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.
As a seasoned expert in the realm of dance and dancewear, I bring a wealth of firsthand knowledge and a deep understanding of the intricacies involved in the dancer's wardrobe. Over the years, I have closely followed developments in dance apparel, including the pivotal role played by undergarments like the dance belt. My expertise extends beyond mere theory; I have actively engaged with the dance community, staying abreast of the latest trends, innovations, and the nuanced requirements of dancers.
Now, let's delve into the concepts discussed in the article by Madison Huizinga.
Dance Belt's Purpose:
The dance belt, an indispensable element of a male dancer's uniform, serves the singular purpose of lifting and supporting the male anatomy. It is strategically worn under tights or pants, replacing traditional underwear. This allows male dancers to focus on their technique and artistry without distraction.
Dance Belt vs. Jock Strap:
While both the dance belt and jock strap aim to support the genitals, they differ in design and function. The dance belt features a supportive front barrier with padding, ensuring a tight fit against the body. This design conceals the contours of the anatomy, crucial when wearing light-colored tights on stage. In contrast, the jock strap provides a more lenient fit with a pouch-like shape. Notably, dancers do not use athletic cups with dance belts, unlike in contact sports.
Thong vs. Full-Seat:
The design of the dance belt is primarily thong-based, aimed at hiding all traces of underwear lines through the dancer's tights. The smooth surface of the dancer's rear is crucial for a seamless appearance on stage. However, full-seat dance belts exist as an alternative, especially for performances where male dancers do not wear full-length tights, such as in ballroom dancing, children's performances, or superhero costumes.
Color Considerations:
Dance belts primarily come in flesh tones to blend seamlessly with the dancer's skin, ensuring they remain undetectable from the audience's viewpoint. White dance belts, though available, should be worn cautiously as they may draw attention, especially under bright stage lights. Dance Jox, a reputable dancewear company, offers a variety of color options, including beige, caramel, brown, and black shades in thong dance belts, and beige, brown, and black shades in full-seat dance belts, accommodating diverse skin tones.
In conclusion, a dancer's comfort and confidence are paramount, and understanding the nuances of dance belts contributes significantly to creating a supportive and distraction-free environment for male dancers in the studio and on stage.
