Style I Love: Ballet Edition
For the past few years of my life, bodysuits have been a major source of PTSD. Sifting the racks at Marshall’s, I’d reach for what I thought was a cute tank top, and, upon realizing it snaps at the crotch, flash back to my early twenties: I’m stumbling through the mud and rain into an overflowing porta potty, tripping on acid, confused as to how I’m supposed to pee out of this oppressive garment and avoid direct contact with an entire music festival’s fecal matter and avert a schizophrenic break. She really does it all, huh?
Enough time has passed now that I can view the bodysuit in its deserving light—a glorious nod to the ballet culture I’d long admired. Ever since I was little, I’ve been bewitched by these human swans, twirling on bloody toes across mirrored studios, hair slicked, face unflinching. Ballet dancers embody a duality I aspire to—soft and flowing, yet rigid and severe. Their strength often surprises people, and I love the idea of being tougher than expected.
Lately I find myself deeply inspired by ballerina style. I want pleated skirts and neutrals and chiffon and flats and head to toe black spandex with a tight bun. I want my long limbs and clavicles center stage. Satin ribbons and wrap sweaters. Anything that even vaguely looks like it could take one from the barre to the bar belongs in my closet.
Having spent most of my life in cheerleading and the last ten years as a runner, I know how our activities can influence our personal style. Cheerleading competitions primed me for maximalist everything and a fearless approach to self-presentation. Running taught me that a practical sneaker never fails.
I caught up with some longtime ballet dancers about how the art has shaped their personal styles today. Natalie Coy, BA in dance performance, explained, “Everything I buy highlights the lines of a dancer’s body (sits at natural waist, high leg slits, open back, wrap waist, etc.). Shape and soft, breathable textures are everything.” Samantha Neira danced from age 4-18. Though she feels liberated to embrace trends and colors today, she reflects fondly on how ballet style aligned with her values: “I love order and ballet is a strict art form—tight buns and slicked back baby hairs, pink tights and black leotard, and perfect pink slippers.” Camille Mola leans into the performance aspect of the sport when honing her aesthetic. She says, “Sometimes I’ll find myself unknowingly doing a ballet position (first or second) while standing, so any clothes that accentuate that, I’m all for. Flowy dresses or sleeves that make me feel like I’m still on stage are always nice.”
Sometimes the very things I crave are those I try to reject. The ballerina look connotes traditional ideas of femininity and grace. With my inclination toward the crude and unruly (see first paragraph), I often wrongfully convince myself that I can’t be both. I’ll wear something hyper-feminine and feel like I’m misrepresenting myself, despite loving the outfit to my core. Leaning into a dancer’s aesthetic is my way of embracing my own duality as I navigate the ever-changing terrain of building a wardrobe I love—one that supports my ambitions to be both masculine and feminine, messy and pristine.
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