Dance and popular culture consistently coincide, sharing shifts in attitude and presentation. As this year’s trends wind down, we can see how fashion trends are moving onto the big stage and even sneaking into rehearsals and classes.
Fashion has always been a big part of dance. Many competitions dedicate part of the scoresheet to costumes. But that’s not the end of it. Fashion and costumes play a big role in how audiences interpret a dance and how dancers’ movements look on stage.
Instead of high-end costumes, the trend is to be sustainable now. Fashion-forward shoppers are turning away from polyester and other synthetics, and even avoiding new clothing altogether. So, rather than competing in high-end clothing such as custom-made costumes with bling, it is now almost better to keep things plain and dance in thrifted clothing.
The increase in the trend influence on dancers is apparent when you take a look at dance classes. Baggy and streetwear clothes are dominating, even in ballet classes! Some of this impact is the result of the return of Y2K and 2000s fashion.
It’s not all about fashion sneaking into the studio. On the other side, ballet styles are loud in mainstream fashion. Ballet flats and leotards have become the staple silhouettes in the #Balletcore trend.
Fashion is an important part of dance, and the culture it coincides with shapes the trends we see today. Costuming makes it obvious, but looking at silhouettes and fabrics tells us even more about how dance and fashion have a shared story to tell.