Why Corsets Are Worn in Ballet

A ballet corset helps create a defined waist on the dancer

In ballet, poise and grace are essential for success. Costume malfunctions are not a worry dancers want to have during a performance, so wearing clothes that do not hinder them and also help them to perform their best are ideal. Corsets are a popular costume choice, especially when performing such classics as Romeo and Juliet, as corsets were a customary part of the female wardrobe of the era.

Security

Since corsets are tied tightly in place, this limits the costume's ability to move or shift during the dance. Since ballet dancers move, twist and turn in a variety of ways, it is crucial that the costume they are wearing stays where it is intended.

Roles

Ballet dances typically tell a story. Often the story involves royalty, fantasy or medieval narratives. Whether the dancer is playing a queen, princess, fairy or an iconic character like Cinderella, a corset dress will be a relevant and appropriate choice. This staple spans many eras and many roles, making the corset a popular choice for a stage costume.

Posture

Since a corset laces up the dancer's torso tightly, pulling in her stomach, ribs and chest, it helps the dancer's posture to be straight and upright. Since a lot of ballet moves are initiated from the dancer's core, having erect and strong posture is pivotal. A corset adds an extra layer of security and strength to the dancer's back, overall improving her dance moves.

Poise

Since the corset helps straighten the dancer's posture and pull her body upright, this will positively impact her poise and grace on stage. Having a tight core and body center helps increase balance and can help a dancer pull up in her moves. This will help elongate her body and her dancing lines, bettering her stage poise and performance.

Silhouette

The corset creates a very defined waist on the dancer, since it pulls in all areas of the torso. The body's narrowest point, the waist, is then accented by the tightening of the corset. Another traditional element of the ballet costume is the tutu skirt, a stiff layer of tulle that flairs out from the dancer's waist. The narrowness of the dancer's waist created by the corset is offset by the wide berth the tutu skirt creates, creating a classic and beautiful silhouette for the dancer.

References

• Rossetti Costumes and Bridal Gowns
• Rossetti Costumes and Bridal Gowns: Wedding Corsets and Corseted Bodices
• Rossetti Costumes and Bridal Gowns: Classical Ballet Tutus