Bringing in a new pair of pointe shoes and ballet tights to go with them recently, I’ve been taking stock of my artistic tools and supplies. In the process, I appreciate what has provided reliable service over the long term, what could use a little loving maintenance, and what I may wish to replace or resupply.
I am struck by just how aged some of my favorites have become, long outlasting my expectations with heavy use and the passage of time. A few items would even be considered “vintage” now, having acquired them in my youth, though not yet antique!
Do these companies even still make these items, or make them as well? I don’t know, as it has been years, if not decades, since they were new.
None of these items have been sponsored or gifted or financially benefit me in any way, other than the value that they have provided as faithful companions to my dancing life.
Faithful Companions
“Use it up, wear it out, make do, or do without” was the motto that helped my grandparents make it through the Great Depression, and continues to inspire my sustainable, minimalist ethic (though some areas I find easier to simplify than others), what the kids are now calling “underconsumption core.”
Romancing Wear & Tear
Dancers, companies, and artists understand the need to economize, and we have learned to romanticize this thrift that enables creative expression.
Harvey Edwards’ classic “Legwarmers” poster epitomizes the grungy real dancer aesthetic that we were all obsessed with in the 80s and 90s and the way real dancewear comes to look when worn by hours in class, rehearsal, and onstage.
Lise Blackford photo shoot (leo & skirt) Cologne photo shoot (pointe shoes)
My Oldest Dance Gear
Welcome behind the scenes of my dancewear and gear!
Dancewear
Dancewear
- Leotard: Black Mirella Spaghetti Strap Princess Seam Ballet Leg leo has the most impressive stretch content I’ve ever seen, has held firmly since at least the late 90s/early 2000s through classes and served as a costume on stage and for photo shoots (can’t beat a black basic!).
- Skirt: Short Black Mirella Short Wrap ballet skirt is probably my overall most-worn item, a daily teaching staple for a little coverage and movement
- Legwarmers: Red & Pink Stripe Harmonie warmers from the 90s are a cotton knit, have just had to replace the top elastic which gave out years ago
- Pink Tights: Capezio seamed convertible (repaired holes recently) haven’t gotten as much use in recent years but are returning for pointe shoe use as long as the elastic lives on
Dancing Shoes
- Black Gaynor Minden Pointe Shoes which are the old style, dyed for “Vietato Fumare” in 2002 and repeatedly repaired (only for photo shoots or short stints now)
- Uncomfortable holey Sansha flat ballet shoes: I used this type up until moving to Germany, in recent years have been teaching more in socks and found a more comfortable brand of slippers
- Who knows what brand of jazz oxfords the lace versions are and they don’t get so much use anymore, but most likely these 80s numbers are very oldest item in my dancing collection
- Capezio Split Sole Slip On Jazz oxfords were a staple for teaching jazz and musical theatre in Honolulu in the 2010s
- Tap shoes I inherited from a fellow teacher to instruct baby tap since we have the same size feet, and every once in a while I think I might again (see, far from a “perfect” minimalist)
Accessories
- Coffee Mug: Contigo Travel Mug stolen from Mom seals well, keeps liquids hot or cold
- Pouch: Body Shop drawstring bag from the 90s holds my ballet basics for travel, my skirt, socks, and theraband
Questions for Reflection
- In what attire are you most comfortable moving?
- What essential items nourish your creativity and productivity?
- What creative challenges are you currently facing?
Resources for Further Exploration
- Dance Shoe Blues – Footwear Identity Crisis – What to wear to class? article
- Delicious Dancey Digest for International Dance Day & National Dance Week article
- Ballet & Modern Dance Foot Positions & Spatial Intent article
- My Email Newsletter is a feast of dancey and creative living resources, featuring my latest creations and those of other awesome folks
Explorations in dance, coaching, and artful living continue!
Thank you for reading, for being, and for dancing with me, in spirit or in fact.
Take care of yourself and keep moving mindfully, let me know how if I can be of service, by replying to my email newsletter or on social media as well.
Blythe Stephens, MFA & Bliss Catalyst they/she
Creator of A Blythe Coach @ablythecoach
dancing through difficulty
taking leaps of faith
DISCLAIMER: A Blythe Coach recommends that you consult your physician regarding the applicability of any recommendations and follow all safety instructions before beginning any exercise program. When participating in any exercise or exercise program, there is the possibility of physical injury. If you engage in this exercise or exercise program, you agree that you do so at your own risk, are voluntarily participating in these activities, assume all risk of injury to yourself.