Dance is a culture that encompasses every culture within its broad spectrum. Every type of dance requires its own dancewear and accessories that can help the dancers feel comfortable and produce the art elegantly. Dancers invest in comfortable clothing that aids them during practice too. Many indigenous dancers wear a subtle version of their on-stage dance clothes to understand how it is to perform with them. Since dance is not defined by any specific style, different clothes represent different cultures.
Here are some of the dance clothes from around the globe and how they complement the styles.
Tutus and leotards:
Ballet and many other dance forms use leotards as their primary outfit with additions on top for layering and elegance. These leotards are super comfortable and create a neat look combined with tutus that help create a beautiful shape. These tutus have a flare, and the length and width are usually made to size. Many ballet dancers like to adjust their shoes to their preferences since they can be rigid when bought.
Pair them with stockings that lower exposure and provide a clean look that does not distract the audience from the dance itself. These leotards are for both men and women and are available in the market to maintain a set discipline. One can wear these to practice or choose comfortable tights and tops.
Lehengas, anarkalis, and sarees:
Many Indian dance forms use these dance clothes that form an elegant look during the dancers’ performance. The dancers wear similar clothes or decent attire during practice sessions, too, as a token of respect to the art. Kathak, Bharatnatyam, and many other dances use a dress with a flare that provides shape while the dancer performs.
It is elegant and comfortable. It is stitched to perfection to avoid any mishaps, so they do not come in the way of the dancer’s performance. These clothes are worn with jewellery and headgear too for the looks as well as a traditional touch. Many of them do not include footwear either, and dancers perform barefoot.
Long skirts and dresses:
Many of the Spanish dance forms use long skirts and flared dresses in their performances. Art forms like Flamenco and Paso Doble have dedicated dancewear for the matador or the girl, allowing them the elegance required. Long skirts with layers on the inside, filled with colours, are a requirement here.
Since some of the dances depend primarily on creating shapes with the clothes themselves, one has to find the best suitable skirts or dresses for performance. These skirts extend to great heights while also preserving the respect dedicated to the dance by not exposing too much. Dancers pair them with hosiery and appropriate footwear to match the styles well.
Sleeves, ribbons, and silks:
Most of the Asian, especially Chinese dance forms, use long sleeves and ribbon-like materials hanging from their arms for their dances. These dances use such materials to accentuate the shapes created. Dances like the Lion Dance and Dragon dance play with a lot of props. Wu Shu and other dances use a lot more strict clothes but have similar material. Silk is very common among most dances.
These dancers use the sleeves in rapid motions, and the dance itself can go very wrong if the clothes are dysfunctional. It requires flow and weight to accommodate the dancer’s preferences. These props come from a long line of cultural influences and have a specific significance attached to each movement. Lots of respect is given to the dance clothes and the dance form itself.
Author Bio :- Karen Anthony