Balletcore: a Leaping Look into the Popular AesthetiC
Graphic by Grace Livecchi
Balletcore has swept through the internet, quickly becoming a highly influential fashion and lifestyle trend pioneered by apps like TikTok and Instagram. Ballerinas are known for thriving in a dainty, regimented, and uber-feminine atmosphere, albeit not the easiest circumstances to live under. Regardless, this lifestyle has been romanticized. Recently, we’ve seen the general public – not exclusive to dancers – embrace these qualities and integrate them into their own lives. However, there is a deep history connected to items like wrap shirts and sheer tights: they have existed much longer than one might expect.
Fashion and ballet have had an interconnected relationship since the 1830s. During the Romantic era, ballerina Marie Taglioni became a European sensation. Luxury goods like fabrics, corsets, and candies were named after her and her iconic performance in La Sylphide, where she became the first dancer to go on pointe. Flash-forward to the 1930s, almost 100 years later, tutu-style formal gowns and ballet flat designs were given to the public. “Designer Claire McCardell, unable to procure shoes for a fashion presentation in 1942, paired her designs with real ballet slippers by the dancewear company Capezio,” says Kristen Bateman in her W Magazine article Balletcore, “The idea, perhaps first proposed by fashion editor Diana Vreeland in 1941, became so popular during that decade that Capezio began to make street-worthy versions.” These roots have served as the foundation for the elegant, romantic ballerina style that is prominent today.
This costume-esque fashion trend resurfaced in FW22 and FW23 runway looks, emphasizing ballet-themed elements circulating around the industry. Most of the current Balletcore accreditation can be given to Miu-Miu, as the brand has facilitated the return of ballet flats, sheer and lace, tulle, and wrap-style pieces. Other brands like Sandy Liang, Mugler, and Givenchy have dipped their toes into this trend as well, also capitalizing on similar styles like flats, bows, and tulle. Hyper-femininity is in – these micro-trends that have infiltrated social media and street style have manifested into what is considered “Off-Duty-Dancer Balletcore”. This can be observed by the upturn of slick buns, ballet flats and legwarmers, and finally, the ballerina wrap skirts and shirts which promote comfort and free movement. Such stylistic elements have made their way into my own wardrobe, Pinterest boards, and have influenced my thrift trips, though I find the complete surrender of personal style to micro-trends kitschy and lacking in originality.
If you’d like to curate your Balletcore wardrobe, draw inspiration from influencers like Luna Montana, Matilda Djerf, Landess Huston – and everyone’s favorites: miss Bella Hadid and Hailey Bieber. Their choice to utilize Balletcore elements subtly in their wardrobes has not escaped the public eye, as both women’s clothing choices tend to create trends on their own.