Have you ever wondered about the importance of skin tone dancewear in dance? We have, and that’s why we created Shades Dancewear – four matching skin tone shades of dancewear for dancers of all ages, from tiny toes to professional West End performers.
Typically, when we think of the dance industry and dance community, images of elegance, precision, and creative artistry come to mind. From the grandeur of London’s West End theatres to the meticulous planning that occurs across wardrobe departments, where costumiers ensure every ensemble cast shines bright on stage, dance is as much about visual impact as it is about the power of performance. A significant aspect of the visual appeal in dance and musical theatre lies within the diversity across skin tones of the dancers themselves. Shades Dancewear and their skin tone dance products – from dance belts to canvas split sole jazz shoes – are not just redefining the standards of dancewear but also driving a much-needed change towards inclusivity and representation across the dance industry.
The Importance of Skin Tone Tights and Shoes in Dance
For generations, the standard dancewear choice has predominantly catered to lighter skin tones, leaving dancers of colour with limited options that, more often than not, do not match their skin colour. This lack of representation extends beyond aesthetics; it impacts Global Majority dancers’ sense of belonging in the dance world. True skin tone tights and dance shoes play a crucial role in creating a seamless visual line, essential for maintaining the illusion of elongated limbs and flawless movements. Shades Dancewear has addressed this gap by creating and offering a variety of skin tone dancewear options, ensuring that every dancer can find dance tights and shoes that match their skin colour.
The four shades currently available are Bojangles, Raven, Uday and Pearl, with hopes to expand the shade range in the near future. Each shade is inspired by Global Majority pioneers of dance, who have largely influenced what we know of dance today.
Ballet Shoes and Tights for Paler and Darker Skin Tones
The Shades Dancewear team are grateful to have observed the positive impact of bringing dancewear to dancers with darker skin colours and skin tones, allowing Global Majority dancers to finally have access to Ballet shoes and tights that match their complexion perfectly. The psychological impact of feeling included and represented is profound, and should be easily accessible to all dancers. We believe every dancer should embrace their shade.
Shades Dancewear’s diverse and inclusive collection caters to a spectrum of skin tones. This inclusivity not only enhances the dancer’s appearance on stage but also promotes confidence and self-esteem. For far too long, Black, Mixed-Race and Global Majority dancers have had to resort to dyeing their dance shoes or layering makeup on their tights to achieve a skin tone match. Now, with Shades Dancewear, these dancers can focus more on their craft and less on modifying their attire because their skin tone shade is readily available for them.
The Shades Colour Match Swatch allows all dancers to find their matching shade ahead of ordering any product!
Embracing Diversity in Dancewear
Diversity in dancewear is more than just a trend; it’s a movement towards equality and representation. In an industry that prides itself on precision and uniformity, embracing diversity in dancewear reflects a broader acceptance of individuality and cultural differences. It’s about time the dance industry mirrors the diversity of the world it entertains. Shades Dancewear’s commitment to producing products that cater to various skin tones is a testament to this progressive shift. We hope to not only set a new standard in dancewear, but encourage other companies and organisations to adapt this open mindset where every skin colour is recognised, represented and can thrive.
Answering Common Dancewear Questions
Dance Uniform: What Do You Wear to Dance Class?
The concept of a dance uniform varies depending on the style and level of dance. Typically, a Ballet dancer’s uniform includes a leotard, tights, and Ballet shoes or for male and male-identifying individuals, a unitard, leggings or shorts and Ballet shoes. Shades Dancewear are encouraging dancers, performers, teachers and awarding bodies to adapt their typical ‘go-to’ Ballet uniform from ‘Ballet pink’ to any nude shade that truly matches the dancer’s skin tone, whether is be Bojangles, Raven, Uday or Pearl.
For modern, contemporary and jazz dance styles, the uniform attire is likely to be more relaxed, such as a leotard or fitted top and shorts or leggings.
Whichever dance style you practice, the dance uniform should serve to enhance the dancer’s lines and ensure nothing distracts from their movements. Dance uniform can vary from studio to studio, class to class.
With the advent of skin tone dancewear, we see that the idea of dance uniform is evolving to become more inclusive, allowing every dancer to feel comfortable and represented in what they wear.
What Do Adults Wear to Ballet?
Adult Ballet classes are becoming increasingly popular in recent years, from the Ballet core trend on social media to people who haven’t danced for years and would like to dance again. Adult Ballet classes generally offer a mix of beginner and professional dancers looking to embrace and learn from the Ballet art form. Adult dancers typically wear sportswear they are comfortable in, whether that be a leotard or a more casual gym outfit. Adults tend to opt for more relaxed attire because adult Ballet classes often create a more relaxed, come along when you can style class. Wear whatever makes you comfortable – whether that be a Ballet skirt or yoga pants!
The essential element for Adult dance classes remains the same: clothing that allows for the full range of movement without getting distracted (or even tangled!) in your clothing.
Do Ballet Shoes Come in Every Colour?
Traditionally, Ballet shoes were available in limited colours, primarily pink for women and white or black for men. This narrow Ballet shoe range did not account for the diversity of skin tones among every gender of dancers.
Canvas split sole Ballet shoes now come in a variety of colours and shades designed to match different skin tones. This expansion is not just about aesthetics; it’s about making every dancer feel seen and valued. Having Ballet shoes that match your skin tone means your feet blend seamlessly with your legs, creating the desired visual effect essential in ballet.
Do Male Ballet Dancers Wear Ballet Slippers?
Yes, male Ballet dancers do wear Ballet slippers. Just like their female counterparts, male dancers require footwear that allows them to perform with precision and grace. Ballet slippers for men are typically available in black or white, but with the growing awareness of the need for diversity in dancewear, companies are beginning to offer a wider range of colours. Male dancers also benefit from Shades Dancewear’s inclusive range, ensuring they too can find slippers that match their skin tone and enhance their stage presence.
Ballet Dancers Search for Dancewear to Match Their Skin Tone
The search for dancewear that matches skin tone has been a long-standing challenge for many ballet dancers. This search is not just about finding the right colour but also about finding a sense of belonging and acceptance in the dance community. Shades Dancewear has answered this call by providing a comprehensive range of products that cater to the diverse needs of dancers. From tights and shoes to dance belts, their offerings ensure that every dancer can find items that match their skin tone, thereby promoting inclusivity and self-expression.
Shades Dancewear Dance Belts: A Revolution in the Dance Industry
Shades Dancewear has truly revolutionised the dance industry with their innovative dance belts. A dance belt is a crucial part of a male dancer’s wardrobe, providing necessary support and comfort during performances. Traditionally available in limited colours, these belts often did not match the dancer’s skin tone, standing out awkwardly against their costumes. Shades Dancewear has changed this by offering dance belts in a range of skin tones, allowing for a more seamless and professional appearance on stage.
West End Theatre Approval for Shades Dancewear
The endorsement of Shades Dancewear by prestigious West End theatres speaks volumes about the quality and importance of their products. Wardrobe departments responsible for outfitting male dancers in ensemble casts now have access to dance belts that match the dancers’ skin tones, enhancing the overall visual harmony of the performance. This approval not only underscores the functional benefits of Shades Dancewear’s products but also highlights their role in promoting diversity and inclusion in the arts.
The Way Forward: Driving Change in the Dance Industry
The introduction of skin-tone dancewear by Shades Dancewear is more than just a commercial innovation; it’s a cultural shift. It challenges the longstanding norms of the dance industry and paves the way for a more inclusive future. Here are a few ways in which this change is driving progress in the dance world:
- Increased Representation: By offering products that cater to a diverse range of skin tones, Shades Dancewear ensures that dancers of all backgrounds feel represented and included. This is particularly important in a field that has historically been dominated by a narrow aesthetic standard.
- Boosting Confidence: When dancers wear attire that matches their skin tone, they can focus entirely on their performance without feeling self-conscious about their appearance. This boost in confidence translates to better performances and a more positive experience overall.
- Encouraging Diversity: As more dancewear companies follow Shades Dancewear’s lead, the industry will become more welcoming to dancers of all ethnicities. This diversity enriches the art form, bringing in new perspectives and stories that resonate with a broader audience.
- Setting New Standards: The success of Shades Dancewear sets a new standard for what is expected in dancewear. Other companies will need to adapt and innovate to keep up, leading to a more dynamic and inclusive market.
- Educational Impact: Dance schools and academies that incorporate diverse dancewear into their programs send a powerful message to their students about the importance of inclusivity. This education at an early stage helps to foster a more accepting and diverse future generation of dancers.
Click below to hear the answers from the Shades Dancewear co-founders themselves – Stacey Green and Laura Grant! 👇🏿
We truly believe the dance industry is on the cusp of a significant transformation, driven by the voices of the future generation and the innovative approach of companies such as ourselves, Shades Dancewear, and organisations such as the TIRED Movement. By prioritising inclusivity and monitoring levels of representation, together we can aim to meet the needs of today’s dancers while also setting a precedent for the future of dance.
The introduction of skin tone dancewear, particularly for dance belts, is a revolutionary step that has the potential to reshape the standards and expectations across the dance industry.
For male and male-identifying dancers, especially those in high-profile ensemble casts on West End stages, the availability of skin tone dance support belts is a game-changer. It enhances the visual appeal of their performances and ensures they feel confident and comfortable on stage. This approval by wardrobe departments in prestigious theatres further solidifies the importance of this innovation.
As the dance world continues to evolve, embracing diversity in dancewear is not just an option; it’s a necessity. The industry must reflect the rich tapestry of cultures and backgrounds that make up its community. With leaders like Shades Dancewear at the forefront, the future of dancewear looks brighter, more inclusive, and beautifully diverse.
Find us @shadesdancewear 🤎
Blog written and designed by Amy Gibson
