Okay so I am brand spankin new to the world of ballroom dancing and I just wanted to know.. why are the costumes are so damn expensive?!! Is it because they're hand made or something? Just curious. Thanks.

With the exception of competitions where you dance with your teacher (which is itself quite expensive) most beginner competitions do not permit you to wear a costume anyway.

I understand that, I was just curious though because I LOVE the costumes!

The costumes are expensive because the best are covered with savorski (sp?) crystals. Each crystal is glued on by hand. Competitiors often buy second or third hand costumes, some stone them themselves. There are less expensive options on ebay from Chinese dressmakers. You do not need a costume unless you are dancing Pro/Am or are in Silver or above. Invest in good quality shoes.

Ah okay. Thank you very much. Also, what good quality shoes would you suggest? Is there a certain brand or website I should buy from?

There has been a great deal of discussion about shoes. Every woman has her favorite brand. Expect to pay around $175.00 for a good pair. Some of the good brands are Supadance, Dance Naturals, Ray Rose. Ray Rose are narrow and I can not wear them. I have Supadance for standard and Ballroom USA for latin. It is best to have a pair of standard shoes (waltz, foxtrot etc) and a pair of latin. A 2 1/2 inch heel is best. Stay way from Capezios, they do not make a good ballroom shoe. Until you know what fits you best and what is comfortable for you, you should buy your shoes from a store rather than a website. I have lots of shoes, (OK, I love dance shoes), some are cheap Chinese shoes (Very Fine) that I wear when I dance socially. They aren't going to last long but they comfortable and sparkly. I also have a pair of ugly Supadance practice shoes with a low heel for those times when I can't wear heels one moment longer.
Whatever brand you get, make sure they are comfortable from the moment you put them on. Do not allow a salesperson to tell you they will stretch, or you need to break them in. If they hurt right off the bat, imagine how they will feel an hour in.

Leather shoes do stretch. Satin, not much. Some of the shoes traditionally made in satin are also available in leather. The coloring tends to wear off in a few months and they don't look so nice after that, but they may still be usable. It's a popular choice as a first pair for someone who wants to use the same shoes for a season of practice and beginner competitions. (Satin shoes usually get too dirty after a few competitions and are relegated to practice after that)

MissLauren. Also you should know that for the Standard Style of dancing a Court Shoe is the way to go ( no toe exposed ). A Latin Sandal has the toe exposed. Wearing a Court shoe and stepping backwards as in the Foxtrot we are supposed to go right to the tip of the toe. Not such a good idea wearing a shoe where to do this the toe nail would be on the floor. Having said that there are a lot of Social Dancers who do dance Modern in a Latin Sandal and only ever reach back to the ball of the foot.
And for the male a shoe which has a Cuban Heel, which puts the weight further forward over the ball of the foot is the way to go. Good Luck.

Wow that's expensive, but I'm glad I know now! Thank you :)

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.