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Dance uniforms are a staple in many dance studios and companies across the globe as they foster a sense of unity and discipline among dancers. In recent years, branded dance uniforms have become increasingly popular across UK dance schools, allowing each dance school to create and build upon their unique identity by using their logo and chosen sets of colours to coincide across a range of leotards, crop tops, jackets, and more. This use of dance uniform sets each dance school apart from one another (and makes their dancers easily identifiable at busy dance events and competitions!)
Dance uniforms are also typically expected for each different dance style – tap, Jazz, Ballet, modern, and so on. Yet, there is a downside to dance schools proposing a strict dance uniform for their dance students, especially if the rules and expectations have become outdated whilst our diverse, inclusive communities continue to progress.
Dance uniforms can sometimes feel restrictive or impersonal, especially if they don’t align with your personal style. The biggest concern to us at Shades Dancewear is dance uniforms that restrict, or even don’t allow, the use of true skin tone dancewear. Unfortunately, there are many cases of dance schools and companies ‘requiring’ all dancers to wear certain colours of dancewear, such as ‘Ballet pink,’ to create an illusion of unity and symmetry across their dancers.
This is where true diversity and inclusion comes into play!
Choosing a dance uniform for your students that fits them well, makes them feel good and complements the person wearing it, is an act of respect, care and true inclusion. It’s about honouring each person’s body and ensuring that everybody is comfortable in what they wear to dance class. When creating a dancewear uniform or buying new dancewear, always opt for pieces that reflect your individuality while still adhering to any uniform requirements. Skin tone dancewear is the perfect option to cater for all dancers needs!
Self Love September is the perfect time to re-evaluate how your dancewear and uniforms make you feel. Are they a source of confidence, or do they hold you back? If it’s the latter, it might be time to invest in new dancewear that better aligns with your self-image. Communication is key, so if you feel the latter, we also recommending starting a conversation with your dance teacher about your uniform expectations and encouraging skin tone dancewear for all.
Uniformity and unity do not mean all dancers have to look exactly the same; because we don’t. We are each unique!
Uniformity and unity are often misunderstood as requiring everyone to look identical, but true unity embraces and celebrates our unique differences. Unity is not about erasing individuality but recognising that our distinct qualities contribute to a stronger, more cohesive whole. Unity thrives on diversity. Each person’s unique look, experiences, perspectives, and talents bring richness to our communities, making them vibrant and resilient.
In essence, unity respects and honours our uniqueness. It’s about celebrating the variety within our community, understanding that our differences do not divide us but rather enhance our collective strength and resilience. True unity is inclusive.
Self-care is a critical aspect of self-love, especially for dancers who are constantly pushing their physical and mental limits. This Self Love September, take the time to incorporate self-care practices that nourish both your body and mind. This could be anything from a relaxing bath after a long day of rehearsals, a stretching routine to ease muscle tension, or even a mindful meditation session to calm your mind before a performance.
It’s important to recognise that self-care isn’t a luxury – it’s a necessity. When you take care of yourself, you’re better equipped to handle the demands of dance. You’re also more likely to enjoy the process, which is what dance is all about!
Joy and positivity are fundamental components of self-love. When you approach dance with a positive mindset, it becomes less about achieving perfection and more about celebrating what your body can do. Let go of the negativity—doubt, stress, anxiety—and replace it with gratitude for your abilities and the progress you’ve made.
We know this is all easier said than done – so remember to use your voice and talk about mental health with your friends, family and dance teachers. Shades Dancewear are here to support you, too!
One of the most rewarding aspects of dance is the community it creates. Surrounding yourself with positive, like-minded individuals who support your journey is a powerful form of self-love. This Self Love September, reach out to your fellow dancers, share your experiences, and encourage each other to embrace self-love and self-care. Whether it’s through social media, a dance class, or a performance, connecting with others can enhance your sense of belonging and boost your confidence!
We are immensely proud of the Shades Dancewear community we have built since launching in 2023. Our mission has always been to create dancewear that celebrates the beauty and diversity of all skin tones, and our community has embraced this vision with enthusiasm and pride.
The #IGOTMYSHADE campaign is at the heart of this celebration, encouraging dancers everywhere to proudly showcase and embrace their skin tones. This movement is more than skin tone dancewear – it’s about fostering a sense of belonging and empowerment, where every individual feels seen, valued, and celebrated.
We invite everyone to join us in this journey of self-expression and inclusivity, finding the perfect match for your skin tone and becoming part of a community that honours diversity!
Find us @shadesdancewear 🤎
Blog written and designed by Amy Gibson
