Proving a Pointe: A Look at Balletcore
Balletcore, the latest trend captivating the fashion scene, transcends traditional aesthetics to create a mesmerizing fusion of ballet and modern style. Influenced by the dance world's elegance, it has gracefully pirouetted into the mainstream, fueled by the desire for self-expression and the evolving definition of femininity.
Tresemme x Christian Siriano at NYFW. Photo by Fernanda Calfat/Getty Images.
What Is Balletcore?
The term, which emerged on TikTok in 2022, refers to a manner of dress inspired by the performance outfits or practice attire of professional ballet dancers. Key elements of it include:
Sandy Liang Spring 2023 runway show at New York Fashion Week. Photo: Imaxtree
1. Feminine details. Design elements such as ribbons, bows, ruffles, and lace are integral to the balletcore aesthetic. Tulle skirts and puff sleeves create frothy, girlish silhouettes, while sleek satins and silks add sheen and substance.
Selkie via edition.cnn.com
2. Practical pieces. Ballet as an artform is centered on movement, so stretchy garments that offer a wide range of motion are essential to balletcore. As such, bodysuits and leggings feature prominently in this aesthetic. Keeping muscles warm and ready for movement is an important consideration in ballet, so legwarmers and wrap sweaters have also seeped into the balletcore fashion canon.
Urbanoutfitters.com via popsugar.co.uk
Miu Miu Fall/Winter 2022. Source: Getty.
3. Relaxed silhouettes. This is where the distinctly effortless feel of balletcore comes into play. Slouchy, off-the-shoulder sweaters nonchalantly thrown on over a leotard or baggy jeans paired with a sweet satin top add a bit of much needed mess to an otherwise prim-and-proper aesthetic.
Simone Rocha Fall/Winter 2022 via marieclaire.com.au
Balletcore and the Trend Landscape
Originating in part from athleisure's comfort revolution, balletcore seamlessly blends the grace of ballet with the functionality of athletic wear, challenging conventional fashion norms. The trend's rise, paralleling the boom in athleisure during the pandemic, reflects a yearning for both comfort and style. Balletcore seamlessly combines the effortless vibe of athleisure with refined, feminine elements, making the exclusive accessible. This trend embraces the performative effortlessness that dance and fashion share.
Balletcore’s popularity can also be contextualized by the quiet luxury movement. Both trends, to varying degrees, concern themselves with the pursuit of refinement and presenting a graceful and tasteful aesthetic. This dynamic convergence transcends mere aesthetics, forming a symbiotic relationship between the artistry of dance and the allure of understated opulence. Femininity in fashion has also been on the rise. This is exemplified by Barbiecore, which reinforces the idea of women being whoever they want to be and fosters a sense of empowerment. Similarly, balletcore, with its seamless integration of ballet-inspired elements into contemporary fashion, enables people to explore a spectrum of femininity. The trend transcends the boundaries of conventional elegance, offering a dynamic expression that aligns with the broader movement of embracing diverse and empowering representations of womanhood.
Balletcore 2.0
Breaking free from prim-and-proper stereotypes, the newest iteration of balletcore emerges with a more nuanced spin. It intertwines classical elegance with edgy, subversive sensibilities, showcasing a rebellious spirit. This trend, influenced by dreams of being a ballerina, speaks to identity and aspiration without the constraints of the traditional ballerina lifestyle. Balletcore 2.0 reinterprets ballet aesthetics in a bold irreverent way, in keeping with today’s fiercely individualist culture.
Adeam via Refinery29.com
Simone Rocha SS23 by Giovanni Giannoni/WWD/Penske Media via Getty Images
Rodarte FW 2023 at NYFW. Photo: Rex.
Article by Ren Wilson, Contributor, PhotoBook Magazine
Tearsheets by Chenglin Qu, Graphic Design Intern, PhotoBook Magazine
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