Why do dancers wear their hair up?

20180317_Cynthia-King-Dance_09310.jpg

Here at CKDS we emphasize a very important part of a dancer’s dress code: hair must be pulled back away from the face. This is a classic rule that every dancer must abide by in their training, specifically in ballet and modern techniques. This standard rule of thumb goes far beyond a type of “look” or fashion statement. Let’s go deeper and find out WHY dancers wear their hair pulled back in dance class.

  1. To execute any kind of turn, a dancer must maintain skillful balance by spotting.” This is when the dancer keeps their eyes focused on a single point while they turn. Spotting allows the dancer to turn properly and for a longer period of time. If hair is obstructing the dancers vision they will not be able to execute their turns!

  2. Placement of the arms in any dance style is a big part of learning a specific technique. If the dancer is distracted by brushing hair away from their face, this will interfere with the flow of movement. The use of port de bras in ballet, (or “carriage of the arms”), articulates a graceful movement quality by showing the body’s lines and shapes.

  3. Having a dress and hair uniform allows all students to focus on what matters the most in class...dance! Dress code guidelines help to eliminate unnecessary distractions in the studio.

We love our students at CKDS and recognize their dedication to dance. Keep up the good work, and, keep that hair out of your face!

Cynthia King

A professional dancer since 1978, Cynthia King has been teaching and choreographing since 1986. Training extensively at the Boston Conservatory and The Ailey School, King honed her skills under the tutelage of legendary dancers including Emiko and Yasuko Tokunaga, Carmen DeLavallade, Diane McIntyre, and Rod Rodgers (of whose dance company she became a member). She has taught dance in Brooklyn at P.S. 315, Poly Prep, and I.S. 62 in addition to Cynthia King Dance Studio (CKDS).