Isn’t there something so magical and empowering about slipping into the perfect dancewear?
Your favourite leotard, the perfect skin tone tights and Ballet shoes, or the nude Jazz shoes that hug your feet just right – suddenly, you’re not just a dancer, you’re part of something bigger! How often have you taken a minute to think about how much what we wear in dance helps to shape our sense of belonging in the dance community?
When we feel good and comfortable in what we’re wearing, we stand a little bit taller, jump and leap a little bit higher, and – most importantly – dance with more confidence!
But, for a long time, not every dancer has experienced the luxury of finding the perfect dancewear for themselves. Dancers of colour have long been surrounded by dance peers and dance teachers wearing pale pink Ballet tights and Ballet shoes that don’t truly match anybody’s skin colour or skin tone, despite the use of European Ballet pink dancewear being designed and chosen to match dancers skin tones and elongate their lines on stage. That feeling of being “different” can be particularly isolating for global majority dancers, who are often being told to wear pink to ‘fit in’ so that every dancer ‘looks the same.’
Slowly, things are changing! Shades Dancewear’s mission since our launch in early 2023 at Move It (the world’s biggest dance convention) has been to raise awareness and improve diversity and inclusivity across all dancewear.
When dancers of all skin tones can find dancewear that truly reflects who they are, it sends a powerful message: “You belong!” This simple shift in what we wear can positively change how we feel about ourselves and our place in the dance world.
Creating a sense of belonging always begins with the basics. Dancewear that is made for everyone helps dancers feel seen, valued and appreciated. That’s why Shades Dancewear are paving the way and offering four shades of skin tone dancewear to cater for diverse dancers from the very first moment they can attend their first dance class – babyballet. Shades are ensuring no dancer, or dance parent, feels out of place by offering easy access to true skin tone dancewear for all.
Beyond the dancewear fabric and fit, dancewear plays a vital role in creating an inclusive, supportive environment. Dancewear choices and uniforms can foster a community where differences are not only accepted, but encouraged and celebrated (as they always should be!)
When dancers – especially young dancers at the very beginning of their journey with dance – see that their unique identity is represented in the products they wear, it gives them the confidence to embrace who they are, take more risks, and truly express themselves in their dance studio classes and on stage.
This sense of belonging doesn’t just benefit individual dancers—it strengthens the dance community as a whole. A unified, diverse group of dancers is a powerful force, creating a culture where everyone lifts each other up. Whether it’s encouragement from a teacher or the support of fellow dancers, wearing dancewear that reflects who you are is a reminder that you are part of something bigger than yourself.
The dance world is evolving, and so is dancewear. Brands that offer inclusive options aren’t just selling products; they’re fostering a community where every dancer feels valued. This inclusivity helps dancers from all backgrounds step into the studio or onto the stage with pride, knowing they belong.
At the end of the day, it’s not just about the clothes we wear—it’s about how those clothes make us feel. Dancewear is a tool for building confidence, community, and a sense of belonging. So, when you zip up that leotard or pull on those tights, remember that you’re not just dressing for a class or performance. You’re dressing for the dance community you’re helping to build. And that’s a beautiful thing.
Although September is coming to an end, the journey of self-care and self-love for dancers, performers, students and hard-working dance parents that keep their children on time arriving to dance class and exams, this journey should never end. Dance is a hobby, a passion, a career and, most importantly, an important form of self care! So, what did you do to celebrate Shades Self Love September?
Recognising your needs, knowing when to rest and recover and prioritising your health are always incredibly important and we hope we gave out some useful tips and tricks throughout Self Love September with Shades. Self-care and self-love is an ongoing process for all of us, and every day is an opportunity to celebrate who you are, embrace your passions, and prioritize your well-being!
Keep showing up for yourself, and keep thriving all year round. 🤎
Find us @shadesdancewear 🤎
Written and designed by Amy Gibson
