Ballet shoes

For those who did not already know, the attire and appearance of ballet dancers is of great importance. For this reason ballet shoes should be skin colour so as not to interrupt the line of the dancer's legs. 

Why then are pointe shoes (ballet shoes) only available in the traditional shades of pink? 

It seems absurd that in this day and age black ballerinas are at a disadvantage. Cira Robinson is a senior artist at the Ballet Black dance company, and she, like so many other black ballet dancers, uses foundation to 'pancake' her points shoes so that they match her skin colour. It seems strange that she should have to apply foundation to every pair of shoes she wears, and it is unclear as to why pointe shoes are not available in more skin colours. The fact that they are not is obvious discrimination. 

Although this is a very small, niche detail that clearly does not affect the majority of people, it nevertheless demonstrates that we have not yet reached complete equality with regards to ethic minorities in our society.

Perhaps what I am trying to say is that the battle is not over, of course progress in regards to equality has been rapid and largely successful, but problems remain ingrained in our culture. It is essential that this does not go unnoticed. 

Written by Lili 

Picture credit: Lili