Shiny Lycra Dance

A Study in Leotards

When it comes to dance-wear apparel; probably the greatest creation of all is that of the leotard. Snug, firm fitting as well as totally versatile and really adaptable, they allow the entire body to breathe whilst showing from the natural curves from the dancer's entire body too as giving you the foundation to any dance outfit.

Origins of the Leotard

The actual leotard was brainchild belonging to the French acrobatic performer Jules Leotard during the later 1800's who was personified in that well known song "That Daring Young Man on the Flying Trapeze". His invention formerly named as a maillot was specially designed with males in mind to fit the following requirements: -

• They must be versatile and allow unhindered movement
• They should clearly show off the acrobats physique
• They need to permit the human body to breathe (an absolute must whenever performing acrobatics)

However, the leotard did not really take off for a number of years following his death, when it became a lot more popular with circus performers prior to its growing into popular ladies swimwear around the 1920's.

Fast forward to today and the leotard can only be described as being truly multi purpose. From a fashion accessory to athletics, you not only see them getting worn by ballet dancers and gymnasts, but by acrobats, figure skaters, fitness trainers, certain pop-stars and practitioners of Yoga, to name but a few.

They also form the foundation of super-hero costumes for both kids and adults as observed in comic books, the movies, certain special activities and even as fancy dress party costumes. Rodney and Del-Boy Trotter of "Only Fools and Horses" fame, clothed as Batman and Robin, comes to mind

Different types of Leotard

Leotards have moreover grown throughout the last Century into many shapes, designs and colors, typically dependent on the type of use they may be employed for. One of the most basic being the Tank leotard that is sleeveless and hugs the body.

They can may be purchased with either long or short sleeves. A lot of dancers consider tank or short sleeved (Cap) leotards are generally more suited with regard to practice sessions on account of there simplicity, whereas the long sleeved are far more suited for professional performances. Camisole leotards differ from Tank leotards due to the shoulder straps which also can come in various designs including double strap and lattice back.

Though predominantly still considered as ladies attire, leotards are in actual fact unisex outfits that have been modified through the years. Based on the definition of a leotard becoming a close fitting one piece garment, a more recently available form of leotard advertised especially for men, that is developing notoriety is the Mankini

Structure of the Leotard

In the later part of the last Century, Leotards have been generally made from nylon designed for a shiny look or cotton to get that Matt look and Spandex or Lycra. Other types had been produced from Velour that is a knitted fabric with attributes comparable to Spandex for ease of movement whilst giving you a velvety appearance and feel.

Further improvements were in the manufacture of leotards embellished with rhinestones along with other jewels which have been set in to the fabric by means of a heat treatment so that they glisten under the spotlights throughout performances

About the Author

Many products that make up dancing costumes are multifunctional, meaning they can also be used for other types of sporting events.

At dancewear clothes our aim is to provide the best deals we can on a more comprehensive range of quality products catering for all ages, to fulfill all your dancing needs.

Dancewear question?

Do any of you like wearing shiny lycra dancewear like unitards, leotards and leggings ? Do you find them comfortable ? What is your favourite dance or gymwear outfit ?

I like it. I have a white unitard that I really love.

Swedish TV hostess wearing shiny Wetlook Lycra leggings and high heels.

Lycra $18.32 Lycra describes the development of a specific fabric, but in the process provides students with rare insights into U.S. corporate history, the changing image of women in America, and how a seemingly doomed product came to occupy a position never imagined by its inventors and contained in the wardrobe of virtually every American. And it will generate lively discussion of the story of the relationship between technology, science and society over the past half a century.

Children's Sleeveless Dance Dress $24.04 Children's sleeveless dance dress with attached georgette skirt. 90% Cotton, 10% Lycra

Adult Shorts with Dance Print $20.95 Cotton blend short with dance printed on elastic waistband 55% cotton, 35% poly, 10% Lycra

Children's Shorts with Dance Print $19.5 Cotton blend short with DANCE printed on elastic waistband 55% cotton, 35% poly, 10% Lycra

Adult Dance Shorts $20.95 Cotton blend low rise, roll down pinch front dance short with side slits 55% cotton, 35% poly, 10% Lycra

The Dance $11.95 The Dance

Dance $15.19 Dance

This Is Dance! $19.41 This Is Dance!

Supreme Superman Muscle Chest -Lycra Adult Halloween Costume $259.34 The Supreme Superman Muscle Chest deluxe costume includes everything you'll need for a movie-quality costume: full-body signature blue Superman lycra jumpsuit with long sleeves and detailed muscle chest with shiny molded plastic 3-D "S" logo, flowing burgundy fabric cape, yellow molded belt with the famous "S" logo and burgundy fabric boot tops. This is an officially licensed Superman™ and ™& ©DC Comics product.

Shiny Objects $19.13 Shiny Objects

Gravis Eva Shoes Shiny Black $41.95 The Gravis brand in recent years has been known to be a full-fledged skate brand, providing skaters, boarders and more a good comfortable cutting edge shoe. The Gravis eva skate shoe in spicy orange is no exception to the "artsy" look Gravis' keeps providing over and over again to its buyers. This woman's shoe is flat, with a cushioned in-sole, with a rubber under sole for grip. This shoe is not only fashion friendly it is also a great skate shoe.Key Features of the Gravis Eva Skate Shoes: soft and collapsible lycra flats new heel cushioning for more comfort die cut latex footbed flat die cut rubber outsole

Lycra Boyshorts $9.99 Black Lycra Boyshorts Looking mighty fine! Includes: Short, sexy lycra boyshorts. One size fits most Available Colors: Black White Please note we cannot accept this item for return unless it is in the original packaging, unopened, and sealed.

Stripe Lycra Accent Dress $26 Stripe Lycra Accent Dress - Sylvia

Is It Shiny $9.67 This book is in Good Used condition

Pink DANCE Italian Charm $4.99 Pink DANCE Italian Charm D e t a i l s Size 9mm Modular Charm Link Shiny Finish Metal Stainless Steel Mount SOLDERED Charm (not glued) Coat Enamel Plating 18kt Gold Commemorate special occasions, capture memorable moments, or simply show off your personality by creating your own original Italian charm bracelet. Add premium quality interlocking Italian charm links to your Italian Charm Bracelet and create your own memory bracelet. Fits all major brand Italian charms.

Lycra Babydoll with Thong $30.99 Lycra Babydoll with Thong Features Lycra net babydoll with floral lace cups and thong. Available Sizes: Plus Size

Lycra Industrial Fishnet Bodystocking $10.49 Lycra Industrial Fishnet Bodystocking Sweet and Sexy Black Lycra Industrial Fishnet Bodystocking Available Sizes: One Size Fits Most

Children's Low Rise Boot Cut Dance Pants $26.95 Curved low waist boot cut jazz pant. 90% cotton, 10% lycra

Adult's Low Rise Boot Cut Dance Pants $26.95 Curved low waist boot cut jazz pants. 90% cotton, 10% lycra.

Gem One Shoulder Lycra Dress $41 Gem One Shoulder Lycra Dress - Tian Mu

Chiffon Floral Detail Lycra Dress $31 Chiffon Floral Detail Lycra Dress - Tian Mu

Painted Floral Lycra Dress With Strap $32 Painted Floral Lycra Dress With Strap - Tian Mu

Lycra Tank Leotard $49.99 Evening Of Lace A Must Have! Low Back Lycra Tank Leotard, Lined With Flesh Colored Lycra, Trimmed With Lace Ruffles. Garter Included. Available Sizes: Small-Medium White

Lycra Net Babydoll and Thong $28.99 Lycra Net Babydoll and Thong Lycra Net sleepwear babydoll with rhinestone detail Satin bow and matching thong. Includes jeweled battery operated intimate toy. Battery is not included. Available Sizes: Queen