How to Choose Between Jazz & Lyrical Costumes Based on Your Routine

Every performance tells a story. Whether it’s the sharp, high-energy beats of jazz or the flowing, emotional lines of lyrical, the right costume is a vital part of that narrative, transforming movement into artistry. More than just stagewear, costumes are a second skin, a vital part of the choreography that helps dancers embody the music and captivate their audience.

The key to choosing the right look is understanding the distinct roles each style plays in bringing choreography to life. Let’s break down the unique characteristics of jazz and lyrical costumes to find the perfect choice for your next routine.

Understanding Jazz Costumes

Jazz is all about energy, rhythm, and showmanship. From Broadway-inspired routines to upbeat competition numbers, the choreography is bold and dynamic, and the costumes need to match.

The right jazz costume is a visual extension of the dancer's performance, helping them project confidence and power from the moment they step on stage. It's designed to enhance every sharp kick and crisp isolation, ensuring the audience feels the energy and dynamism of the dance as much as they see it.

Some of the key features of jazz costumes include:

Bold designs: Sequins, fringe, and metallic fabrics catch the stage lights and highlight sharp movements.

Form-fitting cuts: Sleek leotards, unitards, and two-piece sets allow freedom of movement while showing off precise lines.

High-impact colours: Bright tones and contrasts amplify the drama and ensure visibility from the back row.

Take the Ritz Jazz Leotard: its sleek silhouette is paired with a fringe skirt that bursts into motion with every kick and turn, amplifying the sharp accents of jazz choreography. For a more dramatic stage presence, the Lustre Jazz Leotard, combines a metallic finish with a striking halterneck cut. This not only reflects the stage lights beautifully but also gives dancers the freedom to move with precision and power. Together, these pieces embody the confidence and energy that jazz routines demand, making them natural choices for musical theatre styles, upbeat competition numbers, or any performance where vivaciousness is key.

Understanding Lyrical Costumes

Lyrical is expressive and emotive, with choreography that flows between ballet and contemporary influences. Costumes here play a different role: rather than commanding attention with sparkle, they support the dancer’s storytelling.

A lyrical costume should feel like an extension of the music, helping dancers communicate emotion with every gesture. The goal is less about spectacle and more about connection, allowing the audience to focus entirely on the grace and technique of the dancer. To achieve this effortless elegance, lyrical costumes are designed with a few key features in mind:

Soft fabrics: Chiffon, mesh, and lightweight jersey create effortless flow with each extension.

Romantic silhouettes: Asymmetrical skirts, overlays, and draped designs add elegance and movement.

Subtle colours: Pastels, earth tones, or muted shades help focus the audience on emotion and technique.

The Elegance Puff Sleeve Dress embodies the flow of lyrical dance, with sheer mesh sleeves and a split overlay skirt that echo each extension and lift, perfect for emotional, sweeping sequences. For dancers who prefer a two-piece look, the Aurélie Lyrical Two Piece combines romantic puff sleeves with a cascading skirt, allowing every gesture to feel expressive and fluid. The Odette Lyrical Two Piece offers a slightly different mood, with its refined halterneck and high-low skirt that trails beautifully across the stage, making it a versatile option for solos or contemporary-lyrical hybrids. Each design is created to move as seamlessly as the choreography itself, helping dancers translate music into motion.

Matching Costumes to Your Choreography

The choice between jazz and lyrical costumes often comes down to the intent of the routine. Ask yourself:

What’s the mood of the music? Upbeat, energetic tracks pair naturally with jazz costumes that amplify rhythm and theatrics, whereas slow, emotive pieces are complemented by lyrical costumes that highlight fluidity and storytelling.

How much sharpness vs. flow is in the choreography? Jazz thrives on precise, snappy lines, while lyrical choreography shines in soft fabrics and flowing silhouettes that enhance every sweep, lift, and extension.

What impression should the audience leave with? Do you want them energised and entertained, or moved and reflective?

For routines that blend jazz’s precision with lyrical’s softness, you need a versatile costume that can do both. For example, the Silhouette Long Sleeved Leotard offers bold cut-outs and elegant mesh sleeves, making it a versatile option that beautifully bridges both worlds.

By thinking in terms of music, movement, and audience experience, you can ensure your costume not only complements the choreography but also elevates the entire performance.

Practical Considerations When Choosing

Beyond artistry, practical factors can make a big difference in both comfort and performance:

Comfort and fit: Costumes should allow dancers to move freely without restriction. Fully lined designs provide structure and security, so performers can focus on technique and expression rather than adjusting their outfit mid-routine.

Stage lighting: Jazz costumes shine under the lights, with bold colours, sequins, and metallic fabrics that amplify every movement. Lyrical designs, meanwhile, use soft fabrics and muted shades to catch the light in a subtle, flowing way, enhancing emotion and grace rather than spectacle.

Age and group dynamics: For younger dancers or large ensembles, jazz costumes help create unity through eye-catching, cohesive designs. Lyrical pieces are ideal for solos or small groups, highlighting individuality and expression within the choreography.

Durability: Costumes need to endure multiple rehearsals and performances. Structured jazz designs offer longevity for repeated use, while lyrical styles are crafted to maintain their shape and fluidity through dynamic, flowing movements.

Quick-changes: If your performance involves multiple numbers, consider ease of changing. Leotard-based jazz costumes often allow for faster transitions, while layered lyrical dresses may take slightly longer to adjust due to layers and overlays, but their elegance and flow make them worth the few extra seconds.

Bringing It All Together

Costume choice is just as much about synergy as it is about style. When choreography, music, and costume align, the performance becomes unforgettable.

At Prima Dancewear, we design jazz costumes that bring sparkle and confidence to the stage, and lyrical costumes that flow effortlessly with expression. Whichever style your next routine calls for, you’ll find pieces crafted to celebrate both artistry and performance.

Explore our full collection of jazz costumes and lyrical costumes to find the perfect piece for your next routine.