Today we're going to explain why in so many of the shows you'll see us in what we call our "OWN signature Follies look" costuming which involves each of us wearing different forms of black clothing - some a little more flirtatious and risque and some dressing more conservative. There are a few origins of where this planned curated look is our baseline expectation of each of our dancers.
One is that often we begin dance lessons as children in black leotards and pink tights. Black leotards have a purpose that you MAY NOT be aware of...wearing one dark color allows teachers to see the line of the body and correct for proper technique. Baggy clothing can hide bad habits preventing growth as a dancer. It helps us see lines, alignment and positioning and that's important when you are visually examining the progress of a dancer.
Second is that shows like Chicago or Cabaret established a very strong artistic vision for our creative director early on in how they approach their dancers and the visuals of a show and it's a combination of practical and stylistic reasons. Like we discussed with dance education, black is a bit of a tradition, a way to emphasize the dance, and provide an overall esthetic. However, black outfits help create a uniform look for the ensemble, enhancing their unified movement on stage. This unifying color helps viewers and our audience focus on the dancers' movements rather than being distracted by brightly colored costumes in group numbers where at times those elements are welcomed and needed. In simplicity, dark colors can hide sweat and dirt more effectively, which is a practical consideration in dance. In addition, since our show features amazingly beautiful dancers of all body types, it has always been a flattering element for showcasing one's body.
Why everyone is different in their elements they put together is also because of our commitment to honoring each unique individual within the whole of the group/organization of The Follies Girls. Unifying thematic design embodied by various women of all sizes and shapes is extremely visually sumptuous and interesting to our creative director and aligns with her mission and vision that every body is capable of finding their spotlight while still being part of a supportive and united whole.
So that's where we get the concept behind our "signature Follies Girls black base costuming" from.