Dancing with the Stars ... Did You Know? Filed under ( ABC, Dancing with the Stars )

The sparkly, sequined and sometimes ultra-tight costumes on ABC's hit show Dancing with the Stars are almost their own contestant, and as much time is spent on the costumes as dance rehearsals.

Costume supervisor Kirstin Gallo, costume designer Randall Christensen and assistant costume designer Steven Lee sometimes work up to seven days to create a show's unique looks. Right after the results show on Tuesday, the designers meet with the contestants to start working on the following week's styles, with the design ideas coming from the professional dancers. Fabric and accessory orders are then placed right away to make sure they arrive in time. Recently, Christiansen ordered 138,240 Swarovski rhinestones (which averages out to about 15,000 per dress!).

Every costume is custom-crafted, and the designers are also responsible for dressing the three judges and the two hosts. Keeping in mind that there are different outfits for the pros performances on the results show, the designers sometimes have to create as many as 46 original costumes a week!

During the final hour and a half before showtime, the designers make last minute minor adjustments and remove any spray tanning and body makeup stains.

Christansen doesn't leave the set until all the stars come down the stairs for the show. "It's like the babies are being born at that moment. It's glorious and beautiful."

Photo from ABC.