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Toe shoe and tights worn by Ingrid Silva of Dance Theatre of Harlem, 2013-2014
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Toe shoe and tights worn by Ingrid Silva of Dance Theatre of Harlem, 2013-2014
Brazilian ballet dancer Ingrid Silva (born c1988) performs with the Dance Theatre of Harlem in New York City. Skin tone pointe shoes for black, Asian and mixed race dancers were not available until comparitively recently. Pointe shoes were traditionally made in pastel pink to imitate the flesh tone of white people. Ballet pointe shoe custom-colored with cosmetics to a dark brown to match the skin tone of the dancer. A drawstring runs around the top of the foot opening and is tied in a knot at the vamp with the ends cut short. Two lengths of custom-colored satin ribbon are hand sewn to the binding, one each on the left and right side quarters of the shoe. The leather sole has hatch marks on the front half and impressed text at the heel
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Media ID 23857505
© Heritage Art/Heritage Images
Ballet Shoe Ballet Shoes Black History Cultural Heritage Heritage Nmaahc Satin Shoe Shoes Skin Skin Colour 2010s Afro American Ballet Company Skin Tone
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases a significant milestone in the world of ballet - the introduction of skin tone pointe shoes for dancers of diverse backgrounds. Ingrid Silva, a talented Brazilian ballet dancer born around 1988, is seen here wearing these groundbreaking toe shoes and tights while performing with the renowned Dance Theatre of Harlem in New York City during 2013-2014. For many years, pointe shoes were exclusively made in pastel pink to match the flesh tone of white dancers. However, it was not until relatively recently that black, Asian, and mixed race dancers had access to pointe shoes that matched their own skin tones. This custom-colored ballet shoe has been meticulously crafted with cosmetics to achieve a dark brown shade that perfectly matches Ingrid Silva's beautiful complexion. The attention to detail is evident as we observe the drawstring running along the top opening of the shoe, tied neatly at the vamp with short ends. Two hand-sewn satin ribbons adorn each side quarter of this unique footwear. The leather sole bears hatch marks on its front half and impressed text at its heel. This photograph serves as a testament to progress within both ballet and cultural representation. It symbolizes an important step towards inclusivity and recognition for dancers from all ethnic backgrounds. Preserved by the National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC), this object stands as a reminder of heritage artistry within dance education institutions like Dance Theatre of Harlem and scientific institutions such as Capezio Ballet Makers Inc. , Chacott Co Ltd. , among others associated with this historical shift in ballet footwear design.
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