From Sport to Style: Ballet Aesthetic
TikTok is the hub of cultivating new trends, whether it be songs, dances, phrases, people, books, or fashion—its latest interest is ballet. Due to Lily-Rose Depp’s style, Olivia Rodrigo’s ballet look in her “Brutal'' music video, Elle Fanning’s dance practice outfits, and a regained interest in Natalie Portman’s portrayal in “Black Swan,” many have jumped on the trend of ballet aesthetics. “#Balletcore,” as it is dubbed on TikTok, currently has 3.7 million views— the style mostly resembles the comfortable practice clothing of the sport, from ballet flats and leotards to wrap sweaters and tights. It also includes tying hair up in bows and wearing Uggs, perfume, or feminine jewelry. Because the aesthetic relies on subliminal basics, it is achievable to the average user. The hyperfeminine look of ballet also allows for many people to enjoy it if they were not able to take ballet as a child.
Emma Walker ‘22, who has been dancing ballet since age four, says that most dancers “accessorize with a wrap skirt, a patterned leotard, and something I call ‘trash bag pants,’ which are a type of warm-up pants designed for ballet and keeping you warm.” More often than not, ballet dancers are not dressing up for practice. Trash bag pants and hoodies are mostly the staples with Walker stating, “I incorporate regular clothes into my ballet cover-ups rather than the opposite.” In the recent trend, people include ballet clothes in daily wear while dancers simply wear what makes them comfortable and keeps them warm during practice.
But appreciation can also come with a dangerous romanticization. Walker points out, “A lot of ballet is about making everything aesthetic and pretty, but I think the general public sometimes fails to recognize the hard work behind the scenes.” Romanticization goes as far as people purchasing pointe shoes for photos when dancers train for years to even get started to wear them. Additionally, TikTok promotes images, especially from Pinterest of mostly skinny, white girls which fosters an unhealthy goal for younger people and shows that whiteness and thinness are the ultimate accessories.
While it is nice that ballet is being appreciated, the industry itself is struggling. With a newfound interest in ballet, many people can put the money into buying clothing and accessories to buy a ticket to a show. Like any other industry, the arts are especially struggling coming out of the pandemic, and people can use the trend to go support hard-working dancers and the arts. Ballet is a sport that requires intense, grueling work, and many dancers train for years all for the love of performing on stage. As Walker states “My favorite part about ballet is that by pursuing something I love, I also get to bring joy back into my community.” As beautiful as the outfits and costumes are in ballet, let us not forget those who have trained endlessly to wear them.
