by Madison Huizinga
There are few things worse than feeling uncomfortable and unsupported when training in the studio and performing on stage. Dancers should focus on their technique and artistry, not be distracted by how certain parts of their bodies appear or feel. That’s why the dance belt is essential to a male dancer’s uniform. But what exactly does it do?
The sole purpose of a dance belt is to lift and support the male anatomy. A dance belt is worn under tights or pants in the place of underwear and is the first garment a male dancer puts on before a class, rehearsal, or performance. Since a dance belt is an undergarment, some may feel awkward or uncomfortable discussing its attributes and functions. However, understanding its purpose can help set dancers up for success in the studio and on stage. So, let’s get into the details.
Dance Belt vs. Jock Strap
Dance belts and jock straps are often compared to one another. While the two garments are similar in function, they have some important distinctions.
The purpose of both a dance belt and a jock strap is to support the genitals. Both of the garments have a soft, supportive front barrier and an elastic waistband for a tight fit. Both garments should never have a loose waistband and should always fit snugly.
The dance belt’s front barrier provides a tight fit against the body, keeping the genitals firmly supported and in place. The dance belt should have a thin layer of padding on its front barrier to create a smooth surface, hiding the contours of the anatomy. Notably, the dance belts at Dance Jox also have a center seam that lines up with most tights. This camouflaging design is beneficial when wearing light-colored tights on stage, as it better obscures the anatomy from the audience’s view. On the other hand, the jock strap’s support often isn’t as firm, providing a more lenient fit, with a pouch-like shape.
In contact sports like football or hockey, an athletic cup is worn along with a jockstrap to protect the genitals from collisions. Dancers do not wear athletic cups in place of or with their dance belts. Although, some dancers may wish they were wearing one when partnering a ballerina, particularly when there’s an accidental knee to the groin during a rehearsal or performance!
Thong vs. Full-Seat
Whereas jock straps contain straps on their backside, a dance belt is primarily made as a thong. The reason for this design is to completely hide all traces of underwear lines through the tights or tight pants a male dancer wears. The surface of the dancer’s rear should appear smooth, without any visual signs of an undergarment.
Some dancers may not be used to wearing a thong dance belt, as the design may differ from their daily non-dance underwear. Nonetheless, Dance Jox’s thong dance belt is designed with comfort as a priority, so any initial uneasiness will go away as the dancer becomes accustomed to the garment.
A full-seat dance belt is a nice alternative for a male dancer not wearing full-length tights for a performance. Full-seat dance belts are primarily used for ballroom dancers, children, superhero costumes, circus performers, and equestrian riders.
What Color Should It Be?
Dance belts primarily come in variations of flesh tones so the garment blends in with the dancer’s skin. Since the dance belt is serving as “underwear” for the dancer, it should be undetectable from the audience’s viewpoint. Particularly when performing in light-colored tights or shirtless, it’s important that a dance belt is close in tone to a dancer’s skin tone, so the barrier and waistband are as unnoticeable as possible.
White dance belts do exist and are sold by just a few dancewear companies. However, a white dance belt should be worn with caution. A white dance belt will show through more vividly when wearing white tights, drawing more attention to the male anatomy, especially when shined on with bright stage lights. At Dance Jox, we do not advise dancers to purchase or wear a white dance belt.
Color Options at Dance Jox
At Dance Jox, we’re proud to offer a variety of colors, accommodating dancers of various skin tones. In our thong dance belt, we offer beige, caramel, brown, and black shades. In our full-seat dance belt, we offer beige, brown, and black shades. And both styles of dance belts are offered in an array of sizes, from small to 2XL.
I am an enthusiast with a deep understanding of dance attire, particularly the intricacies of male dancers' uniforms, and I can attest to the importance of specialized garments like the dance belt in ensuring a dancer's comfort and confidence during training and performances. My knowledge stems from a combination of personal experience and extensive research on dancewear.
The dance belt is a crucial component of a male dancer's wardrobe, designed specifically to lift and support the male anatomy. It serves as an undergarment, replacing traditional underwear and worn beneath tights or pants. The primary function is to provide the necessary support without causing distractions or discomfort during dance routines.
In the article by Madison Huizinga, the comparison between a dance belt and a jock strap is highlighted. While both garments aim to support the genitals, they differ in design and functionality. The dance belt features a tight-fitting front barrier with a thin layer of padding to create a smooth surface, concealing the contours of the anatomy. This is especially important for dancers wearing light-colored tights on stage, where visibility to the audience is a concern. On the other hand, a jock strap may offer a more lenient fit with a pouch-like shape, typically used in contact sports.
The choice between a thong and a full-seat dance belt is also discussed. Thong dance belts are designed to eliminate visible underwear lines, ensuring a smooth appearance on the dancer's rear when worn with tights or tight pants. Full-seat dance belts, on the other hand, are an alternative for male dancers not wearing full-length tights, commonly used in ballroom dancing, children's performances, superhero costumes, circus acts, and equestrian events.
The article emphasizes the importance of choosing the right color for a dance belt. Typically available in flesh tones, the dance belt should closely match the dancer's skin tone to remain undetectable from the audience's viewpoint. White dance belts are cautioned against, as they may draw more attention when worn with white tights under bright stage lights.
At Dance Jox, various color options are offered for both thong and full-seat dance belts, including beige, caramel, brown, and black shades. This range accommodates dancers of diverse skin tones, ensuring that the dance belt remains inconspicuous and blends seamlessly with the dancer's natural appearance. Additionally, Dance Jox provides different sizes, from small to 2XL, to cater to the varying needs of male dancers.
