Creating the Perfect Dance Wardrobe with Brown Ballerina Ambassador Moriah Mitchell
When you look good, you feel good. When you feel good, it means you feel comfortable, confident, and ready to face the day. As a dancer, this means you’ll nail your practices, rehearsals, and auditions while having fun and being yourself! One way to keep your vibes high in the studio, and elsewhere, is to wear outfits that work for you.
Dance is such a bodily-focused sport, so you’ll want to have dancewear that highlights your favorite features, allows you to express your style, and feels comfortable enough to last the day. In the interview below, Brown Ballerina Ambassador Moriah Mitchell shares tips for creating your perfect dance wardrobe.
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Creating the Perfect Dance Wardrobe with Brown Ballerina Ambassador Moriah Mitchell
Photo: Moriah Mitchell; shot by Meredith Renner
Why is it important to feel comfortable in your dance wear?
For us dancers, wearing comfortable clothing goes hand-in-hand with confidence. When I’m wearing a leotard that is too tight or too loose or has straps digging into my shoulders, it becomes distracting. But when I’m wearing a leotard with a gorgeous pattern that fits me perfectly, well, I feel like I can do 20 pirouettes! Something about wearing comfortable and flattering dancewear boosts my confidence and lifts my spirits in class or rehearsal.
At the very least, what are the main 3 things every dancer should have in their wardrobe, and why?
It is so hard to pick just three pieces, but these are classic pieces that every dancer should have in their wardrobe. First, every dancer should have a black leotard. A black leotard is a wardrobe essential that is perfect for class rehearsal, or an audition. And if you are not subject to always wearing a strict style, you can add your own personal touch with embroidery accents, lace, or flowers.
Second, every dancer should have a black skirt. The fun thing about skirts is that they can be any style, with different textures, patterns, and lengths. A black skirt is a classic that can be paired with any kind of leotard and is a perfect accessory to a statement piece. And lastly, every dancer should have tights of all colors in their wardrobe! Pink and/or skin tone and black - all color tights have their purpose and your choice may depend on personal preference.
What are your personal dance wardrobe essentials, and why?
My level’s uniform color at my school is black, so I have a lot of black leotards with completely different styles and accents. Some have mesh, while others have lace or colored accents. These bring a little flair to a uniform color. I also love black tights because they are flattering, they go with anything and help keep your muscles warm. Another essential in my wardrobe is trash bag pants or shorts, or really any good and cute warmup clothes to wear to class or rehearsal. And I always love to have skin tone tights in my wardrobe; they are also very flattering and I like to switch up from wearing pink tights.
Do you have any tips for dancers who need to build a wardrobe on a budget?
Sales, sales, sales! Many dancewear stores and sites hold sales on their products all the time, and sometimes you can get the best looks without hurting your wallet. I also recommend checking sites like Depop or even your Instagram page where many dancers like to sell dancewear they no longer need for less than the original price. I would also advise you to only buy the dancewear that you need, and save money to buy those special statement pieces or get them as Christmas or birthday gifts.
Do you have any tips for expressing your individual style using your dance wardrobe?
I really love having statement pieces in my dance wardrobe. One example of a statement piece is a leotard that is brightly colored, or stands out because of a pattern or special accent. I have many of these leotards because I feel that they make class even more fun, and I get to mix and match my colored skirts with my leotards. I have leotards in pink, green, blue, purple, black, and even yellow; they vary in style, color, and pattern.
I also love changing up my accessories or hair style in class (if you don’t have a specific guideline for wearing your hair in class, try this too!). Instead of wearing my hair in a bun, I will do a french twist with a claw clip or maybe add a barrette to the side of my bun. Lastly, I love wearing different color skirts, and I have learned that you just don’t have to wear them with a black leo! You can mix and match them, and sometimes I even make outfits by wearing my blue skirt with my blue leo, for example.
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Is there anything else you want to say to the dancers reading this article?
Make your dance wardrobe work for you. I can give you as much advice as possible, but ultimately, what you wear should reflect you and your personality. If you have a uniform to follow, by all means follow the rules. But if you are allowed to have a little freedom in your dancewear at some point, use that opportunity to wear something a little out of the ordinary. Be confident, be you, and just have fun!
What’s in your dance wardrobe? Tell us in the comments below!