Momentum Preview

Dazzling Costume Designs
Let Dancers Step Out in Style

When you’re the first ballet company ever granted permission to perform Bob Fosse’s iconic ‘Sing, Sing, Sing’ from DANCIN’, you want everything about the production to be extra-special. That’s why AMB costume designer Deborah Overturff has gone all-out to create sizzling period-inspired costumes for the 20-member cast. Let’s take a look at what she’s done and how she approached it:

“Everything Has That Feeling That You’re Stepping Back in Time…”

“Everything has that feeling that you’re stepping back in time,” Deborah said. “It was the era of Prohibition. People found a way in secret, in these evenings out, to have their freedom of expression. They’d feel extreme joy when they were able to let loose.”

In creating the first costume, Deborah used black and gold, adding accents of blue in honor of Ann Reinking, who had worn blue when she originated the famous “Trumpet Solo” section that she later taught to AMB’s Kelanie Murphy.

“From there I wanted to branch out into an evening-out feeling, with a variety of colors representing that everybody is unique,” she said. “There are a lot of sequins; there’s a lot of flash, so it highlights the movement. All the skirts are in a ‘carwash’ style that reveals the legs in motion.”

Creating and preparing clothes, shoes and accessories for the cast of 20 might sound like a tall order. But Deborah and her wardrobe crew didn’t stop there, making 24 costumes (“at least 24,” she says) for Sing, Sing, Sing.

“I always make more costumes than I have dancers,” she said. “A piece like this is iconic – we invest a lot of time and attention in a work like this. It’s important that we be able to repeat it in the future, so I always have more costumes to fit other people, not specifically just the ones that are dancing at this time.”

Don’t Miss Seeing These Incredible Looks in Bob Fosse’s Masterwork

AMB’s scintillating professional dancers have polished Bob Fosse’s inventive, engaging choreography to perfection. Omaha jazz trumpeter Doyle Tipler and his live onstage band are ready to lay down the driving beat. Deborah’s glittering designs clothe the scene in luxurious nightclub elegance. All we need is you…

Step out with us for this unforgettable experience! Get your tickets to Momentum, at the Hoff Family Arts & Culture Center October 18 and 19!