Each Kennelly School dress is custom-made — with much of the work done by hand — so maintaining it takes special attention.

Since the demand for school dresses far outweighs supply, it's particularly important to keep your dancer's dress in good condition. Here are some general care guidelines.

Routinely examine the dress

It's important that a dress fit well, not just for appearance's sake but to avoid putting stress on seams. Dancers grow quickly, so keep an eye out for fit and alter the dress as necessary.

Look over the dress after each performance. If there are any problems such as loose embroidery or holes in the seam, have them repaired right away, rather than just before the next event.

Replace lost rhinestones with glass — not plastic — pieces. Attach with clear tube glue, which dries transparent. Avoid glue guns, which leave visible globs under the stone.

Try not to wear dress while ...

• in the car, since that flattens the stiffener
• eating, but if that's unavoidable, cover it completely with napkins or a cover-up
• playing
• sitting on the floor
• during a lengthy break in a performance or competition; go to a private area to remove the dress and hang it neatly in a safe place till ready to dance again

Do ...

• apply deodorant before wearing the dress
• use dress shields
• change shields often, removing them between wearings
• store dress properly
• let the dress air out, covered only by a cotton cloth

Don't ...

• store the dress in a plastic bag
• leave it outside or in the sun, which can bleach it (the same caution goes for headgear)
• leave it in the car, since heat will set stains and weaken the stiffener

Cleaning the costume

Each time a dress is washed, its color loses brightness. Also, the stiffener loses its rigidity, and will have to be replaced after about five washings.

The suggestions above will help you avoid frequent cleaning, but here are some tips for the times when cleaning is necessary.

Spot-wash when possible. Many dresses made of cotton velvet or polyester can be spot-washed under the arms. Be absolutely sure the dress is colorfast before attempting this. (Be aware that red is seldom colorfast.)

Lace

Clean it regularly. Remove it from the dress and soak it overnight in a solution of dishwashing soap and water. Then, rinse it completely in cool water. Repeat washing if necessary. Do not use bleach, which breaks down the cotton and makes the lace limp. Towel dry. Iron while wet — but don't iron the lace directly; use a pressing cloth (or any clean, white cotton fabric).

Dress

The school costume can be hand-washed, but open figure dresses can't. To wash the school dress:

• Remove the lace and wash as described
• Wash the dress with baby shampoo, which is gentle to the fabric
• Use a pressing cloth to iron the lining until smooth
• Hang the dress to dry, being sure to shape it
• After the dress is dry, do any touch-up pressing
• Reattach the lace

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