When thinking of ballet, images of pink tulle, tiaras and smiles probably come to mind, but ballet only looks like that on stage. Most of the time, ballet dancers are gritting through the pain of blisters pulsating in their pointe shoes and trying to avoid sweat dripping into their eyes. They spend most of their time in rehearsals pushing themselves to the limit, so the clothes they wear while dancing are not extremely frilly and poofy like everyone may first imagine.
Actual ballet wear is associated more with layers and neutral colors. Dancers love to put on as many layers as possible to hide their bodies behind the layers and keep their muscles warm. Some classic staples are trash bag pants or shorts (which are similar to sweatpants), leg warmers, long-sleeve shirts, vests and sweatshirts. All of these pieces are layered one on top of the other. As a ballet class progresses, the layers are shed and skirts are put on to show off more of the body.
So when I think of ballet core, I think of a more hobo chic look than something pink and poofy. Urban Outfitters, however, took a different approach with some of their new ballet-inspired pieces. Since I have been a ballet dancer for the past 16 years, I decided to review how practical five of the pieces would be if dancers actually wore them.
1. Jeffrey Campbell Choreo Buckled Ballet Flat
I have so many questions about these shoes. Why this color scheme? Why are there so many buckles on the strap? I understand they are intended to mimic pointe shoes or ballet flats, but the black straps ruin the effect. Any type of shoe in ballet is supposed to blend in seamlessly with the line of your leg, and the straps (especially since they are black with silver buckles) cut through that line. While I can see these being a part of some type of dancer costume, they are impractical to dance in.
Dance Wearability: 3/10
Cuteness Rating: 1/10
2. UO Open-Front Sock
These would have zero function in ballet. I cannot understand why someone would want their ankles exposed like this. For one thing, if you wear socks that go above the ankle, then the ankles should not be out in the open. From a dancing standpoint, the exposed ankles create a risk for floor burns and no dancer wants those. Another problem with these socks is that the laces are too long. Dance is very active and the chances of stepping and proceeding to trip on them are too high.
Dance Wearability: 0/10
Cuteness Rating: 1/10
3. Out From Under At First Sight Corset
I absolutely love this corset top. The soft, blush color and the simple design bring a classiness to any look you could create with it. However, in regard to wearing this while dancing, I do not think that it would work well. The biggest issue is that there are no straps to hold the corset on the body. While you are dancing, the focus should be on the movement, not whether the clothes are securely on. So unless they add straps onto the corset, I will be saving this for a fun night out.
Dance Wearability: 3/10
Cuteness Rating: 12/10
4. Out From Under Rae Jogger Sweatpant
Not everyone is into wearing sweatpants for a warm-up, but since I am, this fits my definition of ballet core. The slouchiness that they have is perfect for hiding those bent knees that should not be there, and the comfort factor that they bring is perfect, especially if it is the morning and the ballet studio is cold. I also love that these have that pop of pink, so it brings a little more fun into the ballet class.
Dance Wearability: 8/10
Cuteness Rating: 10/10
5. Out From Under Koa Open-Front Hoodie Sweatshirt
There is nothing inherently wrong with this sweatshirt. It’s cute and looks extremely comfortable, but I do not think that it would work very well for ballet. There are just too many loose parts that would get in the way while dancing. I feel that a zipper would contain the floppiness of all the parts but that would also ruin the overall effect of the look.
Dance Wearability: 5/10
Cuteness Rating: 8/10