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DWTS Costumes: Glitter Secrets Revealed!
1 Dec
Summary
- Every rhinestone on a DWTS costume is hand-applied using a specialized system.
- Over 200 costumes are created weekly for various performances on DWTS.
- Costumes are saved post-show, with many reused and revamped for new performances.

Daniela Gschwendtner, a lead costume designer for Dancing With the Stars, shared fascinating behind-the-scenes details about the show's iconic ballroom attire. Gschwendtner, who transitioned from styling to design, revealed that every single rhinestone on a costume is painstakingly applied by hand. Her team utilizes specialized glue syringes and efficient systems to manage this detailed process.
The scale of costume creation for DWTS is immense, with Gschwendtner's team producing over 200 distinct outfits weekly. This volume accounts for competitors, troupe members, and special performances. Gschwendtner also highlighted the collaborative aspect, working with pros like Derek Hough and Mark Ballas to ensure costumes complement choreography and performer comfort.
Furthermore, Gschwendtner explained that most of the elaborate costumes are not discarded after a single season. Instead, they are stored and often refurbished for future use, including the DWTS national tour. This practice ensures that the time-consuming and costly creations are given a new life, minimizing waste and maximizing value.




