You will need:

• A bra - a well fitted, padded and wired, bra that gives good coverage. See also the notes below.

• Cold water dye - if you select a white bra and intend to colour it. (Dylon's cold water dyes come in lots of great colours)

• Medium weight interfacing.

• Material to cover the bra - patterned material is kinder to mistakes and needs less trimming up.

• Sequins, beads or whatever you need for trimmings - keep them light items.

Special Notes on the Bra: The bra shouldn't be a strapless one, they are not as flattering. Wonderbra's are also not advisable unless you have a small bust as the effect is a bit startling.

What to do:

Step 1: Dye the bra, if this is necessary.

Step 2: Take the shoulder straps off the bra. Measure yourself and make a halter neck strap the correct length. Use one piece of material folded down the middle, stuffed with the interfacing. See the diagram below. By making a solid strap to support the weight of the bust you are taking away the 'bounce' problem making the bra more comfortable and decent to dance in.

Step 3: Attach the halter strap ends to the cups in place of other straps - I usually do this by machine sewing for security.

Step 4: Cover the outside of the cups with interfacing. I find it's easier to do each cup in two halves.

Step 5: Cover the bra front with material and decorate. Be warned this type of bra is not strong enough to support heavy beaded fringing or lots of decorating, so keep it light.

Step 6 Very carefully cut the middle bits of the side pieces leaving the elastic whole around the edges and the fastenings. See the diagram below.

Step 7: If you want to add a final touch to the bra the elastic pieces can be covered with stretch sequins. Just make sure that the sequins can stretch as much as the back bra elastic needs to.

Have Fun!