How are Crystal Clover dance wear?

[GoldStar]

I wrote this message also in DF and get no responses.. I need to get myself quickly some pracrice dancewear.
I use regular 100% cotton shirts which make me sweat more, are not flexible and makes it hard to watch my joints. So I really need a good stretch shirt.
 
I found a really great deal on a website of a company named "Crystal Clover":
http://www.crystal-clover.co.uk/product.aspx?productid=1803&categoryId=42

Finally, this package consists shirt and a trouser for practice, which makes it ideal for me.

Someone heard about this company? do their shirts stretch well? I have some extra weight and I'm a little bit affriad it won't fit (not so much extra weight though).

Is it matter that I dance Smooth and not Standard? I don't belive it is but I'm asking just to be sure.

For my income it's a huge deal for me.. so I really want to get the good stuff once.

If you say that Sapiel is another thing totally.. I will consider ordering it. It's much more expensive but I prefer one expensive shirt that I will wear daily than one shirt which is less expensive but I will really regret I ordered. I will find the money if this is the case.

I need it for practice for the time being.. but I might use it for the studio showcases. Comfort when practice is the target. Shirt that will breath fine, will give me a free movement and a really nice look.

[elisedance]

Fraid I don't know much in this area.  I did look at the site and shirt - looks nice but I could not find information on what the materials are made of.  I suggest you contact the vendor and ask.  Usually, if there are no natural fibers in the weave, the material does not take perspiration (or body odors) very well.  OTOH I have no idea if this is included in any men's practise wear.

Its the reason I actually get ordinary street clothes - cotton tops with a washable cotton/mix skirt - for practise.  Sports wear can be particularly good since its designed for the purpose.  However, if you are at a studio where practise-fashion is important (as it is in many) then this might not be possible.

[GoldStar]

I'm in Arthur Murray studio..

The last thing which is important is fashion 
In my studio, Jeans and a T-shirt is the common wear.

But also, the most of the other students  are 50+ and just want to dance for fun.
I am 18 and I really want to compete and go to the best I can.

For this reason, I practiceso much..
And I need a shirt which will provide me comfort but also nice look for shows (As I said before, practice shirt will be more than ok in our shows also)
and the most important shirt that will make it possible to watch my joints when I'm dancing because I think it will help me to find what I'm doing wrong.

I saw that malakawala wrote he uses their stuff, they are very known company, I feel sure it will be just fine.
But still, I want to be really sure I am making the right decision because it is a large amount of money considering my income.

[elisedance]

Lets hope someone else here has experience...

[GoldStar]

Just got my practice shirt and trousers.

I must say, Crystal Clover has the best cutomers service I have ever faced.
The order got to Israel in 3 days (I used express delivery) and the guy who took care of me
really did everything I asked for and more to help me pay less high Israelian taxes.

The shirt is very comfort. Because I'm a fat dude and a really tall one also (I'm 1.86 meters) it's a little bit uncomfort when I do
let's say a big rise in Waltz to enter the promenade. But otherwise it is really comfort, I haven't wear any other companys' dance wear
but I must say that If I order again, it will be with Crystal Clover for sure.

If it is good on me It must be a great quality of fabric.
Tomer

 

[elisedance]

Congrats!  What a nice Christmas present to yourself...
[Better stay off all the leftovers though ]

[pinkstuff]

Just saw this thread - was going to say that they have excellent customer service (based on the one time I bought from them).  I haven't bought any dancewear from them so can't comment on that.

[maccer]

Just thought I'd mention that I went to Crystal Clover's shop in Cheam when I was in London recently. They are located a couple of doors down from the famous Dance Options dance studio at Cheam (I saw Arunus and Mirko there). I've heard that Crystal Clover employs international dancers to do various jobs. I saw a top Australian boy sweeping, another top girl issued me with an invoice when I made some purchases. Others do diamante work for them. So I think it's a very good business to support as they are obviously helping out struggling international dancers. Also, for those interested, Crystal Clover is on facebook.  

[QPO]

thats good to hear I will look out for their products.

[phoenix13]

Wow. It's a bit pricey unless you're looking to use plain black practice wear as costuming.

[QPO]

yes they are a bit pricey but seem to last and wear pretty well.

[phoenix13]

IME, the word ballroom is like the word bridal.  Add it as an adjective and triple the price. *sigh* 

[QPO]

well I am sure...any sport has its issues. my daughter is a runner, her shoes are expensive, all the different clothes she uses, then the running watch and training aids....entering 1/2 marathons etc so it is not cheap either.

[phoenix13]

It makes sense when you consider that we're talking about niche hobbies.  OTOH, I suspect there's an element of "what the market will bear" involved, as well.