For generations, ballet shoes have predominantly come in hues that cater to white dancers, a trend that is finally beginning to shift. Recently, Elena Thompson shared with the New York Times her ongoing struggle to find appropriate footwear. To match her dark skin, she resorted to staining her ballet shoes with everything from spray paint to inexpensive foundation. “I would buy the cheapest foundation,” she explained, “around $2.95.” This was necessary because she routinely needed five tubes each week to cover the wear on the 12 to 15 pairs of shoes she would cycle through as a professional dancer.
This arduous process, commonly referred to as “pancaking,” has long been a necessity for dancers of color but is now starting to fade away. After centuries of offering only pink and beige pointe shoes designed for white performers, several brands, including the renowned ballet supplier Freed, are beginning to produce shoes in a variety of shades.
The Importance of Color in Ballet Attire
While it may seem like a minor change, the color of ballet attire serves a significant purpose. The tutus, tights, and shoes are designed to blend seamlessly with the dancer’s skin, creating an uninterrupted visual line during performances. For Black and brown dancers, wearing shoes that don’t match their skin tone undermines this effect. Historically, the lack of inclusive options has sent a subtle message to dancers of color about their place in ballet.
“This isn’t just about footwear; it’s about belonging in the ballet world,” remarked Lila Carter, the artistic director of the Urban Dance Collective, to the New York Times. “It signals that the ballet community is open to everyone.” However, obtaining shoes from specific suppliers remains a challenge for many dancers, as only a few companies are now making shoes in diverse colors. The greater issue of racial representation in professional ballet persists, with a majority of dancers still being white.
Nevertheless, Lila Carter emphasized that this change is a positive step. “It felt incredible to perform on stage and simply be myself, fully embracing my true color,” she expressed. “One line, one shape, a color that reflects authenticity.”
Further Resources
For more information about pregnancy and home insemination, visit this excellent resource from the NICHD, or check out our blog post here for further insights. If you’re interested in the topic, you can also find useful details about at-home insemination kits through this link.
Conclusion
In summary, the introduction of ballet shoes in a range of skin tones is a significant advancement for dancers of color, providing them with the representation they deserve and helping to create a more inclusive ballet community.