For our Tango group, there is a couple of stage Tango performances coming up in June 4 and 17.
Original version of the choreography was a three-couple formation. But now, due to family emergency, a couple is likely going to back out. We were adjusting the original choreography to a two-couple choreo on Sunday (5/28).
Today (5/30) we were testing the stage dress.
In general, for Tango performance on stage, the easiest choice for men is dark suits with some sheen in the fabric. They can make your silhouette long and visible, and can correct your (shortcomings in) shape and posture to some extent. Nuevo dancers may aim for "less traditional" clothes, though.
For women, the choices are much broader, provided you can dance Tango in the dress. But overall, formal/dressy clothes will not go wrong, as Tango has a perceived image of adult affairs.
Usually, the balance between formality and casualness is a critical factor in choosing your dress. But for stage, different rules dictate.
The very first step for thinking of the stage dress is to think of what you want to show, that is, your message. Stage dress actually is a costume.
Audiences will start interpreting what they see on stage immediately, and each will form an opinion within 15 seconds. If you have clear message in the choreography, the dress should help/augment the message visually.
Practicality and comfort are secondary. "Sending a message" "Looking good" can trample practicality and comfort for stage dance.
There are additional, special factors and requirements for stage clothes.
(a) Consider Distance
You are far apart from the audience. Details that can be spotted in 3 feet distance won't be seen from 30+ feet, stage-audience distance. What audiences can see will be very different and limited; silhouette (shape), color (shine, contrast), design, and overall message.
(b) Consider Lights
Although adjustable, the stage lights usually are very bright. In bright lights, weak or pale dress can be washed out. It helps to choose dress with high contrast. Use strong, bright, or even neon color. Use iridescent or jewel tone. Use plain rather than patterns. Plain looks clearer than small patterns that audiences cannot see from a distance. If you wear a pattern, use bold or loud one.
(c) Be Memorable
Above all, the performer's stage dress should be memorable (or easy to summarize in the viewers'/audiences' minds).
Most audiences do not know you personally. Don't count on it. What they would remember is "I liked the couple in red". If all dancers wear some type of uniform, they'd say, "that one on the right" "the tall one" etc. You have to keep it simple for the audiences, yet have to stand out.
In a book "So you want to dance on Broadway" by Tina Paul, the author recommend for dancers in audition to be "identifiable", and "do not change dress between rounds", to be remembered by the viewers/producers/judges. It's the same idea.
[Recommended read]
Steve Jobs always wore black turtleneck for Apple. Spider man wears the red and blue costume, otherwise he is unremarkable Peter Parker. You have to see yourself as a memorable and identifiable character on stage.
Stage dress have many functions, including, sending a message to the audience, making you look good and memorable, and creating a sense of special occasion for the dancers and the audiences.
You need to consider them and plan your dress beforehand.
