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Stepping into the world of ballet and curious as to why you see black leotards in dance studios everywhere? While the first thought you might have would be that wearing one would feel a little awkward, uncomfortable, or even vulnerable.
However, the reality couldn't be farther from the truth. Join us at Mino Dance as we explore the two reasons why dance studios often prefer a black leotard as part of their dress code.
Dance studios often include a black leotard in their dress code because of three things:
it’s widely available, promotes a dress code, and is neutral enough for every dancer to help you stand out a lot less (which is helpful for rehearsals).
A dress code, in particular, helps promote student unity, exudes an aura of class and professionalism, and allows teachers to see your ballet lines for correction.
Unity is the most prevalent of these benefits, as it helps visual focus to be on student movement, and helps the teacher distinguish mistakes in techniques and position. If everyone wears extra layers such as skirts, tutus, or leggings in their rehearsals, teachers will have a harder time pointing out corrections for each dancer.
This is typically the same reason why auditions require their participants to wear black leotards, as it’s neutral enough not to draw attention, and instead puts the emphasis on the dancer, ensuring a fair audition process.
Aside from long-standing traditions, black leotards are there to keep you safe from unwanted injuries.
According to a UK study published in 2005, eight out of ten professional ballet dancers had at least one injury a year. Commonly reported sites of injury were the lower back, knees, and ankles.
While this information is quite dated, there is proof that these risks exist even for experienced dancers. This can severely impede both physical capacity to perform certain movements, not to mention bar you from attending resources like classes, rehearsals, and even performances for a long time.
Black leotards may have a hand in preventing these injuries, as teachers can see the lines of your body better, and keep you safe from certain postures that put you at risk.
Teachers can evaluate your posture by looking at two bones: the Anterior Superior Iliac Spine (ASIS) and the Posterior Superior Iliac Spine (PSIS). These bones help in seeing if you have proper hip alignment, and if not lined up correctly, may result in overextending themselves.
Moreover, skirts or tights can obstruct the view of your knees and ankles. If your instructor doesn’t see your knees properly activated or toes on the floor, you’re one mistake away from a serious injury.
These not only help reduce injuries but also minimise any stress on the joints, which helps dancers maintain their quality and lengthen their careers.
Speaking of lines in contouring the body, black leotards can be especially useful in partner work. Your partner may have difficulties in properly positioning their hands to lift you up in the air, when you have a skirt or other garment over a leotard.
Black leotards help your partner outline your body’s shape and proportions properly, and minimise any risks of injury during practice, which results in an overall better performance.
While a black leotard may have been a common staple in dance studios for its aesthetics and convenience, tradition and practicality may have a huge influence on this choice.
If your studio has a dress code and you’re shopping for options, we invite you to browse our dance leotards collection. We have a wide range of stylish leotards for men, women, and children, which will make an already beautiful performance even more elegant.
Contact us today or stop by our Sunbury and Bendigo stores for any questions, inquiries, general concerns, or recommendations.