Contents
If you’re a ballet dancer, a gymnast, or anything else related to these exciting and gracious hobbies, you know the great importance of choosing the proper leotard. Leotards are skin-tight pieces of clothing that are a trademark of these hobbies. They are skin tight but still let your skin breathe while accentuating your body’s curves and allowing it to move freely. This makes them perfect for sports, arts, and performances.
The History of Leotards
First introduced in the 1800s, leotards were mainly worn by circus acrobats and gymnasts but were later incorporated into ballet and other forms of dancing because of their great design that enables the wearer to freely move.
At first, dance leotards were made of knitted cotton fabric, but that proved to be both uncomfortable and impractical since the fabric tended to stretch out easily, so new manufacturing methods and materials were introduced. Nowadays, there are various different types of leotards you can choose from to make sure you have the perfect one for every occasion.
However, out of all of them, the most commonly used type is the plain leotard. Also known as a timeless classic that’s as versatile as it is beautiful, the plain leotard offers a lot of options and can be worn on various occasions. Here are some of them.
Common Uses of Plain Leotards
Rehearsals
Plain leotards are some of the most common dance leotards out there, so they are quite easy to find. You can buy plain leotards online or in physical stores and trust me when I say, variety will not be an issue. The plain dance leotard is so common because it’s so easy to work with and can be used across a variety of disciplines.
Usually available in black, tan, white, and other simple colours, it helps you focus on your movements and not be distracted by sequins, lace, or any other unnecessary element. This is exactly why I think the plain leotard is the perfect leotard to use for rehearsals and that every dancer should definitely have at least two of these lying around.
Made out of simple, breathable materials, the plain leotard will allow you to focus on your routine, while its simple design will allow you to move freely and explore your dancing capabilities. The plain leotard can be found in various styles, such as spaghetti-strapped, short-sleeved, long-sleeved, as well as with different neck cuts for added accent and flow.
Auditions
When auditioning for entry in a competition, especially in a school, wearing a plain leotard is recommended, if not mandatory. Judges and recruiters aren’t interested in designs, they’re all about your methods, moves, and dancing abilities. While a more detailed leotard might be more desirable to wear on stage, when technique matters, a plain leotard is the way to go.
When picking a leotard for an audition, you need to take your routine as well as your strength into consideration. It would also be nice if your leotard matches your dancing shoes, as aesthetics are still a big part of dancing, even when toned down. When it comes to your routine, think about which aspects of your body you’d like to accentuate. If it’s the arms, for example, go for a long-sleeved leotard with a simple ballerina cut. This will allow attention to fall on your movements and will showcase what you’re presenting.
As for the colour, don’t go for anything bold, but skip skin tones as well. Something classic, like black, will do the trick nicely. You can experiment with a little bit of lace if you’d like to, as lace is a pretty standard addition to leotards nowadays, but don’t go overboard. It will add a bit of depth and accent to your routine, but you don’t want it to be too distracting.
The material is very important, especially when you’re auditioning, so make sure the leotard you choose is stretchy enough, fits snuggly, and is made of a breathable fabric that will let you flow freely through the stage.
Outdoors
Wearing your dance leotard outdoors may seem like a silly thing to do, but once you take a look at the recent fashion trends you’ll understand exactly what I’m talking about. Instead of spending money on leotards from regular shops, you can pair your plain dance leo with a skirt, a pair of jeans, or a dress and create a unique look you’ll love and feel comfortable in.
Your dance leotards are already of much higher quality than any others sold in big stores, so you’ll create a fashionable look while still being comfortable. A plain leotard is a perfect piece for going out as it can take a lot of different additions and accessories without overpowering them. Even lace leos can do a wonderful job, especially if they have long lacy sleeves to add a bit of elegant detail.
Since they are quite a versatile item, these leotards can work with everyday fits as well as ones meant to look more lux, so you can really get creative and find your very own style within an item you so dearly love and associate with many enjoyable memories. If you like this idea, go ahead and pull a plain leo out and try out some combinations. I promise you will not be disappointed!
Comments are closed.