As costume designers and creators, we’ve all been there: the show’s about to begin, the costumes are ready, the stage is set—but something unexpected happens and you’re suddenly racing against the clock to solve a problem that could derail the entire look. This happened to us during the recent dance production of “Dance…no matter what” by Les Danseuses Adult Ballet studio. Despite months of planning, there was a last-minute hiccup that had us improvising just 10 minutes before curtain call.
The Problem: The Cage Didn’t Give the Right Silhouette
For this Marie Antoinette-inspired costume, we had designed a voluminous gown with a cage petticoat underneath to help create the signature silhouette of the era—wide, elegant and regal. However, just before curtain call, we noticed something strange: the cage started lifting up on the sides. Instead of pushing the dress outwards to give the full Marie Antoinette look, it was pushing the dress inwards, making the gown look less full and disrupting the entire silhouette.
The Marie Antoinette costume is all about that dramatic flair at the sides, with plenty of volume to make the dancer appear almost statuesque. Without that fullness, the entire character would lose its grandeur. With the performance looming just minutes away, there was no time to redo the cage or alter the structure in a major way.
The Solution: AAA Batteries to the Rescue
In times like this, it’s all about quick thinking and improvisation. We didn’t have the luxury of running out to get proper weights for the petticoat, so we had to use what we had on hand. Backstage, in the chaos of costume preparations, the only weight we could find were two packets of AAA batteries. While it may sound odd, in that moment, we had no choice but to make them work.
So, with mere minutes before the show started, we quickly stitched the batteries onto the bottom sides of the cage, inside the petticoat. The weight from the batteries worked like a charm, helping to anchor the sides of the cage and prevent it from lifting. It was a simple fix, but it worked and the silhouette was back to its full, wide glory just in time for the curtain to rise.
It was a true moment of “the show must go on” in action. While it wasn’t the ideal solution, it was effective enough to allow the performance to proceed without any hiccups on stage. This was a reminder that in live performance, quick solutions and creative thinking are essential—sometimes, the most unexpected materials can save the day!
On Stage: The Marie Antoinette Costume in Action
Despite the backstage drama, the costume looked magnificent once the dancer hit the stage. Here are a photo from the live performance of “Dance…no matter what”, where you can see the costume in action, capturing the beauty and elegance of the Marie Antoinette-inspired gown. The battery fix worked, and the dress maintained its signature shape throughout the performance, giving the dancer the regal silhouette we had aimed for.
This image showcase the full impact of the design and it’s truly gratifying to see how the costume held up under the stage lights despite the backstage challenges. The audience would never know the chaos that ensued behind the scenes, and that’s the magic of theatre: when everything comes together, even against the odds.
As sewing students, crafters and costume designers, we all know that perfection is a process—it’s about adaptability and problem-solving when things don’t go according to plan. The “AAA battery solution” might not be something you’ll find in a costume-making guide, but it’s a reminder that sometimes, quick thinking and a bit of resourcefulness can save the day.
In this instance, the last-minute fix worked and the Marie Antoinette costume shone on stage, enhancing the production’s overall aesthetic. There’s no such thing as a flawless performance, but with the right attitude and a bit of creativity, we made it work—and the audience is none the wiser.
If you’re ever caught in a similar situation, remember: the show must go on—and sometimes that means thinking outside the box (or, in this case, using what’s backstage to its fullest potential).
Thanks for reading!
Watch out for our next blog post where I’ll share the 5 FREE crochet toy patterns ideal for gifts for Christmas or birthdays!
PS: The feature photo is from the dance production “Dance…no matter what” by Les Danseuses Adult Ballet studio. The on-stage photos are done by Carla Nel Photography.
Blog posts in the Marie-Antoinette series:
PART 1: Versailles
PART 2: What else can go wrong?
PART 3: How many patterns does it take to make one dress?
PART 4: Creating the drama element…the Skirt
PART 5: The most intricate and time consuming part…the Bodice
PART 6: Fitting…the most important step
PART 7: What is a Queen without a train?
PART 8: A gown fit for a Queen!
PART 9: The show must go on
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