Dance Jox | The Purpose of Dance Belts (2024)

by Madison Huizinga

There are few things worse than feeling uncomfortable and unsupported when training in the studio and performing on stage. Dancers should focus on their technique and artistry, not be distracted by how certain parts of their bodies appear or feel. That’s why the dance belt is essential to a male dancer’s uniform. But what exactly does it do?

The sole purpose of a dance belt is to lift and support the male anatomy. A dance belt is worn under tights or pants in the place of underwear and is the first garment a male dancer puts on before a class, rehearsal, or performance. Since a dance belt is an undergarment, some may feel awkward or uncomfortable discussing its attributes and functions. However, understanding its purpose can help set dancers up for success in the studio and on stage. So, let’s get into the details.

Dance Belt vs. Jock Strap

Dance belts and jock straps are often compared to one another. While the two garments are similar in function, they have some important distinctions.

The purpose of both a dance belt and a jock strap is to support the genitals. Both of the garments have a soft, supportive front barrier and an elastic waistband for a tight fit. Both garments should never have a loose waistband and should always fit snugly.

The dance belt’s front barrier provides a tight fit against the body, keeping the genitals firmly supported and in place. The dance belt should have a thin layer of padding on its front barrier to create a smooth surface, hiding the contours of the anatomy. Notably, the dance belts at Dance Jox also have a center seam that lines up with most tights. This camouflaging design is beneficial when wearing light-colored tights on stage, as it better obscures the anatomy from the audience’s view. On the other hand, the jock strap’s support often isn’t as firm, providing a more lenient fit, with a pouch-like shape.

In contact sports like football or hockey, an athletic cup is worn along with a jockstrap to protect the genitals from collisions. Dancers do not wear athletic cups in place of or with their dance belts. Although, some dancers may wish they were wearing one when partnering a ballerina, particularly when there’s an accidental knee to the groin during a rehearsal or performance!

Thong vs. Full-Seat

Whereas jock straps contain straps on their backside, a dance belt is primarily made as a thong. The reason for this design is to completely hide all traces of underwear lines through the tights or tight pants a male dancer wears. The surface of the dancer’s rear should appear smooth, without any visual signs of an undergarment.

Some dancers may not be used to wearing a thong dance belt, as the design may differ from their daily non-dance underwear. Nonetheless, Dance Jox’s thong dance belt is designed with comfort as a priority, so any initial uneasiness will go away as the dancer becomes accustomed to the garment.

A full-seat dance belt is a nice alternative for a male dancer not wearing full-length tights for a performance. Full-seat dance belts are primarily used for ballroom dancers, children, superhero costumes, circus performers, and equestrian riders.

What Color Should It Be?

Dance belts primarily come in variations of flesh tones so the garment blends in with the dancer’s skin. Since the dance belt is serving as “underwear” for the dancer, it should be undetectable from the audience’s viewpoint. Particularly when performing in light-colored tights or shirtless, it’s important that a dance belt is close in tone to a dancer’s skin tone, so the barrier and waistband are as unnoticeable as possible.

White dance belts do exist and are sold by just a few dancewear companies. However, a white dance belt should be worn with caution. A white dance belt will show through more vividly when wearing white tights, drawing more attention to the male anatomy, especially when shined on with bright stage lights. At Dance Jox, we do not advise dancers to purchase or wear a white dance belt.

Color Options at Dance Jox

At Dance Jox, we’re proud to offer a variety of colors, accommodating dancers of various skin tones. In our thong dance belt, we offer beige, caramel, brown, and black shades. In our full-seat dance belt, we offer beige, brown, and black shades. And both styles of dance belts are offered in an array of sizes, from small to 2XL.

Dance Jox | The Purpose of Dance Belts (2024)

FAQs

What is the purpose of a dance belt? ›

A dance belt is a kind of specialized undergarment commonly worn by male ballet dancers to support their genitals. Most are similar in design to thong underwear.

Are dance belts necessary? ›

In fact, dance belts should be regarded as an essential apparel for every dance practice, dance rehearsal, or whatever dance performance you've termed it. Note that wearing a dance belt, confers vital support to a male dancer's anatomy, while also lifting his body to conform to the requirements of good dance.

How do you tuck in a dance belt? ›

Reach inside the dance belt and pull your scrotum up inside the pouch. Your testicl*s need to be up and front, above the crotch line and well clear of their usual hanging position.

What is a full seat dance belt? ›

The James full seat dance belt features a high cut leg-line for a smooth look under dancewear and costumes. Made with stretch cotton, the James provides dancers with a naturally comfortable fit and maximum breathability. Available in Noir and Beige in sizes Youth 8 - 12 and Adult 36 - 44.

What is the purpose of a dance? ›

Historically, dance was often performed in rituals, worship, social celebrations, and as a means of entertainment and self- expression. Today, dance is still a part of traditional events but also as an element of new innovative performing experiences.

What age do boys wear dance belts? ›

Answer: A dance belt is essentially just an athletic support for dance, so some dancers start when they're wearing athletic supports in sports. However, many dancers start wearing supports when they're younger - between 8 and 10 years old. Some start wearing them when they start dancing.

Do ballroom dancers wear dance belts? ›

Most leotards already have built in bras, though if a bra is absolutely necessary, a “dance bra” can be worn. Older male dancers typically wear a “dance belt” (comparable to a jock strap). Younger males can wear a dance belt though “dance briefs” are typically a more comfortable and preferred alternative.

Is a waist belt necessary? ›

If you're hitting machine weights all workout long, you do NOT need a weight lifting belt. Even athletes training bodyweight movements or dumbbell conditioning won't find much benefit with a belt. Belts should only be needed when moving large amounts of weight on a barbell. Squat, deadlift, push press, etc.

Is a workout belt worth it? ›

Benefits of a Weight Belt

A weightlifting belt has two main purposes. It reduces stress on the lower back while the person is lifting in an upright position, and it prevents back hyperextension during overhead lifts. A belt can also help can help beginning lifters learn to squeeze their ab muscles properly.

Are dance belts tight? ›

The dance belt's front barrier provides a tight fit against the body, keeping the genitals firmly supported and in place. The dance belt should have a thin layer of padding on its front barrier to create a smooth surface, hiding the contours of the anatomy.

Can you front tuck with a belt? ›

Tuck in the front part of your shirt, using the two belt loops around the button fly as your guide. Just tuck your shirt between those two belt loops. Once you do this a few times, you'll be able to replicate it even if you're wearing bottoms with belt loops. 2.

What are the three levels of a dancer? ›

levels: the vertical distance from the floor. Movements take place on three levels: high, middle, and low or deep level.

Why do dancers use 8 counts? ›

In music there are typically 4 counts, or beats, per measure. In dance, a measure is usually “musically paired” with a second measure. These two measures equal a total of 8 counts, which is why dancers count in sets of 8. 8 counts keep track of the beat and tempo, but break up the song into manageable sections.

What is the first purpose of dance? ›

One of the earliest uses of structured dance was introduced in religious ceremonies that told the stories of ancient myths and gods. Egyptian priests used this kind of visual storytelling in their rituals. Ancient Egyptians used dancing for both entertainment and religion.

What are the purpose and values of dance? ›

Dance develops physical, creative, imaginative, emotional and intellectual capacities. It also requires social skills. Dance provides opportunities for artistic and aesthetic education as well as opportunities for children to explore and express moods and ideas symbolically through movement.

Why do people dance 3 reasons? ›

There are the obvious answers. We dance for physical fitness. We dance for mental clarity. We dance for emotional stability, and other such pluses.

Why do male dancers wear tights? ›

Tights provide light compression of the muscles in the leg and foot which improves circulation and helps dancers to “feel” their legs and engage the correct muscles. They provide unrestricted movement while providing good coverage for the sake of discretion and modesty.

What should a 7th grader wear to dance? ›

Wear nice jeans or slacks and a tucked-in shirt to a casual dance. Going to a dance doesn't always mean you have to wear a suit and tie. A lot of dances in middle school are casual, so you can just wear something a little nicer than what you would normally wear to school.

How many hours a week should a 12 year old dance? ›

Research of several reputable recreational, vocational and part time vocational dance schools across the globe shows an enormous difference in hours of training that the various 11-12-year old students are required to attend with some at a steady 25 hours a week, down to one at 10 hours, and the majority somewhere in ...

Are dance belts padded? ›

Most dance belts have two thin layers of stretchy fabric for the triangular panel, while some styles also incorporate a thin layer of triangular padded material. The front triangular support pouch can be constructed simply of a couple of layers of spandex or similar fabric.

What do ballroom dancers wear under their dresses? ›

Dancers who are performing wear something called a "trunk" bottom. This is basically a bottom brief made out of leotard-like material. The dancer will match her trunks to her tights or her costume. Wearing a nude camisole shaper gives additional confidence that the dress is fitting the way it should.

Why is waist belt is important? ›

A waist trainer is a shaping garment similar to a girdle. The waist trainer pulls a person's midsection in as tight as possible. The idea behind a waist trainer is that the pulling action gives the person a sleeker, smaller waist. Waist trainers usually consist of a combination of tough fabric and hard fibers.

How long should I wear a waist belt? ›

Many proponents of waist training suggest wearing a waist trainer for 8 or more hours a day. Some even recommend sleeping in one. Their justification for wearing one overnight is that the additional hours in the waist trainer maximize waist training benefits.

What exercises should you wear a belt? ›

You can use a lifting belt for anything that's demanding of your mid and low back. Examples: Squat, bench, deadlift, overhead press, weighted carries, weightlifting movements, and the clean and jerk and snatch.

How often should you use a toning belt? ›

Ab toning belts are strapped on around the abdomen and are usually recommended for use for between 10 minutes and an hour up to five times a week.

At what weight should you use a belt? ›

Inna: The general rule is that when a lifter can squat their body weight or deadlift 1.5 times their body weight, they should start using a belt.

Does waist belt reduce belly fat? ›

You might temporarily lose a small amount of weight wearing a waist trainer, but it will likely be due to loss of fluids through perspiration rather than loss of fat. You may also eat less while wearing the trainer simply because your stomach is compressed. This is not a healthy or sustainable path to weight loss.

How do you know if your belt is tight enough? ›

Pinch that point between your index finger and thumb and move it back and forth.
  1. The belt should have about a half an inch of play when at the appropriate tightness.
  2. If there is less than a half an inch, the belt will need to be loosened, if there is more, it will need to be tightened.

Can you over tension a belt? ›

Over-tensioned belts will create excessive stretching in the belt and reduce both belt and bearing life as the bearing loads will increase. While checking the belt tension, the belts should also be inspected for any cracks or fraying as these indicate belt wear.

When should you not wear a belt? ›

If you are wearing a t-shirt with your denim or chinos and your look make sense with a pair of kicks or casual loafers, you can opt for no belt. 2.) If your buttondown has a starched, dressy feel, belt your jeans or khakis. If your buttondown is relaxed, you can forgo the belt.

When should you not tuck in? ›

As a general rule, if a shirt has a straight hem, for example a polo shirt, it is designed to be left untucked. However, if a shirt has a curved hem, for example a business shirt, it is designed to be tucked in.

Are belts out of style? ›

It's easy to figure out why the bold fad went out of style; The accessory hardly screams timeless. In 2022, like it or not, it seems the flashy belt is having a comeback—though the new crop are a lot more sleek. This summer, the statement belt has been re-emerging.

What is the most difficult body movement in dance? ›

En Pointe. The “en Pointe” technique in classical ballet is one of the most challenging to execute. In this move, a dancer has to support their entire bodyweight on their feet, which are fully extended.

How do you not look awkward when dancing? ›

10 Tips to Make Your Dancing Look Less Awkward
  1. Know your beats. ...
  2. Nothing screams awkward than when you're too stiff when dancing. ...
  3. Be intentional with your movements. ...
  4. Match your energy to the music. ...
  5. If you make a mistake, keep going. ...
  6. Stay active outside of the studio. ...
  7. Change your position in class. ...
  8. Own your movements.
Nov 1, 2021

What are the 4 main elements of dance? ›

The Elements of Dance
  • Body.
  • Action.
  • Space.
  • Time.
  • Energy.

What are the 4 forms of dance? ›

Although there are hundreds of dance styles, for simplicity, we categorize different types of dance into a few large groups: ballet; modern and contemporary dance; hip-hop (or street dance); Latin, ballroom and social dance; and folk dance.

Why do kpop idols wear dance belts? ›

He explained that without the garter belts, the powerful dance moves that idols perform in their choreography would cause their shirts to slip out.

What do ballet dancers wear under their leotards? ›

In class, for young dancers generally regular undies is fine. As dancers get older they may want to minimise the visibility of lines under their leotards and tights. The following are our suggestions for class: plain coloured seam-free briefs (so patterns don't show through)

Why do male ballet dancers not go on pointe? ›

Despite the fact that women's feet and legs are oftentimes more flexible than men's, according to professionals in the field of dance medicine and science, there is no physical or medical reason that men should not perform en pointe. It is purely an aesthetic choice.

Why do male ballerinas wear cups? ›

Yes, male ballet dancers wear a dance belt, which some people refer to as a cup. This belt provides support and slight protection for the male genitalia but mostly it streamlines the appearance of the male anatomy for costume purposes.

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