Looking At Different Mens Ballet Costume Options
Ballet is a classical dance form that was developed many years ago and to this day wows audiences with its sheer power, precision, complicated steps, ease of movement, and stunning costumes, including mens ballet costumes. Professional dancers all over the world use the same patterns for most of the costumes and these have been tradition for many years just like the ballerina tutus. Mens ballet costumes will normally consist of a pair of lycra ballet tights or a unitard coupled with an intricate vest or shirt.
Most of the famous ballets that you see like the Nutcracker will also make use of full character style costumes like the Mouse King wears. Other ballets that make use of character costumes are normally only for the older dancers in the troupe, who are considered to be the special guest dancers. These are frequently King, Lord, or Duke costumes, but can also be the Toymaker in Copellia, Von Rothbart in Swan Lake and many others.
The mens ballet costumes are made to look very different, but usually consist of the same basic outfit. The tights or unitard is always made of lycra. Sometimes shiny lycra is used and sometimes it is matte. A lot of the time white is the preferred color because the men’s ballet slippers or pumps are the pale pink, or white color as well. Black is also used a lot, along with something like the black prolite Bloch dance shoes which are split sole ones. These neutral tones are made to compliment the usually flamboyant tunics that are worn.
Most ballet male leads dance as princes and this requires then to wear fancy embroidery, beading, buttons, and use intricate detail on the tunics. The men in the chorus who are peasants will wear the same lycra tights but usually with a loose, flowing shirt over it which is normally a plain color.
You might wonder why the use of lycra. Well it is the easiest and most comfortable piece of clothing to dance in. Most of the men’s ballet steps and dances require them to do high jumps and vast moving steps. This cannot be accomplished effortlessly and look perfect if they are wearing restrictive clothing. The top half of the male dancer is covered with a tunic style and this also has a purpose. For the royalty in ballets, the stiff, heavily embroidered tunic will give the feel of upper class and add a more regal touch, whilst the loose tunics that the peasants wear offers a more relaxed feel that works for the peasant class.
Now that you understand all the different types of mens ballet costumes options out there you can start looking out for them on stage the next time you go to see a professional ballet. If you want to join a ballet school and are a bit nervous of wearing the tight lycra tights at first, you should not worry. Most schools and studios allow you to practice in loose fitting, stretchy tracksuit material pants with a vest. This will still give you the flexibility that you need, but is more relaxed and comfortable.
