What Makes Dance Tights Special?

By Author: Cedric Grosjean
Total Articles: 60
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As a vital and necessary garment for various forms of dance and performance arts, dance tights are the most recognizable clothing such artists wear. These special garments allow them the comfort and freedom of movement to perform difficult manoeuvres and routines. Together with leotards, they form the basic dance uniform.
Although there are subtle differences between different styles, basic dance tights share specific characteristics. They are generally made from a blend of nylon, cotton, and Lycra fabrics, and are thicker than pantyhose. They are just as fragile as pantyhose, however, and performers must be careful not to snag or tear the delicate material.

Other types of performers, like stage actors and athletes, have used tights for hundreds of years. This is where the variations come into play, with bright-coloured tights gracing the legs of bicyclists, figure skaters, track and field performers, and even more recently, basketball players. For dancers who perform the various styles of dance on stage, though, the choices are a little more basic.

Dance apparel manufacturers like Capezio, Prima ...
... Soft, and Danskin design tights for all kinds of performers, both men and women. The style of dance and the individual needs of the dancer determine what type of dance tights they choose. Here are a few of the different styles to consider.

First, there are the considerations of the foot. Full-footed tights are the most traditional, suitable for ballet. Then there are footless tights that end at mid-calf, for dancers who utilize costumes or alternative shoes like cheer groups or stage revues. Convertible tights have a hole under the foot to allow ballet dancers to slip pointe socks under their tights for pointe work.

Stirrup tights have a band around the ankle and leggings are more of a Capri-length cotton blend, sometimes used as an undergarment under lightweight or sheer skirts or dresses. Then there are fishnet tights used in contemporary dance styles like jazz.

Tights are also differentiated by their look, whether they are high gloss, opaque, shimmery, or somewhere in between. The sheen of a preferred pair of tights worn by dancers is sometimes determined by the dress code of the studio or the type of dancing an artist performs. While some tights have a wide range of colours, the most common for traditional styles of dance are pinks and blacks.

Because they are so fragile, dance tights require very special care. Dancers usually roll up each leg separately and carefully step into them to avoid overstretching or tearing the material. In order for them to last, they must be either hand-washed or placed in a mesh garment bag for machine washing, and then hung out to dry.

Dance tights allow breathable comfort and flexibility for dancers and do not hinder movement during routines. The lightweight materials keep dancers light on their feet, building strong muscles while insulating the lower body. A few pair of quality tights is the most basic equipment required by a student or professional dancer to enhance their performance on stage.

Europe's leading online retailer of dancewear - Dance Direct.For further information regarding our range of dance tights and other ballet products, please visit our website at http://www.dancedirect.com.