A basic is a starter ballroom dress for a girl's first competitions: a leotard-based top with a fitted skirt and no elaborate decoration. To choose one without mistakes, look at four things: the programme (Latin, Standard or universal), the sleeve and back, the skirt, and your child's measurements. MakGrace carries 76 FD Company girls' basic dresses.
What a basic is and how it differs from a juvenile dress
A basic is a base model of a ballroom dress built on a leotard with a skirt. It is bought for first competitions, rating starts and performances. FD Company labels these dresses "Basic" on the site.
Compared with a juvenile dress, a basic has a simpler construction and more restrained decoration. Requirements for the cut, length and decoration depend on the class, age and federation, so check the competition rules and ask the coach before buying. We explain what to check in ballroom dress requirements for girls: what to check before the first competition, and juvenile dresses are covered in the complete 2025 guide.
Latin, Standard or universal: which to choose
Every basic on the site is marked with its programme. Of the 76 FD Company models, 30 are for Latin, 28 for Standard and 17 are universal (one dress for both programmes). They differ in cut:
| Programme | What you usually see in FD Company models | Who it suits |
|---|---|---|
| Latin (30 models) | Godet, flared or asymmetric skirt; an open back in 9 of 30 models (only 4 of 28 in Standard) | Dancers competing in the Latin programme |
| Standard (28 models) | A closed back in 24 of 28 models, most often a flared skirt (18 of 28) | Dancers in the Standard programme |
| Latin + Standard (17 models) | Closed or open back, flared, godet or a mix of both | Beginners who compete in both programmes and want one dress |
If a child dances both programmes, a universal basic saves money at the start. When there is only one programme, it is better to choose a dress made for it: Latin models give the hips more freedom, Standard models look more reserved and covered. For the difference in practicewear, read Latin vs Standard training wear for girls.
Sleeve and back
Of the 76 basics, 40 have long sleeves, 15 short sleeves, 13 are sleeveless and 8 have three-quarter sleeves. Long sleeves help when the hall is cool and give a more covered, formal look. Short-sleeved and sleeveless dresses are lighter, but in a cool hall you will want a warm top or bolero between rounds.
The back is closed in 57 models and open in 19. An open back is more typical of Latin. A closed back is a calm choice to start with, especially for Standard, where nearly all FD Company models have one (24 of 28).
Skirt: flared, godet, asymmetric
The skirt decides how the dress moves. A flared skirt (37 models) widens from the waist and holds volume. A godet skirt (19 models) fits closer over the hips and flares towards the hem. An asymmetric skirt (12 models) has different lengths around the circle and is almost always Latin (9 of 12).
Model descriptions mention "one and a half circle" and "two circle" cuts: the more circles, the fuller the skirt. The hem is finished with stiffening tape to keep its shape; its width is given in each model's description.
Fabrics, cups and fastenings
The main materials of FD Company basics:
- Bi-flex – dense stretch knit used for the leotard in every model of the БС series. It keeps its shape and colour and copes well with frequent washing.
- Velour – the base of all 24 models of the БВ series (some descriptions specify "shining" velour); 12 models of the БС series use velour as an additional material.
- Guipure, mesh, tulle – inserts and decoration: mesh appears in 24 descriptions and guipure in 20.
- Cups – 18 models include them (for example, БС-95 from UA size 36 to 44).
- Fastenings – a hidden zip at the back (44 descriptions) and snaps at the bottom of the leotard (51 descriptions).
For more on brands and materials, read dancewear brands at MakGrace: how to choose the right one.
The БВ and БС series: what is the difference
Model names start with a series code. The БВ series (24 models) is made of velour and is the more affordable one: it contains the cheapest models in the range, and many of its dresses are universal or Standard.
The БС series (52 models) is made of bi-flex, often with guipure, mesh or velour. It has more Latin models and a wider price range. The site does not explain the letters in the codes, so go by the material in the model description.
How to choose the size
FD Company basics use the Ukrainian (UA) size scale. Here is the table from the product pages, identical for all 76 models:
| UA size | Height, cm | Chest, cm | Waist, cm | Hips, cm |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 28 | 110 | 56 | 52 | 62 |
| 30 | 116 | 60 | 54 | 66 |
| 32 | 122 | 64 | 56 | 70 |
| 34 | 128 | 68 | 58 | 74 |
| 36 | 134 | 72 | 60 | 78 |
| 38 | 140 | 76 | 62 | 82 |
| 40 | 146 | 80 | 63 | 86 |
| 42 | 152 | 84 | 64 | 90 |
| 44 | 158 | 88 | 68 | 94 |
- Height – standing without shoes, back against a wall.
- Chest at the fullest point, waist at the narrowest, hips at the widest. Do not pull the tape tight.
- Torso length – from the shoulder through the crotch to the same shoulder: a basic is built on a leotard, so this measurement matters.
Go by all the measurements, not by height alone. If your measurements fall between two sizes, message the MakGrace team and we will advise on the specific model. Do not buy a dress to grow into: an oversized one bunches up and the skirt hangs wrong.
Price and delivery time
Prices vary a lot: the most expensive basics cost roughly five times the cheapest. They depend on the series, fabric, decoration and sleeve. The velour БВ series is the entry level, while bi-flex models with guipure and mesh cost more. Check the current price in your currency on the product page.
FD Company items are usually in stock. If the size you need is temporarily unavailable, production takes 3–5 working days depending on workload.
Common mistakes when choosing a basic
Most unsuccessful purchases repeat the same patterns:
- Choosing by colour or decoration without checking the programme. A Latin dress does not always suit Standard.
- Going by height only. Chest, waist and hips affect the fit just as much.
- Buying to grow into. A large dress hinders movement and spoils the look.
- Buying without checking the rules. Requirements for cut and decoration depend on the class and federation.
- Forgotten small items. Without lace socks, underwear for under the skirt and a hair band the outfit is not complete.
- No plan for transport. The skirt needs a garment bag so the dress does not crease.
What to buy with a basic
Save this list before you shop:
- Lace socks – the most popular accessory at MakGrace.
- Briefs for under the skirt – choose the size from the product's size chart.
- A hair band – FD Company and Ptashka Style models are available.
- A garment bag or bag – to bring the dress without creases.
- A practice skirt and top – so the competition dress is not worn to every lesson.
For camps and away competitions, use our dance camp packing checklist.
Where to find FD Company basics in the catalogue
At MakGrace all FD Company basics are collected in the girls' dresses section. The links below open with the brand filter already applied:
- FD Company girls' dresses – all 76 basics
- FD Company competition wear – dresses, shirts and waistcoats
- FD Company girls' section
For the brand history and other lines, see our complete FD Company guide; for gymnastics and choreography, read FD Company gymnastics and choreography wear; every model of the brand is on the FD Company page at MakGrace.
FD Company basics: eight models to start with
Below are real items from the catalogue: four for Latin, three for Standard and one universal. Check the product page for sizes, colours and the current price.
How to choose your basic
Start with the programme, then choose the sleeve, back and skirt, take the measurements and compare them with the size table. All FD Company basics are in the girls' dresses section; if you are unsure about the choice or size, message the MakGrace team with your measurements.
Frequently asked questions
What is a basic dress in ballroom dancing?
A basic is a base ballroom dress built on a leotard with a skirt, without elaborate decoration. It is chosen for first competitions, rating starts and performances. Requirements for cut and decoration depend on the class and federation, so check the rules and ask the coach before buying.
How does a basic differ from a juvenile dress?
A basic has a simpler construction and more restrained decoration, while a juvenile dress is usually richer in decoration. Specific rules depend on the class and federation. For requirements, read our article on ballroom dress requirements for girls.
Which basic should I choose for Latin and which for Standard?
In the FD Company catalogue Standard models most often have a closed back (24 of 28) and a flared skirt (18 of 28), while Latin models have godet, flared or asymmetric skirts and an open back is more common. The programme is marked on every product page.
Can one basic be used for both Latin and Standard?
Yes, FD Company has 17 universal models that suit both programmes. This is convenient for beginners, but if a child dances only one programme, a dress made for it is the better choice.
How do I choose the size of an FD Company basic?
Measure height, chest, waist and hips and compare them with the size table on the product page: size 28 corresponds to 110 cm, 32 to 122 cm, 36 to 134 cm and 40 to 146 cm. Go by all measurements, not height alone. If your measurements fall between two sizes, message the MakGrace team.
How much does an FD Company basic cost?
Prices vary a lot: the most expensive basics cost roughly five times the cheapest, depending on the series, fabric and decoration. The velour БВ series is the entry level. Check the current price in your currency on the model's page.
How quickly can I get a basic?
FD Company items are usually in stock. If the size you need is temporarily unavailable, production takes 3–5 working days depending on workload. Check availability on the product page or with the team.
Where can I buy an FD Company basic dress?
At MakGrace, a specialist dancewear store and authorised FD Company seller. Open the girls' dresses with the FD Company filter or the brand page; we ship within Ukraine and internationally.
