Guide to piercings, tattoos, and other body art for classical dancers

If your main dance style is in the classical or “stage” realm, it can be difficult to have body art (including tattoos, piercings, and unnaturally colored hair).  Most directors expect dancers to be able to perform as either old fashioned or universally recognizable characters who do not have body art.  Whether you are considering getting body art or you already have it, this guide will provide some tips on how to manage it in a classical dance setting.

Some types of body art are not a big deal.  Any tattoo or piercing that is concealed under regular dancewear (like a belly ring or tattoo on the hip) or is not outwardly visible to begin with (tongue piercing, etc.) is usually no problem because it will rarely be seen.  Occasionally a costume may show the navel, but it is rare enough that most directors will not see belly rings and hip tattoos as a problem.

Earlobe piercings (up to about 3 per ear) on both men and women are completely acceptable as long as they can accommodate small subtle post earrings and are not gauged.  Any ear cartilage piercing short of an industrial is also fine as long as it can accommodate subtle post jewelry (not rings).  The same goes for lip and nose piercings that take a secure piece of post jewelry and do not exceed about lmm in size.

Any ear or facial piercing that involves a ring becomes noticeable from the audience as well as dangerous in partnering situations.  It is far too easy for jewelry to become stuck on a costume or catch on your partner’s fingers.  This can damage clothing and really hurt you and other people. 

A small visible tattoo an area like the back or arm is usually fine as long as it can be covered for performances.  One tattoo on the shoulder or upper back can easily be covered with heavy-duty makeup and/or a costume.  For women, leg tattoos are a big no-no; it is very messy to cover tattoos with makeup and then put on tights without making a huge mess.  Top-of-the-foot tattoos are better, as they will almost always be concealed in a shoe or other footwear.  In general, large and brightly colored tattoos are much harder to deal with than small, subtle ones.  If you are thinking of getting a tattoo, it is easiest to conceal one that is smaller than 3 inches, done in one color, and located on a part of the body that is either usually covered with dancewear or can be easily covered in makeup.

As far as hair color goes, it is usually fine with artistic directors if you dye your hair any color within the spectrum of natural human hair colors.  If you want to push the limits, try pale blonde, jet black, or bright auburn before taking on pink or blue.  If you go with an unnatural color, you will have to somehow cover it for performances.  Sometimes wigs and wig stylists will be available to help cover your color with fake hair, and other times the director will simply demand that the purple be gone by tomorrow.  If you are okay with your bright color being short lived, then dye away (but be aware of how dying your hair can damage it).  If you can stand to be a bit more subtle, try just a streak of green or pink and leave the rest of your hair natural.  A streak can easily be twisted into a bun or covered with mascara to conceal it from the audience without having to go with a wig.

If you already have gauges, facial piercings, visible tattoos, or unnaturally colored hair, don’t despair.  You simply need to display humility and professionalism at auditions and when working with new directors.  Always follow dress codes and wear the appropriate uniform for auditions.  If you can, choose dancewear that covers tattoos (such as a ¾ sleeve leotard if you have arm tattoos).  Wear subtle jewelry like small gold, silver, or diamond labrets or posts in piercings, or insert clear plastic spacers.  No matter your hair color, style it neatly and secure it away from your face.  Try your best to keep your appearance from distracting from your dancing. 

If a director approaches you about your appearance, think about what you would be willing to change.  Offer temporary fixes (like putting makeup on tattoos and using plastic spacers in facial piercings) where you can.  You are never obligated to change your appearance for a director, but remember that it is the director’s right to ask you to look a certain way (within reasonable limits) to fit the part.

Body art in classical dance is more common than you may think.  However, the key to making it work is keeping modifications simple enough to hide during performances.