Article: Eco-friendly and Vegan Clothes and Shoes for Dancers

Most ballet shoes have leather soles.
Image: Steven Nakatani via Flickr (unchanged; license)

I really enjoy taking dance classes, but, like many other active hobbies, they require specialized apparel. Depending on your dance class, you may or may not have a specific uniform. Most adult classes I've taken are less particular on dress, but it really does help to have the right pair of shoes. So where do you look for eco-friendly and/or vegan options?

Shoes:

• Ballet Slippers - Cynthia King offers relatively affordable slippers with vegan soles for children and adults.
• Pointe Shoes - Grishko offers custom vegan options. Sansha also makes their "Recital" style with a cellulose sole.
• Tap Shoes - Look for non-leather options such as this shoe or check out Alternative Stores' collection.
• Jazz Shoes - Look for canvas options such as this black pair or this nude pair.
• Modern Options - Dance Paws are accidentally vegan.
• Ballroom Shoes - Check out U.K. stores such as Ethical Wares and Alternative Stores.

Apparel:

• Leotards - I was able to find one recycled leotard, but generally there aren't a lot out there. Gaiam also has a few options, but mostly in the unitard category.
• Other apparel - If your class allows you to wear what you want, check out brands such as Gaiam, Athleta, and Blue Canoe for athletic apparel made of eco-friendly and sustainable materials.
• Leg Warmers - Companies such as Maggie's Organics and Omnitom Yoga make organic cotton leg warmers.
• Tights - PACT makes organic cotton tights, although they aren't currently available in ballet pink.  Maggie's Organics also have a few options.

If you have any other sources for eco-friendly and vegan dance apparel, feel free to leave a comment!

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