When you think of ballet, what comes to mind? Likely shiny, satin wrapped pointe shoes, soft pink and a neat bun. Or dreamy tutus, lush and romantic.

Either way, ballet conjures up a very singular image: of something feminine, fantasy, and perfect. Something from long ago, in the land of fairytales and dragons, of castles and charming princes.

But beyond that, ballet also signifies the elegance, the quiet dignity, the strength of the dancer. Delicate as ballerinas are, they are also filled with discipline, dedication, and devotion. It conjures up images of an older, more elegant world: one filled with ballgowns, academia, and opera.

Understanding ballet requires intelligence, strength, and poise- qualities that we all seek to emulate. No wonder, then, that balletcore has become a trending aesthetic. In this article, I seek to break it down and understand what exactly it is about this trend and this occupation that fascinates us so much.

Take the Quiz: Which Halloween Costume Should You Match with Your Bestie?

Take our quiz to discover which Halloween costume theme you and your bestie should rock this year!

Femininity Personified

Perhaps a big part of this trend is that as a woman, so much of our identity is hidden or stuffed aside by culture today. We are told to seek comfort over elegance, effortlessness over expression. And while our ability to embrace a less specific definition of femininity is, of course, progress, we have unconsciously created an environment in which being overly feminine is being extra.

Vain. Excessive.

But the ballet environment embraces this femininity. In fact, it requires it. Many studios have their teachers give lessons on makeup to even their youngest dancers, and their students dance roles centered around femininity and sensitivity. Being able to portray this fragility, this exquisiteness, through their strength is a point of pride for many dancers.

The ballet world is one of the few worlds in which being a stereotypical woman isn't a bad thing. And many girls these days are tired of it. They seek to be a part of the ballet core trend because they see it as a refreshing embrace of a girlhood most of them have left behind, resigned to grow up and learn to fit in in the outside world.

Romanticism and Escapism

But people who embrace the balletcore aesthetic don't just see it as a place to be feminine. Many of them view it as an escape into a world similar to the ones portrayed in ballets. These worlds are simpler, in which a princess can simply cry out to the prince for help, in which the evil stepmother is foiled in the end, and in which a happily ever after is guaranteed.

Plus, ballet isn't necessarily a mainstream interest. It is seen by society as an occupation of the elite or the sophisticated. Enjoying the "balletcore aesthetic" can feel the same way enjoying classical literature or old movies can feel- like a step into the past, a step out of the complicated, messy, immature world that we live in.

Discipline

As anyone who's ever taken a ballet class knows, ballet is NOT easy. It's an incredibly difficult, complex art, requiring incredible amounts of dedication, and pushing your body to levels you never knew you could. Being a ballet dancer means learning how to align every single part of your body, from the tips of your fingers to the ends of your toes, working tirelessly to make everything seem perfect. It's the dedication to your art that keeps you going, that drives you.

The balletcore aesthetic seeks to emulate this discipline, this drive. It encourages hard work, healthy eating, and fitness, and does its best to encourage being put together and responsible rather than striving to look effortless or simple.

Nostalgia

But, in my opinion, the biggest factor behind balletcore's popularity is the nostalgia it brings up. When we were little girls, we were all put in ballet classes. We had our parents spend hours tying ribbons in our hair, and we could dream about wearing tutus and lust after sparkly pink dresses.

We went to sleep dreaming of princesses and princes, and a world full of magic and wonder. Back then, it wasn't shameful. It wasn't wrong, or stupid, or "too girly." Back then, we could be girly, and it was as simple as that.

Balletcore, in my opinion, is a way to resurface this. To come to terms and to peace with this version of ourselves, the one that we were as a child, the one that dreams of elegance and perfection. And we can do it in a way that suits us, that allows us to be feminine without being restricted.

How to Follow the Balletcore Trend

I'm first going to come out and say right now, unfortunately, this isn't how actual ballerinas dress (that's more like an assortment of random gym clothes, leg warmers, and oversized T-shirts). However, these tips do match the elegance, the formality, and the girliness of the balletcore aesthetic.

First off, choose a base color. It can be any neutral shade, from soft pink to black to white to beige. This is the color that your outfit will be based on. The most attention-getting piece (such as your top, an interesting skirt, or very rarely a bottom piece) should be this color.

Second, choose an accent color (or colors). There should be another neutral shade. This color can be used for the less important pieces, to add layers, or as the color of your trim/accessories.

The balletcore trend is all about looking put-together and deliberate, and a great way to do that is the sandwich method!! To do this, your base color (the color of your most important piece) and your hairpiece (or other statement accessory) should match. For the best results, try bows or headbands. Here are some tips below:

• Layers are a HUGE part of the balletcore aesthetic.
• Avoid heavy fabrics, and instead stick to light, flowy ones such as chiffon.
• Add one or two wool pieces (such as leg warmers or pullovers).
• Pullovers and cardigans go great with light fabrics!!
• If you're taking an actual dance class, leg warmers are really cute AND useful!!
• Bows and ribbons are your best friends!!
• Tights are a must-have.
• Try ballet flats for an everyday look
• Add one piece that is interesting/embellished in some way (lace, embroidery, beading).
• A pullover can add a casual accent to this look!
• Wear simple jewelry (if any), this look is about the subtle.
• Headbands are great for the sandwich method.

I hope you enjoyed this article! Let me know in the comments what you think, and even if this ultra-girly look isn't your cup of tea, I hope this article helped you understand why it's so well-loved.