INNOVATING DANCEWEAR

In the world of dance, every movement tells a story and every garment becomes part of that narrative. Professional dancer Jacqueline Moscicke’s custom dancewear company, MSeam Apparel, embraces this concept and embodies her passion, creativity, and commitment to the art form.

Moscicke spent over two decades as a ballet dancer with renowned companies such as The Joffrey Ballet and the Milwaukee Ballet. During her time at Joffrey, her dual passions for dance and design converged. “I started sewing to create unique pieces for myself and practice skirts for my friends,” she recalls. “But I never imagined sewing would become my business.” What began as a personal endeavor to stand out in the studio soon blossomed into something more. In 2017, MSeam Apparel was born.

For Moscicke, the importance of custom-made dancewear goes beyond mere functionality. “Every dancer’s body is unique and artistic,” she explains. “I feel their athletic clothing should reflect that.” This conviction underscores every stitch at MSeam, where each piece is meticulously crafted to inspire confidence while providing comfort.

What sets MSeam apart is Moscicke’s hands-on and sustainable approach. “I make everything myself, from custom costumes for performances to everyday dance essentials,” she shares. This dedication to craftsmanship is evident in the time she devotes to each piece, whether it’s a custom leotard created in just two hours or the 40 meticulous hours spent sewing a tutu. Beyond dancewear, MSeam also offers a range of athletic wear, including leggings and sports tops, all incorporating recycled packaging and fabrics as part of Moscicke’s commitment to a better future. “Our focus is to create items that are elegant, functional, and sustainable,” she notes.

Collaborations play a significant role in MSeam’s success. For instance, one of its unique printed fabrics was designed by Moscicke’s high school friend, Jackie Ghazazadeh of Zaza Day Design. Moscicke’s husband, Gregg Moeller, is her life partner and part-owner of MSeam. Their shared dedication is palpable; Moscicke chuckles as she mentions, “Gregg recently learned how to sew our scrunchies,” underscoring their joint investment in the business’s growth. Looking ahead, they envision expanding MSeam’s presence in dance boutiques nationwide and continuing to engage with the dance community through pop-up shops and conventions.

Inspiration strikes Moscicke everywhere, from everyday moments like walking her dog to glimpsing an elegant gown in a magazine. But her commitment to dance extends beyond design; she teaches dance at Your Performing Arts Center in Yorkville, Illinois, and instructs master classes nationwide. Despite her busy schedule, she remains a freelance ballerina across the country—all while being a devoted mother of three.

Reflecting on her journey from dancer to entrepreneur, Moscicke affirms, “What I wear while I dance directly impacts the way I feel and move. I love embodying each character or emotion by dressing the part accordingly, and I believe others will too.” In her hands, comfort meets style seamlessly—or, rather, with every seam—at MSeam Apparel.

Discover the artistry of MSeam Apparel today at mseamapparel.com