Also, Miss Lauren, there are numerous available websites that will "rent" you a dress which, for you starting out, might be the way to go when you find your in need of a "costume" either for a showcase, event, competition, etc. The cost of fabric, designers and non-designers, the cost of rhinestones, the hours of labor, seamstress fee all play into "what the market will bear" cost and mark up. Many many dancers decorate their own, or buy good practice wear and add stones, appliques, etc., rent, borrow, buy used, gently used, etc etc which will save you alot of money instead of buying "new" from a high end designer.