Bra Tops in Dance Classes

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   talfonsoposted 11 years ago

   I was formerly a dancer at a dance studio, whose owner died when I was a freshman. During my first years of ballet/tap combo classes, I wore really colorful leotards while others wore black, unadorned ones. I was pretty much the class clown, but I smartened up and wore the same black leotards as the others did. I improved a lot in the latter classes. I left the dancing world when I moved to Florida.
   
   Well, take a look at the classes, especially when the studios' dress codes are lax. You'll see shorts over leotards, camisole tops, and something that would look pretty much like an exercise club than a dance class. What's funny about them is that some wear bra tops and booty shorts to classes. This is also true at dance conventions (watch the ballet classes there for extra fun, if officials give you permission to observe).
   
   I know what some of you are thinking. You'd probably think they are dressed like "hookers." Few of you think that the kind of dress is more suited to a fitness gadget infomercial than a dance class.
   
   Bra tops in dance classes are anything but a new trend. Take a look at any 80's movie that has scenes of a dance class or rehearsal. Besides the leggings, high-cut leotards, and legwarmers, some dancers wear them, usually with dance briefs (clothing that looks like underwear).  So backs my thoughts that though I prefer the classic leotard and tights, bra tops would be fine only if the dress code allows them to.
   
   After all, isn't all form-fitting clothing the requirement for dance classes so that they enable teachers to see what would improve dancers?
   
   What do you think?

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      Marisa Wrightposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      I don't have a problem with it, in an adult or professional context.  I think uniform has a place in a ballet school for children or teenagers, because keeping harmony amongst a bunch of kids is hard enough, without introducing the jealousy or bullying caused by some kids having "fancy" dance gear and others not. It also helps teach discipline and neatness - and (let's face it) can be a useful extra source of income for the studio.
      
      I remember being shocked, when I moved to London back in the '70's and saw what professional dancers wore - half of them looked like they found their workout gear in the rag bag.  But you have to remember, professional dancers never have much money, so they're often making do with gaffer-taped shoes and odd bits of clothing for class.  So you can't criticise really, provided the line of the body is still visible.

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         talfonsoposted 11 years agoin reply to this

         Good points. If the dance studio is a professionalism-focused, uniforms like the aforementioned short-sleeve black leotards are great. And I agree that as long as the teacher/ballet master sees his or her form, I'm pretty much tolerant of what dancers wear.

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2. 68

   waynetposted 11 years ago

   I always wear bra tops when dancing...it makes sure nothing unexpected flaps in someones face....God I do have Mooby Mooby man baps!

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      talfonsoposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Oh gosh - I'm laughing at this! What a funny, but good point!

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      kimberlyslyricsposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      at least you flap

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3. 61

   poojariffreposted 11 years ago

   I think this is beautiful joke

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4. 60

   Tricia Heinposted 11 years ago

   It depends on the studio. When the students and teachers are adults, I think it is fine. If the dancers need to wear tighter or somewhat revealing clothing to better show their form or be more comfortable, that is fine. When the students are younger, there should be some kind of dress code.

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   1. 84

      talfonsoposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      You have pretty much said the same thing! Not all dress codes (pertaining to dance studios, of course) are equal - some only allow the de rigueur black leo/pink tights even in jazz classes and nothing else, and few others only allow form-fitting dancewear, bra tops included. Thanks for the reply anyway!

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   Arlene V. Pomaposted 11 years ago

   Why should I care?  Why should dancers answer to a dress code?  If I had a dancer's body, needed to make my moves, and worked up a sweat, I would wear whatever I felt like wearing.  After all, they are athletes.  If I had to perform in front of an audience, then I'm sure the wardrobe would change.

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6. 74

   MelChiposted 11 years ago

   I was always told in dance classes to wear less.  This is so that the instructor can see if you are doing the exercises correctly, using your core when you need to, pulling in your stomach, that your knees are over your toes and that your posture is right. I also find it much easier to dance in tight fitting clothing than something loose for example. As far as bra tops go, I think it pretty much depends on the individual and the dance class or institution.  You dance in those clothes (it's not underwear), and you put on a top before and after class when you leave. I don't understand why anyone would have a problem with it - unless of course it was mandatory.

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   1. 84

      talfonsoposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Right - I respect the opinions of those who are fine with two-piece, midriff-baring dancewear, those who aren't, and those who are in between. Besides the trend of seeing bra tops and booty shorts (I'm a bit OK with them in convention ballet classes, but if I were a dancer, I'd wear a leotard over footed pink tights any day), I'm seeing biketards and the sort of revival of leggings.
      
      If leggings are back in the class, can't the dancewear industry spur the French cut (full-bottom, no thong, thank you) briefs as well? Back in the 80's until the early 90's, dancers wore them over the leggings. Over the leggings. And they wore them over unitards as well.
      
      I watched a lot of dance/aerobics class scenes from 80's movies and found out that dancers wearing bra tops to classes or conventions are anything but a new trend!
      
      Here's hoping that the French-cut brief over the unitards or leggings would be revived! LOL!!!

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