When you think of ballet, what comes to mind? Pink tutus, satin shoes, and long skirts, or neon puffer boots, shiny trashbag trousers, and long, rainbow leg warmers? People often assume that dancers wear elegant pink attire every day, but honestly, that couldn’t be further from the truth.
I trained full-time at the Central School of Ballet in London, where I saw every type of dance outfit imaginable. Since graduating, I’ve been amused to see many of the ballet warm-up accessories I once used now redesigned and sold by large high street brands.
Dance has influenced designer fashion for many years through the balletcore trend. But let me tell you, the pink tutus and loosely tied ribbons seen on the runway don’t bear much resemblance to actual ballet fashion. Dancers have even created accounts, like Models Doing Ballet, to joke about all of the mistakes fashion designers make.
Unbeknownst to the public, though, high street fashion often does represent genuine ballet warm-up attire. There are countless times when I’ve been browsing the shops and spotted off-brand replicas of my favorite ballet pieces. As someone who danced for many years, I’ve seen countless items make their way into general fashion. If you’re wondering what dancers actually wear, wonder no longer. I’m here to give you the inside scoop.
Ballet items that made it to the high street
I remember one day, I was out with my sister, browsing our local high street shops, when something caught my eye. Short puffer boots with drawstrings. They didn’t look like the normal snow boots. Instead, they were more like ballet warm-up booties. As I continued shopping, I saw wrap cardigans, trashbag trousers, and leg warmers. I was gobsmacked to realize that my unique wardrobe was finally in fashion!
Ballet wrap cardigans
When you think of a typical baby ballerina, you may envision a little girl wearing a light pink leotard and a matching cardigan. Ballet wraps are an essential part of the uniform at many ballet schools. This is because it’s important for students to wear tight-fitting clothing so the teacher can see small details in their technique. Children’s wrap cardigans usually come in solid colors that match the uniform leotard and can be knitted or made from stretchy fabric.
Professional or vocational dancers may also wear wrap cardigans, but they would be far more decorative and likely be made of stretch mesh. Generally, though, professionals wear super baggy clothing, such as an oversized sweatshirt or hoodie. During rehearsals or shows, however, they will wear tight-fitting clothing so that the rehearsal director can see technical details.
High street wrap cardigans
During recent years, I’ve seen many people wearing wrap cardigans both on the runway and in everyday life. Knitted high street ballet wraps are very similar to their genuine ballet counterparts, but are looser and far longer. They’re often worn with jeans for a relaxed, classy look. As a dancer, I find this highly unusual, since I’m used to seeing them paired with floaty chiffon skirts, but I will admit they look stylish with denim.
Ballet warm-up booties
Warm-up booties are one of the most iconic items in a dancer’s wardrobe. Professional ballet dancers start every day with a morning class before rehearsals begin. One of the first things you’d notice if you watched them enter a studio is their eccentric neon boots.
It’s important for dancers to warm up their feet and ankles before going en pointe to avoid injuries. The boots can be worn while stretching, warming up, and dancing because they have flexible, padded soles. They’re extremely toasty and can be put on over ballet shoes. As an ex-dancer, I now wear my warm-up boots around the house because they’re far warmer than conventional slippers.
High street warm-up boot lookalikes
In recent years, I’ve seen many high street brands, including UGG, Lulu Lemon, and Canada Goose, make puffer boots that closely resemble ballet warm-up boots. There are differences, though. Warm-up boots don’t have rubber soles, making them much lighter and far more flexible than their high street lookalikes. This year, I’ve seen countless people styling their UGGs with baggy leg warmers for a cozy and relaxed winter look.
Ballet wrap skirts
Skirts are one of the most quintessential ballet items, and come in all shapes and styles. Many people think that dancers wear tutus all day long, but during classes and more lyrical rehearsals, they often wear sheer chiffon wrap skirts.
Ballet skirts give dancers a unique flair, allowing them to showcase their fun personalities. Most skirts are floral, single-coloured, or ombre, but they can also be found with crazy patterns like gingerbread men, animals, or anything else you can imagine.
High street wrap skirts
Over the past year, I’ve been surprised to see many non-dancers wearing wrap skirts with tie waists. They aren’t exactly the same, though. Compared to their ballet lookalikes, high street wrap skirts are made of much thicker fabric and are far longer. I’ve often seen them paired with tight tops for an elegant summer look.
Ballet leg warmers
Ballet dancers are highly susceptible to knee injuries, making it essential for them to keep their joints warm. Leg warmers have become a popular part of ballet fashion, adding a fun, unique pop of color to a dancer’s outfit.
Professional and vocational dancers usually wear long, long, stripey rainbow leg warmers with their leotards, and may wear a floral skirt simultaneously. It’s also popular among dancers to wear only one leg warmer. Some people do this because one knee is injured, but from what I’ve seen, it’s often just a fashion statement. Don’t ask me why. It’s just a ballet dancer thing.
High street leg warmers
High street leg warmers are similar because let’s face it, how different can leg warmers be? There are differences, however. The high street versions are usually only one color, and they’re much looser than ballet ones. Over the last year, I’ve seen people wear leg warmers over boots, UGGs, or Doc Martens, but they usually only go to the calves rather than over the knee, like ballet ones.
Ballet trashbag pants
Trashbag pants are probably among the least-known dance essentials because they don’t fit the typical ballerina look. They’re not delicate, graceful, or pretty, but they’re highly functional. Dancers are at a high risk of hip injuries, so it’s essential for them to keep themselves warm.
Trashbag pants are made of a plastic-like material and are not breathable, making them extremely warm. They often come in black, making them look, well, like trash bags.
High street trashbag pants
In recent years, I’ve seen many people wearing shiny, baggy black trousers. Granted, they’re not exactly the same, but they still very much resemble trash bags. I often see them worn with crop tops for a sleek, futuristic look. As a former dancer, every time I see someone wearing plasticy-looking, baggy, black trousers, I remember my trashbag warm-ups and chuckle to myself that I’m finally fashionable.
Does ballet influence fashion?
As you can probably see, many ballet items have made their way into mainstream fashion. There are, of course, differences, but as a former dancer, it’s been fascinating to see how non-dancers wear items like leg warmers and wrap cardigans.
Even before this year’s balletcore trend, there was balletomania, which saw ribboned pumps, champagne coloured leotards, and big, bouncy tutus take their place on the runway. So, has ballet influenced fashion? As a former dancer, I’d say yes. Designers might not get it right all the time, but that’s ok. I’m just happy that my wardrobe is finally in style!
