In the next part of our Lion King series we get to find out what goes into building and creating the costumes that allow the performers to become their animal counterparts. Some of these costumes have been around since the first staging of Dance Connection’s Lion King, some were repaired and refreshed, and some were entirely created from scratch for this performance. We are lucky to have three artists helping to bring together costumes for one of the largest casts that we have ever put on stage for a Recital Company production. Lynn Arco who sewed over a dozen Lion Costumes, Steve Piscopo who helped to to put the pep in the step of our zebras and helped with previous productions, and Chris Seda who lent his artistic assistance in painting Miss Victoria’s amazing Giraffes and other animals were kind enough to give us some insight into how they populated our savanna with wildlife.

Steve Piscopo, who is our resident “zebra whisperer” shared his experience.

“Six zebras had been built 15-16 years ago, and just 4 were used for this past recital. Even though they were not designed for longevity, considering how many times they have been used, moved, packed and re-packed they have stood up incredibly well and, thankfully, none required a complete rebuild just some minor tweaks and fixes.

I remember Ms. Mary calling a meeting and expressed a desire to take the production to competition and wanting something “a little better”.The biggest challenge was only having 2 photos of the actual stage costume to try to replicate. Once we figured that out, it came down to what materials to use and how to get the rear legs to move appropriately. About a year later, we went to see the Broadway production just to see how close we came to the stage costume and man, we were right on target! I was floored at how well we did.

Each zebra took over 25 man hours to construct, start to finish. The very last day we were in the basement at the old studio with about 12 parents and 3 or 4 sewing machines humming away. The sewers made 2 “socks” for each that could be pulled over the frames. To see the expression on Mary’s face when we finally unveiled them was priceless, it made all the work worth it! 

Our goal from the outset was to try to give the dancers something they could perform in with pride and hopefully, that would inspire them to give a spectacular performance. I do believe we achieved that. I personally have always viewed those zebras as my “kids” and to see everything come together over performances on stage, on cruise ships and street fairs in Bermuda as well as the 30th anniversary recital has never gotten old.”

Steve Piscopo, Dad’s Company Alumni, Miss Jenn’s Dance Dad

Chris Seda was new to the costumes and the Lion King performance as a whole, but he was incredibly important in helping to bring our giraffes and wildebeests to life on stage. He let us know why he was so proud to be a part of the production.

“I had the opportunity to work on the paint designs of the giraffes and wildebeests that were sculpted by Miss Victoria. My wife (Miss Tiffany) is an instructor at Dance Connection and was part of the choreography team; and my daughter has been a student there since she was two, so I was happy to contribute my time to help out and utilize my experience as an artist.  As for my part in the designs; they were a bit cumbersome to work around, but I imagine that was nothing compared to the dancers that wore them and had to carefully balance them as they performed. 

Altogether, it took a couple of hours a day over a few days to complete them and I enjoyed painting the giraffes because of how well they were sculpted. Way to go Miss Victoria!

The Lion King production was beautifully done and all of the terrific costumes, sets and props made it feel like a truly broadway-level piece.”

Chris Seda, DC Dance Dad, Step Into Christmas Cast Member

The hours of work and dedication and the talent that went into the Lion King costumes is truly staggering. We are so grateful to Lynn, Steve, Chris, and all of our volunteers and parents who assisted in bringing the studio’s costuming vision to life.