Technology and diversity are not the first things you think of when you think of ballet, but fortunately times they are a’changing. First up we have Nude Barre.
Many years after failed attempts by companies such as Capezio to get traction on a product line with a full-range of skintones, Nude Barre is one of the new hopes of dancewear for all. Nude Barre tights come in an extended range of sizes and the company markets them as eco-friendly and anti-cellulite.
In contrast, Zarely markets themselves as a brand selling “fashion-infused” activewear and dancewear, with an elitist message to their marketing strategy – They toss off on the front page that their tights and leggings are “created by dancers and fashion designers, worn by the young and cultured.” It sort of brings to mind the name-dropping that K.D.Dance Knitwear does at every opportunity.
The company also makes some sciency-hand-wavey claims. First, that by using reflective and anti-reflective materials in key places, their tights emphasize your lines, visually lengthen the legs, and reduce the appearance of flaws. Given that their models are already flawless, they don’t give themselves the opportunity to show this at work. They also use the old standby of compression construction to supposedly reduce swelling and support the joints. You can find plenty of research both for and against such claims.
What do you think dancers? Have Zarely tights give you an extra spring in your sauté? Has Nude Barre solved your complexion quandary? If you’ve tried either brand, let us all know in the comments what you think so far.
I’m not even going to ask if you watched the amazing live coverage of the World Ballet Day, I know you did! And you know you were looking at those gorgeous pros wondering how you could one day look like them. It certainly doesn’t hurt to dress the part, and what did we see more of than ever on the ladies of WBD than the gorgeous flowing pastel rehearsal skirts and wrap skirts that can be so hard to find!
Capezio’s classic 
The 
New York City Ballet dancer and self-made entrepreneur Cameron Dieck has established his own line of legwarmers, 
Do you prefer the feel of no tights in your shoes? But your teacher makes you roll them down? Well now there’s now a tight made especially for you! I was truly impressed to see this design from 
Dancers are always looking for a reliable ballet shoes that will show clean lines and provides optimum comfort. The 
In the immortal words of Miss Piggy, “Hiya!” Yes, whether sheerly for clever marketing or from genuine inspiration, Bloch has created what they call the Samurai leotard, model 
Constructed from a “microlux” blend, the smooth surface is shaped into a curvy silhouette with wide-set and very short cap sleeves. A perfectly placed U back finishes the cut, mimicked by an open metal ring set into the left side of the wide neckline. Placement of the ring creates subtle ruching and a modern, slashed V-neck.
Summer is here! And with it long days of sleeping in, outdoor activities and barbecues – at least until summer dance classes begin. What better way to entertain yourself whether hanging out at home or in the dorms at an SI than with a packed book of ballet-specific crafts. 
BalletScoop 