Black tights, white t-shirt, white socks, white ballet shoes, dance belt.
— Every dress code for male ballet dancers, everywhere
What is a Dance Belt?
Dance belts are the MVPs of male ballet. Tights are non-negotiable, but no one wants “adjustments” mid-class or anything showing that shouldn’t. Regular underwear? Total no-go—visible lines everywhere. A dance belt keeps things smooth and secure with a discreet thong design that handles, uh, “unexpected moments” too.
Even young boys need them, and brands are finally catching on. They can be tough to find, but don’t worry—we’ve got you covered!
Why a Thong?
Choosing a dance belt is up to you, but the traditional thong wins for a reason—it’s invisible under tights, offers top-notch support, and won’t restrict your glutes or hamstrings. Plus, it stays put, so no mid-class adjustments or creeping coverage. A thong might sound daunting, but it’s less scary than it seems (and just takes a little getting used to).
Sizing For Dance Belts
Dance belts are sized by waist, but men’s gear is often scarce in dance stores—so you may need to ask where it’s hiding. Online shopping works, but sizing can be tricky, so it may be a bit of trial and error to begin with.
What Color Dance Belt Is Best?
The best dance belt color? Flesh! It works under both black and white tights, and it’s less visible under white than a white belt—like a white T-shirt under a dress shirt. Plus, some brands now offer darker shades for a range of skin tones in ballet.
Fitting Dance Belts for Comfort
When putting on a dance belt, take your time to position everything comfortably—it should stay in place until you take it off. Minor slippage is normal, but if it’s excessive, try a different size or brand.
To wear it, pull it up over your hips like pants, ensuring your penis points upward toward your belly button. Do the “swoop and scoop” by reaching inside to pull your scrotum into the pouch, positioning your testicles up and front, above the crotch line. Make sure the pouch sits correctly by pulling the bottom back so it meets the thong at the perineum.
Spread your butt cheeks to firmly seat the thong, pulling any looseness toward the waistband. Avoid leaving the thong loose, as it will shift during class.
Tip: Wear a new dance belt around the house to get used to it. Sitting can make the thong feel tighter.
Expect some initial discomfort, but a good fit will soon let you leap and jump freely without discomfort.
How to Wash Dance Belts
Wear your dance belt only once before washing! After that, it’s gross—think tongs and rubber gloves.
Most dance belts, tights, and leotards are loaded with spandex, which loses its stretch in hot water and gets damaged by sweat and oils. Spandex goes by a few names:
- Lycra (from Dupont)
- Milliskin (MStevens)
- Elastane (UK)
Wash in cold water (delicate cycle is fine) and always air dry. If you’re in a humid climate, towel-squeeze them first to speed up drying time.