Feathers & Boas

Our Feather Boa Collection

We offer several types of feather boas to suit different dance styles and needs:

• Ostrich boa feathers: These are our fluffiest boas. They look impressive on stage and catch the light well, making them great for performances where you want to be noticed.
• Marabou boas: These boas are softer and less fluffy than ostrich feathers. They’re good for a more subtle look or for younger dancers who might find ostrich feathers too heavy.
• Turkey feather boas: These offer a good balance of fluffiness and movement. They’re a bit less expensive than ostrich feathers, making them a good choice for group costumes or when you need several boas.

Boa Colours

Our boas come in many colours to match different costumes and themes:

• White feather boas: These are popular for wedding-themed dances or performances where you want to look pure or angelic.
• Black feather boas: These work well when you want to add a touch of mystery or sophistication to your dance routine.
• Pink feather boas: These are great for fun, lively dances or ballet-inspired routines.
• Red feather boas: These can add energy to tango performances or spice up burlesque acts.

Using Boas in Different Dances

Our feather boas can be used in many types of dance:

• Burlesque and Cabaret: Dancers often use long ostrich feather boas as props, revealing or hiding parts of their costume during the performance.
• Ballroom: A shorter boa can add graceful movement to waltz or foxtrot routines.
• Jazz and Contemporary: Dancers can use boas creatively, incorporating them into choreography to emphasise arm movements or create interesting shapes.

Looking After Your Feather Boa

To keep your feather boa in good condition:

• Store it hanging up or loosely rolled when not in use to help it keep its shape.
• After use, gently shake your boa to restore its fluffiness.
• Avoid getting your boa wet, as this can damage the feathers and overall structure.

Attaching Feather Boas to Costumes

There are several ways to attach a boa to your costume:

• For a permanent attachment, sew the boa onto the costume using strong thread.
• If you want to remove the boa easily, create loops on the costume and thread the boa through these.
• For quick, temporary attachment, you can use safety pins, but be careful not to damage the boa or costume.

FAQs

What are feather boas used for?

Feather boas are used in dance to make costumes more eye-catching. Dancers use them as part of their outfits, as props to move during routines, or to create special effects on stage. They’re common in burlesque and cabaret, but also appear in ballroom, jazz, and other dance styles. Boas can help emphasise movements, add a playful or dramatic element to a performance, or tie a costume together visually.

What do feather boas represent?

In dance, feather boas can mean different things depending on how they’re used. In burlesque, they often suggest playfulness or flirtation. In ballroom dancing, they might add a sense of grace. The meaning can change based on how the boa is used in the dance, its colour, and the overall theme of the performance. Generally, boas are linked with showmanship and can help create a sense of glamour on stage.

What can you do with feather boas?

Dancers can use feather boas in many ways. They can wrap them around their bodies as part of a costume, hold them and move them during a dance to create interesting shapes, or use them to hide and reveal parts of their costume. Some dancers twirl boas to create a swirling effect on stage. Boas can also be used to decorate stage props or as part of the stage setting.

How do you attach a feather boa?

There are several ways to attach a feather boa to a dance costume. You can sew it directly onto the costume using strong thread for a permanent fix. For a removable option, make loops on the costume and thread the boa through these. Some dancers use safety pins for quick attachment, but this should be done carefully to avoid damaging the boa or costume. Always test the attachment method to make sure it will stay in place during your dance.

How long should a feather boa be?

The right length for a feather boa depends on how you plan to use it in your dance. For wrapping around the body or neck, a 6-foot boa often works well. Taller dancers or those wanting a more dramatic look might prefer longer boas, around 72 to 80 inches. Shorter boas, about 40 to 50 inches, can be easier to handle for complex dance moves or for younger dancers. Think about your dance style, costume design, and the specific moves in your routine when choosing the length.

How do I stop my feather boa from shedding?

To reduce shedding, handle your feather boa gently and store it properly. Avoid rough handling or shaking it too much. After using it, carefully fluff the boa and store it hanging up or loosely coiled. Some dancers lightly spray their boas with hairspray to help keep feathers in place, but try this on a small area first. Gently grooming the boa with your fingers can also help. Keep in mind that some shedding is normal, especially with frequent use in dance performances.

Can I wash a feather boa?

It’s usually not a good idea to wash feather boas as water can damage the feathers and the boa’s structure. For light cleaning, try gently spot cleaning with a barely damp cloth. To get rid of smells, you can hang the boa in fresh air or use a fabric freshener spray (test on a small area first). If your boa gets very dirty, it’s best to take it to a professional cleaner who knows how to handle feather items. Good storage and careful handling are the best ways to keep your boa clean and ready for your next dance performance.