOL, Now that is one stylin' puggie! All she needs is a pair of little bobby socks!

[The Pugdads]

First thing I though of was zoot suit, but I'm a guy! Though you might look really cool in one! Maybe slightly slimmer pants than the traditional zoot suit, but add the hat, tie, and chain and you would be set!

I'm afraid that a poodle skirt, even a short one, would be a similar problem as the full pants with Wonka getting lost in them.



Of course, the jacket and chain might give you similar problems. Hmmm... you could shorten the jacket a bit and attach the chain to the pants so that it doesn't swing?

I dunno.

[Wonka & Nilla]

(although those clothes you posted were neat; where are they from?)

They are from a website that sells videos, shoes, clothes and other stuff for Swing dance. I've never bought anything from them, but I liked the look of the outfits... http://swingdanceshop.com/wrblandhosl.html

[BrendaM]

Even though it's swing/jive, "Rock This Town" gives me a much more 50's feel rather than 40's (although those clothes you posted were neat; where are they from?)

I like the idea of a bobby soxer outfit with rolled-up jeans; very cute, and comfortable, too.

I totally agree here! Love the rolled-up jeans and bobby socks idea. And, people will be able to see Wonka better.

[Cimaron]

I like the idea of the modified "zoot suit" or the teen look with the bobby socks. I like the capri pants/little neckties too.
Also...80's teenager look would be an option, since the song came out in the 80's. You could always do the little sweater vest/button down shirt thing with the matching socks that was in for a little while in the early 80's, because that was kind of a 50's throwback. You could also look at costumes from "Grease" or West Side Story...I think those would be neat.
Whatever you wear, I think comfort must be top priority. If you are going for a more formal/polished look, then I think Michael's idea would be fabulous and you could make it comfortable with easy modifications. I have a couple dog tuxedos in small and medium that Wonka could wear if you do go more formal, just PM me.

[BeachyKeen]

80's teenager look would be an option, since the song came out in the 80's.

OMG, that would be, like, tewtally rad!

Big, big hair, big earrings, jeans with leg warmers and keds, big shoulder pads and bright colors!

[SallyAndTilly]

I vote for the jeans, bobby socks and white shirt.