Costuming provides a changing abstract painting across bodies with movement in A Sun Dance. The costumes layer the dancers’ bodies with geometric patterns, and contrasting shapes of light and shade, opacity and sheerness, similar to beams of light. The dancers produce changing abstract images across the their bodies. Costume design by Leah Giblin is based in part on a watercolour painting (pictured below) I made in reference to a diagram from the NGA architect Col Madigan’s archive. The colours and shapes of the costumes reference both the painting, the architectural shapes of the NGA building and sun rays of light and shade. They are an integral visual, spatial, temporal, unfolding dynamic of the performance. The costumes support the live presentation of the work and are intended to be worn for future presentations. They can be altered/fitted for different bodies, repaired or remade over time if overworn. This part of manual outlines the ‘how’ for the care. Maintenance, repair and remake of the costumes (for remake, it is possible to work along the theme of the costume with variation). The costumes comprise 5 unique costumes made from naturally dyed (apart from one lemon yellow colour), made from cotton drill, bamboo jersey and silk organza. Supportive runners good for durational work on hard floor are essential. The premier performance used a range of New Balance sneakers in a palette of neutral / beige / sand / warm grey colours. The sneakers can be replaced over time and for different shoe sizes of performers, within similar shape and colour scheme. It is recommended to go for a colour theme rather than 5 of the same shoes. The Musician is not costumed like the dancers, as it is intended that they are a less visible element of the performance. The musician may be ‘styled’ for the performance, selecting neutral / white clothing, similar to the premiere. [LG – to provide details for this ‘costume bible’ section with full instructions for repair, maintenance and remake]