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February 18, 2012

Pink Tights - Yikes!


Never say never - but when I posted You Will Never See Me In Pink Tights, I meant it. For real. Because when I'm in ballet class I always wear black leggings. Only when I'm feeling particularily bold, I might pull on midnight blue or some brazen dark aubergine colours. Pale ballet-pinks or white? Never.

My favorite look is a capri-length semi-sheer black legging combined with a skin-colored ballet slipper for a nice calf-ankle-toe line. Hey, you see pros wear the same all the time - so it's cool enough for me. And you know what? Even real ballerinas are not all crazy about the pale ballet-pink leg look, despite their slim and gorgeously muscled pins! My own teachers told me the same. Maybe it's just that after years of enforced dress-codes black equals freedom?

My aversion to pale-pink tights has two reasons: despite studying ballet in earnest, I don't want to look like I want to look the part. I'm not pretending to be a ballet student, I just take class. Does that make any sense at all? Reason number two is vanity. I have always been very self-conscious about the size and shape of my thighs. On a plus side, my quads and hams are definitely shaped by years of ballet. But there's too much bulk and soft padding on top of the muscles, which makes them look plus-sized in proportion to the rest of me. Although it might be that my body-image is somewhat distorted; looking through a ballet-studio's looking glass can do that to you..

Black is slimming, ballet-pink is not. But I have to admit that muscle tone is better visible through pink tights. And ballet-shaped legs look good, even in bigger sizes. And I'm bored with my jambes looking always the same. It's not even yet time for a nice summer tan. Which brings me back to the Never Say Never.. I figured if I torture myself with pink for a while, going back to black will be so much sweeter. So I changed my mind about the pink tights! I have been wearing them for the past week!

I gotta tell you, that first time almost felt like going topless on a semi-nude beach in Helsinki, many summers ago. Bare. Exposed. Even though I wore my tights rolled up above the ankle, with black knee-length shorts. And a black skirt on top of it all. But it wasn't so bad. Just like at that beach! Nobody even noticed the difference (though the topless act might have been noticed by some). Next class I rolled the tights down and over my toes. It was a basic level, with most exercises facing the barre and in my case the mirror too. Could not resist taking peaks, whenever my teacher was elsewhere (otherwise it's chin up and eyes forward). I was surprised at how nice my legs looked!

Last time was yesterday's advanced class. I was not sure at first, because there were a couple of young pre-pro girls dropping in. You know, the kind that do ballet competitions. Talented and gorgeous. But I figured, what the heck! I can't change my genetic make-up but I can strut my ballet-bod with some pride, big thighs and all! Mind you, I'm still sticking to the black shorts, but they have been rolled above knee-length already. It's like a really slow strip-release of old insecurities. Just have to remember that the fat mirror is fun-house and not real!

After class I talked to my teacher about my dislike of pink tights and why I had decided to wear them anyway - and she told me that she understands but that she had noticed some very nice lines! It's not that I don't stretch my knees in black, however the pink might have given me an extra push to look good.. I won't stop wearing black leggings - it's my thing - but I promise to go pink once in a while. Might even ditch the long shorts!

45 comments:

  1. Way to be brave! My daughter is 11 and is required to wear the
    Ballet pink tights. She doesn't mind but she's not quite to the self-conscious age yet. I am sure that is right around the corner, though! Glad you finally took the leap and showed off your beautiful lines!

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    1. Don't worry.. When dancers start young, pink ballet tights are really no issue. But I do hope your daughter doesn't get caught up in any body-shape related self-esteem issues. Ballet can be very hard like that. It should of course be about the joy of dancing, not the circumference of our thighs! :)

      Thank you, Kristi for commenting!

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  2. I'm glad you took the plunge! I had a teacher who much prefered her adult students to 'go pink', and in her class I eventually worked up the courage to move from black footless tights to pink tights and black shorts. She was really encouraging about being able to see much better. You can definitely see muscle tone better. I did feel good. I know what you mean about not wanting to look like you think you're 'it'. But in some ways I guess it makes you step up and do your best because you feel so exposed. It must feel like that in a tutu, I've never worn one... These days I'm back in leggings though, I haven't got the same confidence levels. I hope you enjoy having a bit more variety and choice in your ballet wardrobe now!

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    1. Thank you Katharine - I'm glad I took the plunge too! Even though I went in at the shallow end.. ;) Maybe I will still work up the courage to wear short shorts with my pink tights. Maybe.

      My teachers have never voiced any preferences. Other than hair must be worn up. And ballet slippers are a must too. Of course it's easier for them if we at least wear body-hugging stuff. But they also understand that it can take adult dancers a lot of courage to strip down to bare leos and tights. The most important thing is to feel confident and comfortable in class.

      Then again, if pink tights make me work harder.. That pro just might outweigh the body-con :)

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  3. I hate pink tights and prefer black as well, for the same reasons as you (I don't want to try to look like a student either and it does nothing for my thighs!). In addition, pink (and any pastel) clashes with my skin tone....yick. I have compromised by settling on tan tights, the kind that are not "flesh-colored" (for a certain type of white person who rarely exists in nature) but are a little darker. They are flattering to the musculature and more revealing than the black, but not as extreme as the pink...and they go with ANY color :) But yeah, the daily decision of "what to wear to class" is fraught with all kinds of real and imaginary peril. Those mirrors are a blessing and a curse :/

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    1. Tell me about it.. Just when you have worked up the courage to wear as little as ballet students do, you get to face the fat mirror. :P

      You rarely see "tan" tights in class, but I do like them on stage, especially with non-shiny tan pointes. I could never go bare-legged, I'm just too old for that. Sigh.. ;)

      It is weird though. Grown-up women would never be caught dead wearing white or pale pink or any chalky colours outside, in the real world. And grown-up professional dancers seem to be wearing mostly black. So why do we torture ourselves in ballet class?

      The only thing I can think of is that we are students after all. We are learning how to dance ballet to the best of our abilities, just like those "real" ballet students. And if pink tights make you happy or give you an extra boost, I'm all for it.

      Still prefer black, though. :)

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  4. I too am on and off with the pink tights! Some days I feel more confident and wear them, other days, I stick to my black leggings!
    You have to be so careful with pink tights as you can see less than clean bikini lines and leg hair so easily through them which is not so pretty! Luckily I am very fair so they are not as revealing but I still wear black booty shorts with them! I agree that they can look great on perfect ballet legs but I have only been back in class for a year and a half so I am not quite there yet;)

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    1. Pale opaque tights usually work best on skinny pins, even if you don't have the ballet muscles. But ballet-shaped legs look always great, even in pink tights. Or so I keep telling myself. Must still build that confidence!

      Rosanna, I know what you mean.. I am not fair-haired at all, which means that I shave on all ballet-days. Summer or winter. Currently I dance on 5-6 days of the week. That's a lot of razors.. Only my days off are shave-free - almost the best part of it! ;)

      Enjoy your legs, even if they are not yet "ballet perfect" - they are still yours to dance with :)

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  5. Welcome to the pink tights brigade, Johanna! Actually, I love my pink tights. I almost always wear European Pink PrimaSoft convertibles. They are hefty enough to be warm and provide good coverage. It becomes clear that I'm in the minority, but I like the way they look. It's a nice contrast to my usually dark leotard and they bring out the musculature of my legs nicely. I usually wear shorts or a dance skirt but more and more just a leo & tights. It's kind of amazing watching my body change through the wonders of ballet training!

    Perhaps it because I am a professor that my view of a "student" is different in that I do see myself as a student of ballet. There are 2 different roles in a classroom, teacher and student. At the Uni, I am the teacher; in the ballet studio, I am a student. I like it like that.

    At any rate, I think that the single most important thing is that a person is comfortable so as to be able to concentrate on learning instead of worrying about what they are wearing or how they look in the mirror!

    Pink tights or black leggings, I'm sure that you are beautiful when you dance because you love it so!

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    1. "At any rate, I think that the single most important thing is that a person is comfortable so as to be able to concentrate on learning instead of worrying about what they are wearing or how they look in the mirror!"

      Well said, Lorry.

      I wish I could let go of some of my self-criticism. Maybe I will do the full-out ballet student look when I hit my 50s.. ;)

      I love how we are all students in class, no matter what our backgrounds and professions happen to be: college students, professors, doctors, nurses, architects, singers, artists, moms, engineers, in-between-jobbers, teachers, whatever. Ballet-Students United! BSU! BSU! :D

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  6. Lorry, I have a pair of Euro Pink PrimaSofts and I really like them as well...they are more yellowish-pink which goes with my olive skin much better than PINK pink. The ones I have also have a nice ridged seam going up the back; I find that flattering.

    And yes, to the intrigue of watching your body change via ballet training...fascinating :)

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    1. I'm intrigued.. There seem to be a lot of different pinks out there! I'm very fair-skinned especially in winter, but I would prefer a more "natural" pink. If there even is such.

      Any of you ever wear white?

      I wish I could still see ballet-induced changes in my body. But after 20 yrs of dancing this is pretty much it. :)

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    2. I'm still on the "beginner's gain" part of the change curve, but I know from other activities how it flattens out and further incremental changes become infinitesimal :/ I have never worn white tights, but maybe I should try? Some of the ladies with dark skin in my classes wear a sort of greyish color tight that looks really nice with the black/jewel-toned leotards that I wear so I might have to try that as well! I am truly fashion-challenged in all aspects of life and so imitation of others with style is my tactic!

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    3. Kaija - enjoy your curve(s)! :)

      I think you should try out white - and then report back to us! White does look better with leo-colours like jade or turquoise or purple.. But I wonder, should one wear white slippers as well?

      :) I am fashion-challenged as well. Except in ballet class.. ;)

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  7. Hi Johanna

    I'm with Lorry on this one, true i started out covered from head-to-toe in black, but I realised that there's no escaping the fact that i am a ballet student, and in order to get the most out of class and for my teachers to see what my body is up to, i need to adopt the look befitting of a ballet student.

    I take class very seriously now, and I truly think that my teachers have picked up on this attitude shift, so looking and feeling the part is all interlinked for me.

    Pink tights are scary, wouldn't be seen dead in pink or pastels mixed in with my work-wardrobe, but class attire is so much more than a "wardrobe" choice in my mind.

    Feeling confident about yourself is the first step, and its taken a while to get there, attention to "hair" detail is essential with pink tights that's for sure, however seeing the change to my body, the leg shape and muscle movements fills me with a sense of "it's all worth the effort".

    And I never get bored from the joy of catching a gleams of my extended developpe leg stretching on (seemingly) forever, this illusion is certainly helped by the pink cover legs bending effortlessly into a pink covered pointed foot.

    But what is right for me doesn't necessaily ring true for someone else. Ballet is such a personal journey for us all, and its how you get to the destination that counts.

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    1. Rebecca, I have seen your photos! You look very much the ballet student in pink tights and leo. With a body like that I would strut my ballet pink stuff all the time.. :)

      It is true that the leg-line looks different in same-coloured tights and slippers. Very elegant, as long as you know how to stretch and pointe your feet ;)

      I understand about the taking class seriously. You want to get the most out of class, and I can tell that you have both respect for the art of ballet and for your teachers. This is an excellent work attitude!

      As for myself, right now I'm sort of taking the middle road. I'm not going to wear pink tights under my leo and nothing else on top. I would feel terrribly uncomfortable in my skin.

      But I always wear a neat ballet bun! :D

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  8. I always wear pink tights and a leotard to ballet class, and I'm not skinny at all. I've noticed that I dance better when I'm dressed like this than when I wear black leggins, an old t-shirt and shorts. My body is really no ballerina-body, but in fact I'm happy about it. Sometimes I look at the people from the advanced class after my beginners class and I think many of them don't look beautiful because they are just too skinny, although they have the typical ballerina-body. I just think that many ballerinas are too skinny. I like the fact that I have a feminine body, with curvy thighs and hips, and I like to see that body in leotard and pink tights.

    There is one ballerina that I think has a very beautiful body because it is not too skinny, Misty Copeland. Here is a link to a interview with her. http://www.postbourgie.com/2011/03/22/misty-copeland-on-being-ballerina-black-and-curvy/

    Eva

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    1. Eva, I'm glad you own your body! :)

      Usually ballerinas fill out a little after their teens and early twenties.. But the aesthetic of pro-ballet dictates a very slim body, and children and teens are pre-selected for vocational programs on that basis. Inevitably they tend to look too skinny at some point of theis development.

      As long as healthy eating habits that support training and growth are maintained, I really don't see a problem. Then again, I would welcome a more broader ballet-body visual. No pun intended. ;)

      Anyway, adult dancers need not conform to the ideal. Variety of body type is our prerogative! We should feel good about our unique shapes :)

      Misty Copeland looks fantastic, but she has just as little body-fat as any other professional ballerina. Her shape is more curvy, yes, but not less skinny.. Some dancers have more on top, many have no hips, but some do.. The quality of the dancing itself is more interesting in the end.

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  9. I'm always on the lookout for the perfect pair of tights :)

    I've never worn white or tan tights and I never go bare legged. A grey leotard and pink tights is a favorite or jewel tone leotards - ruby red, emerald green, sapphire blue, or amethyst purple and pink tights. I'm darker skinned with red undertones. I don't really like the salmon colored tights but peachy pink or pale pink work nicely on me, I think. I've been trying the hipster tights because I'm short and have a very short torso, so regular tights end up right under my breast line. That hasn't always been bad though because then I tuck the waistband under my sports bra so it doesn't really show too much.

    Anybody wear tights on the outside of your leotard? I can see how it would make life easier to put them on and take them off right after class, especially because my studio doesn't have a locker room. But I just cannot deal with the look of the crotch of tights as outer wear!

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    1. When I was in high school taking jazz class (at school) we were asked to wear black tights on the outside of leotards if we could manage it. I don't care for it.

      Perfect? Almost perfect is the Capezio pro mesh with the real seams. In pink. Tights that I would not recommend to dear Johanna because they hide nothing. But they are the best thing for a really hot studio.

      Also I just spent a whole day wandering around in public with poppy red tights for Mardi Gras.

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    2. Candice, I have to say that Mardi Gras is very, very far away from snowed-in and reserved Helsinki :D

      Our studios are rarely that hot. In the summer you are more likely to see dancers throw away tights altogether and go bare instead. With shorts in different lengths.. And you made the right assesment - mesh is not for me! :D

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    3. Lorry - I always wear my tights or leggings on the outside of my leos. Even though we have a locker room, and I always change back into my regular stuff. But with the pink tights I wear black shorts on top, because I'm not too crazy either about the crotch/gusset showing.

      I have no clue yet about the different shades of pink and what would suit me best. Gotta say that black is much easier in that respect. :)

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    4. Here some folks go bare-legged - I've tried it with long shorts but it's a little slippery. Our "real ballerina" in one of my classes has a uniform of shorts and no tights.

      Mardi Gras this year was unseasonably lovely weather (~22C) - sometimes the night parades are damp and cold but nothing like your kind of winter. I had a few years of that kind of winter in upstate NY and that was enough for me!

      http://www.flickr.com/photos/candicequates/6917133313/ (here's me and my better half in costume, btw.)

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    5. Candice - hot hot! Love your outfit, legs look great in red and you have a gorgeous smile to match. :)

      Here in Finland we have to wait for at least three more months before the weather gets as lovely again.. Sigh.. ;)

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  10. I have almost grew up with white and pink ballet tights. I guess I'm so used to use them that for me white tights are not problem at all. Even if I'm adult now and not so skinny anymore. Still I think the white ballet tights will always be part of my ballet "uniform". And even if I'm not so pretty at least the tights still are ;)

    But I really can understand that all the adult dancers don't want to wear pink/white tights if they don't have to. But if you want to.. Don't be shy just have a try! :)

    Regards,
    Cait

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    1. There are a lot of adults in my school who have your background - and are used to wearing white/pink. But I went to see a professional class recently, and most of the dancers wore black. I guess they get bored with the pink after a while..

      I am now wearing both black and pink to class, depending on the day. For pointe class I now actually prefer pink! :)

      Thanks for your comment - I'm glad you're still happy in your tights! And I bet you look great too :)

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  11. You should not fear wearing the pinks tights. Rather you should look to them as a goal to reach. I started ballet at age 40 and I was in terrible shape and I avoided those horrible pink tights like the plague. But as I got better at ballet and began to trim my body I noticed I had a pair of legs I'd love to show off. So one day recently I got my courage up and slid on the dreaded pink tights. And much to my surprise I actyally liked how I looked in them. I now wear them to all my ballet classes.

    Tina H.

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    1. Good for you! It's not that easy to shape up at age 40, nor is overcoming the fear of pink tights. I'm happy for you that you managed both. I see a lot of grown-up women in class who are afraid to show off their trim bodies, even though they look gorges.

      But to each her own. If black makes you more comfortable to dance in, then that's cool too. In fact, you see lots of pros wearing black leggings to class. But I suppose they get bored with the eternal pink. ;)

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  12. I too prefer black to pink, most days, but I have discovered the Perfect Pink Tights for my forty-something gams, which are toned, but not without their jiggles and their lumps. I solemnly swear that I am not being paid to impart this information: they are Danskin Style 702 in European Pink. Out of the package they look neon salmon, but somehow once they're on, they're delovely, hiding a host of flaws and giving one's legs a delicate glow. I used to be a PrimaSoft girl, but no more! Thanks for inspiring me to wear them to class tomorrow! I love your blog. Such fun.

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    1. Oooh, thanks for the tip! I'm still waiting for a pair of Capezio tights, but it would be interesting to compare more colors and fits. So far, I've only worn tights from Bloch and Plume, and one cheaper brand I can't remember. I like a fairly low waist because I'm short, and a soft waistband. And like you, I have my share of jiggle - so those tights better be supportive! :)

      Have fun in class - and be proud of your ballet-toned gams!

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  13. I to have switch from black leggings to pink ballet tights. I mainly just got tired how hot the leggings made my legs feel in class. Another factor is I am mixed into a teen/adult ballet class and all the girls wear pink tights and black leotards and I felt very out of place. I have also performed in a couple of ballet recitals wearing the pink tiughts and I found them to not be so terrible. I agree with what Tina H. saids to. You should consider pink tights as a goal to achieve.

    Keep on dancing!!!

    Kate A.

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    1. Hi Kate!

      Personally speaking, I don't consider pink tights as a goal to achieve. If there's a dress code, you wear what everyone else is wearing. If not, whatever makes you feel comfortable. These days I alternate between black leggings and pink tights, but I'm always a bit self-conscious in pink. Usually I wear at least a skirt on top, or knee-length shorts.

      My goals lie elsewhere. I will never have the look of a leggy ballerina, but I hope to dance with some elegance, one fine day. ;)

      I can understand that you would want to blend in with the rest of your class. Our classes are mixed too, but there's no black leo & pink tights camp. Whatever goes.

      Can't say that I get hot in leggings, but I do wear 40 denier - you can even see the muscle tone ;)

      Thanks for commenting and have fun with your classes!

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  14. Pink tights are no big deal If your studio requires them, then so be it. If there is no requirement and you choose not to wear them, no big deal. I disagree that wearing pink tights is some kind of goal to reach for. That's something I've never heard in my 25+ years in ballet.

    Crystal

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    1. Hi Crystal!

      Thanks for commenting. Yesterday I wore pink cut-off tights, today it's black leggings. If my teacher or studio would have a dress code, I'd follow that. Otherwise, I'm happy to do my own thing - at least regarding dance wear. :)

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  15. I feel that wearing pink ballet tights is a must for the younger ballet students. It is essential that I be able to see every muscle in a dancer's legs and pink tights really seem to amplify the outline of the legs. If my ballet students all wore black leggings, I would miss a lot of improper stances and not be an effective ballet teacher.

    That being said, I would not use the same standard for adults. Yes, I wish all my adults dressed like the kids (black leotard and pink tights) but being closer to their age group I can understand their not wanting to highlight the less flattering parts of their bodies. I do have two women (ages 45 and 47) who do wear the pink tights and black leotards to every class, but they are very fit and have been dancing most of their lives. They always say that dressing like a ballerina makes them feel like a ballerina. I'm glad they feel that way, but using that kind of logic, anyone who dresses like a surgeon can perform surgery!!

    As for me, when I instruct the younger dancers (ages 3- 18) I mysel will wear pink tights, pink flats and a black leotard with a black wrap skirt. When I'm instructing adults, I'll usually wear black tights over a black leotard, or it's a cool day, black leggings will replace the black tights.


    Happy dancing!!!

    Michelle M.

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    1. Thank you, Michelle, for giving us a teacher's point of view.

      I understand very well about the importance of getting an unobstructed view of the leg muscles. Makes your work certainly easier. I have noticed the benefits too, certainly when I'm working en face to the barre. In center I'm more self-conscious of my thighs, and depending on the day, pink tights can even be distracting. I feel better when I look better, even if I'm the only one who should see any flaws. It's not about age, but about fitness. And confidence.

      The way I dress is not what makes me feel like a dancer. It's all in the way I work, and how my body responds any given day. :)

      I like that you switch your looks, and that you're setting a good example for your kids! I also appreciate that you show your leg line in leggings/tights, because us adults learn from example too.

      Happy dancing to you too!

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    2. Thank you Johana.
      Yes, my wearing pink tights for my younger dancer's ballet (as well as jazz and modern) classes is a studio policy and as I said before, they really do help me and the other teachers to see exactly how a student is positioning their legs. Much like the black leotard helps us see how a student is turning their torsoes. As to my liking/disliking pink tights, I've been in dance for over 30 years and I've never had any strong feelings about them either pro or con.

      Happy dancing!!!

      Michelle

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  16. Interested in a male dancers opinion? I like the look of the classic pink tights. They really do make a ballerinas legs come alive and I can see why so many dance studios require them for their ballet students. I, like all males in ballet have always worn the thicker black tights which can be quite hot to wear. I have tried wearing the women's tights (black of course!!) to see how much better they feel. Yes, they are much cooler and very sheer, but the hair on my legs was very visible due to them being so sheer.

    I can understand why adult women would not want to wear the pink tights. Not all adult women (and men) are blessed with bodies that they feel like showing off. I feel somewhat uncomfortable wearing just my black tights and white tee shirt on days when I'm feeling fat.

    I am also of the opinion that pink tights and black leotards tend to be considered as kids wear and we are many years removed from being kids. I'm glad that most adult ballet classes have a very casual dress code and that the emphasis is more on coming that what you come in. I can't fully tell you how ballet has helped me get into and stay in shape. I only wish more so called "men" would get past the tights and tutus mentality and appreciate what a wonderful total body workout ballet is.

    John L.

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    1. John, of course I'm interested in a male dancer's opinion - thanks for sharing yours!

      I guess that's why you see a lot of male pros do company class and rehearsals in shorts - finally they get to ditch the too heavy tights! But us girls wearing the sheer tights also means we get to shave our pins year round.. ;)

      And I have to agree with you - I really wish more men would join ballet class!

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  17. Hi all,
    I guess I'm in the vast minority. Not only do I prefer women in ballet to wear the pink tights, I wear them to all my ballet/pointe classes. It all started as a challenge/inside joke. I started taking ballet lessons when I was 10 and for the next 10 years I dutifully took ballet lessons as often as I could, usually twice a week. When I was 22, I moved to a new city and found a new dance studio. The instructor was impressed by what I've learned and put in the adult women's pointe class. After a few weeks, I was asked if I wanted to try pointe. I said yes as I'm always up for a challenge. So I bought my pointes and started taking class en pointe. Before it got started, my teacher jokingly tossed me a pair of pink tights and said she wanted me to look like the other women in the class. I went to the drsssing room and put on the pink tights and wore them under a black leotard I had in my dance bag. when I walked out into the studio, the women and the teacher were a bit surprised, but nothing was said and class began. To my surprise I found the pink tights to be very comfortable and the opening on the foot makes it quite easy to use the padding needed. I still come to class in my pink tights and black leotard and not an eyebrow is raised. I have gained a level of acceptance as a dancer en pointe. The one thing I've had to do is the constant leg shaving which for me is not much of a deal as my hair is quite fine blonde. I know my situation in unique and I never want my status to be troubling. I'm just a guy who does things a bit differently.

    Steve.

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  18. I don't believe one word of what "Steve" said. No ballet teacher male or female would encourage or even tolerate such a thing. It's sad that some people have to inject their perversions onto a friendly blog like this,

    Kate A.

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  19. I am TOTALLY in agreement with Kate in saying that "Steve's" story is just that....A STORY!!! I'm male and have been practicing ballet off and on (on, currently) almost all my life and have seen ONE man who practiced pointe. He wore a t-shirt with BLACK MENS TIGHTS and purple leg warmers and pink pointe shoes. As far as tights for class, I like to wear tan, black, burgundy, or navy blue. And do love the look of ladies in black leotards and pink, white, black, or tan tights. Michael.

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    1. Hi Michael! I totally forgot about Steve's "story"... At the time I read it, I was just stunned in disbelieve. It's perfectly acceptable for an advanced danseurs to tackle pointe technique, as you get to work a whole different set of instrinsic foot muscles. There are plenty of proffessional dances who do it. Some even perform on stage 'en pointe', if the role requires. Or it may even be a skit, like they do in ballet galas in Japan. I've seen male principals on pointe doing amazing things!! Then there's of course Les Trocks... But no one needs to wear pink tights to do pointe. Not even the ladies (though they are required to do so in school). No teacher would encourage such, just like Kate wrote.

      Thanks, Michael, for your comment! Oh, and have you ever tried grey (opaque) tights? Not so dark, but far from ballet pink... :)

      Happy dancing!
      Johanna

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    2. Hi Johanna and no, I haven't worn grey tights. One pair I forgot to mention was a a pair of royal blue cotton blend tights I bought from dance4less and are SOOOO comfy!!!...so much so that if I'm not too sweaty, I really don't want to take them off!!! If you know of anyone looking for a super comfy pair of tights, although they're mens tights, these might be well worth looking into!!!! I know I'll be buying more!!!! Pointe work...yes, I forgot about the trockederos and they can be HILLARIOUS as well as awesome at what they do (though I'm not sure I would want to do it!!!)!!! I would like to EXPERIENCE pointe, but not 100% sure I'd want to practice it as part of a regular ballet class schedule...

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  20. I to agree that the story told by "Steve" is the work of someone who obviously has never set foot in a ballet studio. Such ramblings are more at home in a fetish blog rather than here. I am a 58 year old guy who has taken ballet on and off (depending on my work/class schedules) for 10 years and I enjoy it completely. I have never heard one word about what tights should be worn and by whom. I alternate between black tights and shorts (when it's hot) and no one has ever voiced any opinion about it. Ballet is more about what we do rather than what we wear.

    Dance on!!

    John G.

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To That Special Ballet Teacher

To that special ballet teacher, who not only teaches you about technique, but helps build your confidence, nurtures your inner artist, ...