I live in NY and the dressmaker I chose is in MD. I will have to make a trip for a fitting. I don't recommend that, but I was so frustrated and dissappointed with the people I had met so far. I saw this dressmaker's work so I knew it was quality. You might also go to bridal shops, some are willing to make a gown. Can't your dance teachers suggest any dressmakers? You really should consider one of the legit websites who make gowns to order and you just submit all your detailed measurements (in the USA). Consider going 1/2 shorter so that if it is too long, you won't have to have it shortened for $100 or more. Good luck.

Another thing thing to consider is renting a dress. I had a dress made for me and wore it 3x. I want something different now so I decided to sell the one I had made for me. Easier said than done. Since it was custom made for me, and I'm taller than the average dancer, it won't necessarily fit a big dancing demographic. The dresses for sale on this site seem to run on the smaller side - I'm a whopping 8, so keep in mind how long you will use the dress, how easy it is to re-sell if you want to, etc.

As for buying one overseas, I don't think I'd be inclined to do it. Part of the process should be having fittings done so you don't have to go and pay to get it re-altered, or find out that it doesn't hit your body where you thought it would, etc. If you're talented enough to transform/alter a dress, then it's probably not a bad option. When I buy a garment, especially a pricey one, I just want to be able to put it on and go....