No, this is not all it takes "buy a new ballgown, get a hair appointment" Actually, you DON'T want your ballgown to look better than your dancing. If you're dancing Novice, you don't want a championship dress on you. There is a reason why costumes are not allowed in syllabus levels. You are setting yourself up for expectations by your costume. If you come out on the floor in astonishing, fabulous, heavenly dress from the best dress designer on Earth and can't show the quality of dancing that matches your dress people will be disapointed. Hair is different though - make it as good as possible.