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Confidence is a crucial factor within dance performance, dance competitions and dance examinations for dancers of all ages to come off stage, or out of the dance studio, feeling they truly performed at their best. Confidence is something all dancers have their own individual journey with, and Shades Dancewear are here to explain how inclusivity in dancewear can contribute to increasing dancers’ confidence levels.
The way a dancer feels in their dancewear can significantly influence their stage presence, enabling them to perform with self-assurance and to their best ability. In this easy-to-read guide, we’ll explore how dancewear can impact a dancer’s confidence, particularly for those from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds, and provide practical tips to help boost confidence through preparation, mental strategies, and, of course, embracing the right dancewear for you!
Dancewear is much more than just a uniform to wear for your classes or training; it’s a powerful tool that can influence your confidence and comfort in rehearsal and on stage. For many dancers, particularly mixed-race and global majority dancers, wearing dancewear that truly represents and matches your skin colour can make a significant positive difference.
Inclusivity in dancewear is important for dancers of all ages, sizes and skin colours to feel seen and valued. The dancewear industry is slowly evolving to provide diverse skin tone dancewear options, and Shades Dancewear are proud to be at the forefront helping dancers feel seen, comfortable and embraced as part of our diverse dance community!
Historically, the dancewear industry has often overlooked the needs of dancers with brown and black skin tones, leading to many dancers and teachers experiencing feelings of exclusion and discomfort. However, the growing recognition of the importance of diversity in dance has helped lead to the development of more inclusive dancewear options. Shades co-founder Stacey Green grew tired of having no dancewear available to match her skin tone – and then Shades Dancewear was born!
Dancewear that truly matches the dancer’s skin tone helps individuals feel a sense of belonging, which in turn reduces feelings of self-consciousness and boosts confidence. Gone are the days that every dancer is told to wear European Ballet pink tights and Ballet shoes that don’t match dancers’ skin colours or skin tones like Shades Dancewear’s shade options do. (Want to find your skin tone match? Order our Colour Match Swatch!)
For dancers of mixed race and global majority backgrounds, finding the right shade of socks, tights, Ballet shoes, Jazz shoes and dance belts that complement their skin tone is vital. This inclusivity in dancewear not only promotes diversity but also fosters a more welcoming and supportive environment in the dance community. When dancers feel represented, they are more likely to perform with confidence, focusing on their art rather than worrying about how they might stand out for the wrong reasons.
Products like skin tone tights and Ballet shoes from brands that prioritise inclusivity are excellent examples of how dancewear can be used to boost a dancer’s confidence. These items are designed to match the diverse shades of brown that exist within the global majority, offering dancers the opportunity to feel more integrated into the world of dance.
By wearing dancewear that aligns with their skin tone, dancers can feel more comfortable and confident on stage. This sense of comfort translates into a more assured performance, as the dancer is less likely to be preoccupied with how they look and more focused on their movements and expression.
While the right dancewear is a significant factor in boosting confidence, it’s also important to develop strategies that address the mental and emotional aspects of performing. Here are some tips to help dancers feel more confident when they step onto the stage:
1. Practice and Preparation
Preparation is key to feeling confident on stage. The more familiar a dancer is with their routine, the less likely they are to experience performance anxiety. Rehearsing regularly helps to build muscle memory, which in turn makes the movements feel more natural and effortless during the performance.
In addition to physical practice, mental preparation is also crucial. Visualising success can be a powerful tool for boosting confidence. By mentally rehearsing the performance and imagining a successful outcome, dancers can reduce anxiety and increase their sense of readiness. Visualisation helps create a positive mindset, which is essential for a confident performance.
2. Focus on Strengths
Every dancer has their own unique strengths. Focusing on these strengths, rather than dwelling on perceived weaknesses, can help build confidence! It’s easy to get caught up in self-doubt, especially if you have become caught up in comparing yourself to others – which is a common experience for many dancers. By concentrating on what you do well, dancers can shift their mindset from one of insecurity to one of self-assurance.
Positive self-talk is another important aspect of focusing on strengths. Affirmations such as “I am ready,” “I am capable,” or “I am confident in my abilities” can reinforce a positive self-image. Repeating these affirmations before going on stage can help combat nerves and foster a more confident mindset.
3. Engage with the Audience
Connecting with the audience can be a daunting task, but it can also be incredibly empowering. Making eye contact with audience members helps dancers feel more present and engaged in the moment. This connection can reduce feelings of isolation and anxiety, as it shifts the focus from internal worries to external interaction.
Engaging with the audience also helps dancers feel more in control of their performance. Rather than feeling overwhelmed by the presence of spectators, dancers can use the energy of the audience to fuel their performance, turning nerves into excitement and confidence.
4. Embrace Inclusivity and Diversity in Dancewear
As discussed earlier, wearing dancewear that reflects and respects a dancer’s unique identity is a powerful confidence booster. Embracing inclusive dancewear that matches their skin tone allows dancers to feel represented and valued within the dance community.
When dancers feel that their identity is acknowledged and celebrated, they are more likely to perform with confidence. This sense of inclusivity extends beyond just the physical aspects of dancewear; it reflects a broader commitment to diversity and representation in the dance world. By choosing dancewear that celebrates their heritage and identity, dancers can feel more connected to their craft and more confident in their abilities.
The connection between dancewear and a dancer’s confidence on stage is undeniable. By embracing inclusivity and diversity in dancewear, the dance community can help all dancers feel represented, valued, and confident in their abilities. Skin tone dancewear is more than just a fashion statement; it’s a symbol of acceptance and belonging, essential for empowering dancers to perform at their best.
For dancers, confidence on stage is built through a combination of physical preparation, mental strategies, and the right dancewear. By focusing on their strengths, engaging with the audience, and choosing dancewear that celebrates their identity, dancers can boost their confidence and deliver performances that truly shine.
As the dance community continues to evolve, the importance of inclusivity in dancewear cannot be overstated. By prioritizing diversity and offering products that cater to all skin tones, dancewear brands are helping to create a more inclusive and supportive dance environment. This, in turn, empowers dancers to perform with confidence, knowing that they are seen, valued, and celebrated for who they are.
Ultimately, confidence on stage is about more than just technical skill; it’s about feeling comfortable in one’s own skin and knowing that one’s identity is respected and valued. Through inclusive dancewear and a supportive dance community, dancers can find the confidence they need to take the stage with poise, grace, and self-assurance.
Find us @shadesdancewear 🤎
Blog written and designed by Amy Gibson
