Hi,
I've been taking ballroom/latin lessons for about a year and am planning to do a performance with my instructor. I want to do Tango/Rumba/Salsa and ECS, beginning with the Tango. I'd like to wear a long skirt for the Tango then removing it to reveal a short skirt for the other dances. Where can I find a long skirt with maybe velcro fastening at the waist? Or, would you suggest something else? Budget is a factor...thanks

Edie

"Budget is a factor". I just did this for a showcase dance. Do you know how to sew? or have a family member that does. Here's an easy fix to your situation (2) solutions to look at.
Go to your neares fabric store i.e., JoAnne's or other. Buy black lycra for dance/swim (4-way stretch)for the skirt and maybe 1/4 yd red lycra as contrast for belt. Place the strong velco inside the "belt" and rip the skirt off when you need to in your dance - I found that a leg split in the skirt helped enormously to get the skirt off when my partner pulled the fabric belt. Buy enough to make a circle skirt the length that you need for Tango(a skirt that literally looks like a donut when laid out on the floor as two halfs put together) The length will be from your waist to the hem (lycra really doesn't need hemming - just a clean cut - I use rotary blade)Serger/sew contrast lycra abric to the inner circle of your lycra skirt, after sewing the two halfs of your circle skirt together. Place velco inside the belt. Wella! a skirt that covers your other costume. Now, if you don't sew - buy a long practice skirt from a nearby dance vendor or order off the web (cheap skirt), create a leg split in the long skirt, place velco on the inside of the waist band. Two alternatives for you. Note: Before you place your velco as there is a top and bottom to it - figure out which direction your going to pull your skirt off - this determines which overlap your fabric belt will need to be. Have a good time. My studio loved - the big reveal!

any chance you know the tango scene from the movie "The Wedding Planner" and the red dress worn by the lead?

when you said four way stretch and circle skirt, I'm thinking those things are part of that dress.

I want that dress.LOL but don't know enough about costume building to tell anything from the scene--but slowed down, the dress looks fairly complex and fabulous.

Thanks for your suggestions particularly #2 as I can't sew a stitch (smile). Appreciate the help.

Your welcome (-: hint: You may want to add to the velco, once it's sewn in, a couple of safety pins to ensure it will hold in the fabric. My partner was so enthusiastic in ripping the skirt off that the sewn velco ripped out as well! lol. Check out discountdancesupply on the web they have several long practice skirts that will work for what your needs are. Definately do the leg split up to the belt/velco this makes the skirt much easier to come off. Have fun