A dance belt is a type of specialized undergarment usually worn by active men, especially ballet and other dancers, but also figure skaters, trapeze artists, actors and horse riders. The dancebelt helps support the male genitalia and prevent injury to the testicles, while also ensuring a smooth and neat appearance at performances. Dancebelts are very comfortable to wear if they are the right size, fit and well worn in.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Choosing a dance belt
Step 1. Decide which model to go for
Most dance belts are similar in design to strings. But unlike thongs, dance belts have a wider waistband, so that the meat in the waist is not pinched and the fabric is much more sturdy. At the center back, the waistband is connected to a narrow stretch of elastic fabric that is fastened to the bottom of the front triangular section that provides coverage and support to the male genitals. This narrow strip of fabric passes between the wearer's legs, and fits between the buttocks, both to provide support and to even out the large glutes or buttocks. This is sometimes described as a 'T-back' model. Some dance belts are made with a full back instead of just a single T-belt.
- The 'T-back' or thong model is the most popular style of dance belts for several reasons. First of all, with these dance belts you won't see any underwear seams. Second, the buttocks are not covered so that the glutes and hamstrings are not hindered from fully extending. Third, because the string doesn't cover muscles, it doesn't shift when you make quick or powerful movements; the tension and the tight fit of the dance belt and the string keep everything in place. Finally, if you're a serious performer, say a ballet dancer, you'll probably have to perform in white tights and then wear a dance belt. In other words, get used to the dance belt!
- Some manufacturers manufacture full coverage or "comfort" dance belts. However, these models are less elegant, because they often show the seams of the underwear.
- Athletic braces or groin guards also provide support for active men. Unlike the dance belt, these supports have a pair of elastic bands that meet at the front with the bottom of triangular fabric. They pass between the legs and enclose the thighs just below and on either side of the buttocks. Again, these bands are often visible when wearing form-fitting leotards, while dance belts avoid these lines by omitting the back pair of straps of the crossbar guard and replacing them with a single thong band.
Step 2. Decide on the color
In general, the most popular color is flesh, or "nude" if you are not dark-skinned. They can be dyed darker to better match the skin tone. The same dance belt can then be worn under black rehearsal tights or white tights when performing. In fact, a beige or flesh-colored dance belt is more invisible under white tights than a white one.
- Dancebelts are also manufactured in white and black.
- The color and finish of the fabric used to make tights affect the appearance of the person wearing them. Light-colored tights, such as white, light gray, yellow, light blue, and taupe, can make the shape and contour of a man's genital bulge stand out more than other darker colors because of the way bright stage lights create shadows and lights, contrasting as consequence. Dark tights, on the other hand, tend to be less noticeable because the contours are less contrasting, especially if they are smooth or matte rather than glossy, because glossy surfaces reflect more light than can be seen at elevations in the surface.
Step 3. Decide on the size
The size of dance belts is determined by the waist size. While most dance stores don't have a large selection of men's dancewear, most do have a small section with dance tights and dance belts for men.
Although dance belts are a specific product for men, dance clothing manufacturers have not standardized waist sizes small, medium, and large
Step 4. Decide if you prefer a quilted front
Most dance belts have two thin layers of stretch fabric for the triangle front, while some styles also include a thin layer of triangle quilted material.
The front triangular support pouch can simply consist of a few layers of spandex or a similar fabric. But you can also buy dance belts with a thin layer of light, non-bulky stuffing material incorporated, to get an even smoother and more discreet bulge
Part 2 of 2: Putting on a dance belt
Step 1. Make sure you have enough time
When donning a dance belt, take as much time as you need to place all the parts where you want and as comfortably as possible. Once the dance belt is on, nothing is supposed to move until you take it off.
Step 2. Take off all your clothes in the dressing room
You probably want privacy for this.
Step 3. Grab the dance belt and keep it facing forward
You know it faces forward because the 'V'-shaped fabric is in front of you, while the strap is closest to your genitals.
Step 4. Step into the dance belt
Do this as you would put on underpants, one leg at a time. The right leg should be on the right side of the band and your left leg on the left.
Step 5. Pull the dance belt up around your waist or hips
Pull it up to the height where you wear your pants. Don't wear it low for the purpose of keeping the string loose; otherwise you will have problems with this later.
Step 6. Position your genitals
Your penis should be pointing upwards, towards your abdomen. And you can achieve this quickly by placing your slightly curved palm down into the dancebelt and scooping your scrotum up into the support pouch, leading all the hanging parts to 12 o'clock as you withdraw your hand and let the cloth part enclose everything and cradles and supports securely but gently in place. Both testicles are in the front and don't dangle between your legs, as would be the case if your body temperature were raised from the physical exertion of dancing and the body's normal need to keep the temperature of the testicles from rising too high. If the string is too tight, you can pull it down slightly, but it should have some tension to support the male anatomy.
- In the correct position in the garment, the genitals are held close and firm to the lower body in an upward stance (in other words, pointing to 12 o'clock). This is in contrast to most athletic props, which usually let the genitals hang down, creating a bounce when you jump.
- If something feels uncomfortable, adjust it now. You can't do that later, especially if you're wearing an elaborate costume that covers your lower body.
- At first you will feel some pressure in your lower body, but if the item fits well, you will soon no longer notice that you are wearing one. You'll get the hang of it after a few hours. Eventually you will appreciate the ability to jump, skip, and move without worrying about pain or discomfort.
Step 7. Make sure the string is as comfortable as possible between your buttocks
Adjust the height of the waistband so that it is level with or slightly over the top of your hip bones. The string strap must have a good tension, otherwise the article will not act as a good shock absorber when jumping (eg ballet changes and steps).
The string should never be loosely underneath. It may feel more comfortable when worn loosely, but it will not provide effective and reliable support to the genitals, thus undermining the main purpose of wearing a dance belt
Step 8. Put on your tights and the other parts of your costume
Make sure you feel comfortable before leaving the locker room. You want to feel confident, comfortable and well supported before you start your dance, skate, or other activity. If your tights or whatever you're wearing has a seam that runs down the middle of your lower body, adjust it so that the seamline is evenly balanced on the left and right side to side.