You have a closet full of brand new, beautiful costumes. And while some dance clothes are cheap, these are certainly not. You want to protect your investment -- even if it's not custom-made -- and keep your costumes looking great before, during and after your big performance. How can you do that? Start with these simple rules:

Rule #1: Don't eat or drink while wearing your costume.

One of the fastest and easiest ways to damage your dance costume is by spilling food or drinks on them. Dance costumes aren't like regular girls dancewear. They require specialized care and attention to get clean. After all, you're not going to throw a leotard covered in sequins in the washing machine, right? So if you spill something you're eating or drinking on your costume right before your performance, you could be in big trouble.

It's best instead to set the rule that you're not going to eat or drink anything while in costume. If you're absolutely starving or dying of thirst once it's on, then put a robe over your costume to protect it. If, however, you do get a stain on your dance costume right before a performance, you can use a baby wipe to blot it off.

Rule #2: Follow the cleaning labels precisely.

Different garments will require a different level of care. Cheap dance clothes, for instance, that you wear to rehearsal or to the gym aren't going to need the same kind of laundering that a full-on dance costume will. So before you doing anything, read the label on your costume and follow the directions precisely. If you're still not sure how to properly clean your dance costume, then call the manufacturer. They'll be able to offer you the guidance you need.

If you have an especially delicate costume that you need to clean quickly before a big performance, then simply Febreeze it to get rid of any odors. Another option for freshening it up is to wipe it down gently with baby wipes and then let it dry out.

Rule #3: Store your dance costume better than the rest of your girls dancewear.

When you're not wearing your dance costume, don't simply toss it in your closet with the rest of your girls dancewear, or throw it on your bedroom floor. Instead, you need to store it properly. To do so:

• Make sure you hang it in your closet in an area that provides enough space so it doesn't get crushed.
• Also, if it comes with buttons at the neckline, do them up so the garment doesn't slip to the floor and get wrinkled.
• In addition, never fold your dance costume, especially if it has sequins on it. If you do, then they can get caught on one another and rip the fabric or cause other damage.
• Finally, invest in some nice garment bags you can use to store your dance costumes in, especially when you're traveling or in between dance competitions. Each costume should have its own separate bag to ensure they don't get snagged on one another, or get wrinkled.

Rule #4: Don't use perfumes or body sprays in them.

You might love a certain scent or even consider it your signature one. But don't spray it on your body before you put on your dance costume. Even worse, don't spray it on while you're wearing your dance costume. If you do, it will get absorbed into the fabric and will eventually grow stale smelling. It's best to apply your favorite scent after the show, once you're out of costume and back in regular girls dancewear. Your costume can then stay fresh and clean-smelling, and will certainly last longer, too.

Rule #5: Return it if it's too small.

You might have grown a bit since your last fitting. So if you order a dance costume and it's too small for you, then simply return it for the next size up. Don't try to squeeze into it and risk damaging the costume. This results in broken zippers and buttons, and stretched-out fabric. Plus, you're not going to be able to deliver your best performance if you're not totally comfortable in the costume you're wearing. You can even risk a malfunction on the stage during your performance, which is why it's so important to ensure you get the right-fit costume from the start.

Rule #6: Wear it properly.

When it comes to donning your costume, make sure you wear it as intended. Don't leave off something, or add an embellishment to it using a safety pin. When you do, you risk damaging the fabric and taking away from the overall aesthetic of the costume.

Rule #7: Be careful when it comes to repairs.

If a sequin pops off or the zipper breaks -- and you're handy with a needle and thread -- by all means go ahead and repair your costume. If, however, you're not really sure what you're doing, it's always best to leave it to a professional. A dancer should have a seamstress they can turn to for adjustments and repairs anyway. So if you have a dance costume that needs some help, and your experience with a needle and thread are limited, now's a good time to reach out to a professional you can trust.

If you're in a pinch, and you have a big performance coming up, then you can always glue on missing rhinestones or sequins. Make sure you have some extra matching ones handy and then use a craft glue to adhere them to the garment. Also, it's a good idea to keep this kind of glue in your dance bag in case you lose a sequin or a rhinestone right before a big performance.

Rule #8: Check your costume before your performance.

Don't wait for the night before -- or worse, the day of -- to take a look at your dance costume. Take it out several days in advance and thoroughly inspect it for signs of damage or stains that need to be taken care of ahead of time. That way, you can rest easy your costume is fresh and ready to go once the day of your big performance arrives.