The ballerina Marie Tagolioni, in the nineteenth century discarded weighty costumes and began wearing what the standard ballet uniform is today, a lightweight skirt. This change allowed the image of increased physical prowess (Penrod 13). Marie Tagolioni also inspired the first tutu. As dance increased in athleticism more of the body was revealed. The hemline of the tutu grew shorter until the leg was revealed and the pelvic area was framed in a tiny skirt (Art of Production 57).
Male dancerâs standard costume includes tights and a tunic worn on the upper body. Menâs tights should be pulled up firmly in the crotch to avoid a baggy appearance. Their tights are a heavier less shear material then womenâs tights, but they also wear their tightsâ seams in the back. Men wear a dance belt under their tights for support and to keep the body aligned. Men also wear a regular belt or suspenders to hold up their tights.
