Figure skating costumes: Behind the glitter and sequins

[BravesSkateFan]

I think I read somewhere in the forum that skin-color tights are mandatory... Or at least they used to be. I am probably wrong, though.

Seeing as how Natalie Pechalat wore green tights this season (at the Olympics no less) I can confidently say that they are within the rules.

 

[Sam-Skwantch]

The other team I can recall having an Aboriginal-inspired program, aside from Domnina/Shabalin, was O'Brien/Merriman of Australia in 2008 for their OD:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GgunTnSSRbQ

This might be it?

Oh yeah. That is it. A very interesting and credible interpretation IMO. Thank you for finding it for me.

 

[Sandpiper]

You guys are making this a black or white situation and it is not. You need to look at the context and its history. I'll make what I want to say short because I don't want to give a whole history lesson.

Western culture is considered superior and dominate while others are the minority. Other cultures adapting to western culture isn't appropriation because that is the the result of the domination and oppression during the European colonization. During that time almost 100% of Africa and more than 60% of Asia was colonized by the Europeans and thats only PART of the percentage of countries colonized by Europe. Many of those countries were ripped of their sense of self, forced to give up everything from their language to their beliefs and had to adopt the european culture. The same people who once violently forced their way into other cultures and deemed the people of those counties "half of a person" while forcing them to let go of all their ideals and adapt the the european way is now picking apart those very cultures and taking what they like as they please while expecting everyone to find it acceptable? Some of those people are evening say its their right to do so and people from those cultures should be glad because they're doing those cultures a favor by spreading "the love". Privilege and entitlement. There is a big difference between having a choice, and being oppressed and feed an ideology.

Cultural appropriation, white privilege, male privilege, racism, classism, and sexism is tiny part of a long list of social problems that exist in the world today. Whether you choose to be socially aware of it or not is up to you. You might say "I know that racism exist, obviously." To you, someone who chooses to be socially aware of racism as an ongoing problem, of course its obvious; but to many many others, its something they refuse to acknowledge. Millions of Americans believe that racism doesn't exist in America anymore because we have a black president. So because they say so, does that make racism and all those who are effected by it non-existent?

And on the topic of black americans, white people's appropriation of black culture is something that many of my friends despise. I'm not in any position to speak for the black community but I will say that many of them think its problematic and a big issue.

I don't disagree with this post, per se. I'm aware of all of this. You're describing reality as is; I'm describing what I personally believe would move toward a better future--and that is in not assuming western culture as the default. By making western dress and culture the only thing available to everybody, we're just reinforcing how other cultures have been marginalized. That is my opinion.

(Or, to put it more simply, what Meoima said: It's fine to dress in our outfits. Just don't do it to make fun of us. ).

IMHO FS would do well to lose the glitter and sequins if it wishes to have a broader appeal as a SPORT.

I think Mathman--I think it was him; Mathman, please correct me if I'm wrong--once said something interesting: Figure skating should attempt to garner its audience not by highlighting how it's like other sports, but by highlighting how it's different.

 

[Wo|flax]

Look, we (and all other cultures during colonisation) were striped of our right to our culture, our religion. we were discriminated against if we practiced it, in some countries it became illegal. The only way to survive was to pretend to be something we weren't. Why isn't it a big deal when we wear western things? because historically, we never wanted to in the first place. A lot of things were lost. You seem to think that if caucasians can wear my things, the discrimination will go away. But it won't. I don't care if caucasains can wear things or no. I just want to be able to wear things. Do you think I could wear a saree to work/on the street? Do you think a caucasian could wear a saree to work? That's a trick question: it doesn't matter, because the only time they seem to want to wear these things is halloween, parties and performances. My culture is not a costume. Wearing it as a costume is not going to make it less exotic. It makes it more exotic. It's not going to 'normalise' anything. It's a okay if someone from that culture gives you permission, or you respect and research, and ASK. That's the way to go: the only thing that will make things change is knowledge, and respect, and friendship.
Resources were stolen, and we were left in poverty, and a lot of things have not been given back. Even today, people make fake 'traditional' things and sell them, wouldn't you consider it stealing? It is not theirs to profit out of.
Some things have special meaning. Wouldn't you consider it bad if someone wore war medals that weren't theirs?

 

[Interspectator]

Re:Johnny's Bollywood
When I first saw the picture of his outfit I was D: because srsly, peacock? how stereotypical/cliche can you get. I still don't like the costume, but when I actually saw the program, I wasn't so offended, because it was more Bollywood than anything, and certain moves I thought were used well and I liked some parts [is it just me or is he less polished than he used to be?], and really, it's not like we're going to see a lot of my people proskating anyway... so yeah, idc about the program but the costume still annoys me. It's not so much appropriation just cliche/stereotyping. I mean it could sort of be distortion, since we have peacock dances, but the costumes are blue... so it might be kinda stretching it lol.

The bindi is a whole other thing though
Look, we (and all other cultures during colonisation) were striped of our right to our culture, our religion. we were discriminated against if we practiced it, in some countries it became illegal. The only way to survive was to pretend to be something we weren't. Why isn't it a big deal when we wear western things? because historically, we never wanted to in the first place. A lot of things were lost. You seem to think that if caucasians can wear my things, the discrimination will go away. But it won't. I don't care if caucasains can wear things or no. I just want to be able to wear things. Do you think I could wear a saree to work/on the street? Do you think a caucasian could wear a saree to work? That's a trick question: it doesn't matter, because the only time they seem to want to wear these things is halloween, parties and performances. My culture is not a costume. Wearing it as a costume is not going to make it less exotic. It makes it more exotic. It's not going to 'normalise' anything. It's a okay if someone from that culture gives you permission, or you respect and research, and ASK. That's the way to go: the only thing that will make things change is knowledge, and respect, and friendship.
Resources were stolen, and we were left in poverty, and a lot of things have not been given back. Even today, people make fake 'traditional' things and sell them, wouldn't you consider it stealing? It is not theirs to profit out of.
Some things have special meaning. Wouldn't you consider it bad if someone wore war medals that weren't theirs?

Thanks for sharing your point of view on this topic. --what part of India are you from?
I am from Japan.
But in growing up with people from all over the world, I don't really have strong ties to any one place.
It amuses me when Americans wear Japanese clothes or variations of Kimonos etc. But I don't feel bad about it.
It's just me though.
Hanyu wore a sort of Kimono variation for his Exhibition which I thought was lovely. So in the matter of changing the kimono to make it easier to skate in, I don't think there is a problem.
Each country is different.

 

[Sandpiper]

Look, we (and all other cultures during colonisation) were striped of our right to our culture, our religion. we were discriminated against if we practiced it, in some countries it became illegal. The only way to survive was to pretend to be something we weren't. Why isn't it a big deal when we wear western things? because historically, we never wanted to in the first place. A lot of things were lost. You seem to think that if caucasians can wear my things, the discrimination will go away. But it won't. I don't care if caucasains can wear things or no. I just want to be able to wear things. Do you think I could wear a saree to work/on the street? Do you think a caucasian could wear a saree to work? That's a trick question: it doesn't matter, because the only time they seem to want to wear these things is halloween, parties and performances. My culture is not a costume. Wearing it as a costume is not going to make it less exotic. It makes it more exotic. It's not going to 'normalise' anything. It's a okay if someone from that culture gives you permission, or you respect and research, and ASK. That's the way to go: the only thing that will make things change is knowledge, and respect, and friendship.
Resources were stolen, and we were left in poverty, and a lot of things have not been given back. Even today, people make fake 'traditional' things and sell them, wouldn't you consider it stealing? It is not theirs to profit out of.
Some things have special meaning. Wouldn't you consider it bad if someone wore war medals that weren't theirs?

I'm not saying the problems will magically go away. But "I can wear your things; you can't wear my things" is hardly a solution. I'm not arguing that Asians should only dress in Asian clothes or something (if I did, I'd hardly be able to obey my own rules!) I'm saying I don't feel there's anything wrong about westerners wearing Asian clothes if it's not done to make fun of anyone.

In this day and age, a ball gown is a costume too. You don't exactly wear that to work either. It's not only a matter of culture--it's also a matter of era, and convenience.

Where on earth would someone go to get "permission"? I give my permission for westerners to wear Asian clothes; you may or may not give yours. In the end, everybody can only use their own judgement and try to be respectful. I'd rather ask people to learn to be respectful when they interact with other cultures, rather than banning certain peoples from certain cultures/clothing entirely. We learn by interaction and engagement, not by avoidance.

 

[Wo|flax]

I'm not saying the problems will magically go away. But "I can wear your things; you can't wear my things" is hardly a solution. I'm not arguing that Asians should only dress in Asian clothes or something (if I did, I'd hardly be able to obey my own rules!) I'm saying I don't feel there's anything wrong about westerners wearing Asian clothes if it's not done to make fun of anyone.

In this day and age, a ball gown is a costume too. You don't exactly wear that to work either. It's not only a matter of culture--it's also a matter of era, and convenience.

Where on earth would someone go to get "permission"? I give my permission for westerners to wear Asian clothes; you may or may not give yours. In the end, everybody can only use their own judgement and try to be respectful. I'd rather ask people to learn to be respectful when they interact with other cultures, rather than banning certain peoples from certain cultures/clothing entirely. We learn by interaction and engagement, not by avoidance.

the ball gown comparison doesn't work. We do wear sarees to work

I never said anything about banning, why did you ignore the rest of the sentence? by 'ask' it's like to check facts. Of course it's different everywhere around the world, but it's just to ensure that what you are wearing doesn't have a special significance (like say, even normal people of that culture wouldn't wear because of certain rules). And intent does matter, I agree that mutual respect and sharing is wonderful, and should be spread more; but history and privilege matter too. Maybe Caucasians can lead the way with making things less 'exotic', but wouldn't it be nice if they let the actual people of the cultures do it instead? They don't have to wear things or have things they shouldn't (this part is important, I'm sure there's lots of things that it's ok for them to have, again, in all cultures it's different) to learn about and appreciate other cultures.

 

[Interspectator]

the ball gown comparison doesn't work. We do wear sarees to work

So...do I understand that you would rather foreigners NOT adapt music and or costumes from your country without permission from the majority of your countrymen or women?

 

[Wo|flax]

So...do I understand that you would rather foreigners NOT adapt music and or costumes from your country without permission from the majority of your countrymen or women?

I was thinking more like a friend, could be an internet friend, just there's loads of misinformation, just to check it's ok. I don't know, proper research is enough I guess. Emphasis on the proper part. I do agree that intent matters. If you love something so much it shouldn't be hard to put a little work into it.

 

[Interspectator]

I was thinking more like a friend, could be an internet friend, just there's loads of misinformation, just to check it's ok. I don't know, proper research is enough I guess. Emphasis on the proper part. I do agree that intent matters. If you love something so much it shouldn't be hard to put a little work into it.

For sure! I agree wholeheartedly.

 

[Sandpiper]

the ball gown comparison doesn't work. We do wear sarees to work

I never said anything about banning, why did you ignore the rest of the sentence? by 'ask' it's like to check facts. Of course it's different everywhere around the world, but it's just to ensure that what you are wearing doesn't have a special significance (like say, even normal people of that culture wouldn't wear because of certain rules). And intent does matter, I agree that mutual respect and sharing is wonderful, and should be spread more; but history and privilege matter too. Maybe Caucasians can lead the way with making things less 'exotic', but wouldn't it be nice if they let the actual people of the cultures do it instead? They don't have to wear things or have things they shouldn't (this part is important, I'm sure there's lots of things that it's ok for them to have, again, in all cultures it's different) to learn about and appreciate other cultures.

But certainly there are many people in your culture who don't wear sarees to work, but do wear them to special occasions?

Anyway, there probably isn't much left for me to say; I'll try to make this my last post here. I never mentioned anything about westerners leading the way or something (I'm not that self-loathing ). I just think it's better to have more freedom, not less, for people of any culture. If the intent is good, I try to be forgiving of mistakes. We learn even through failure and the discussion it generates; we don't learn by avoidance.

 

[Wo|flax]

But certainly there are many people in your culture who don't wear sarees to work, but do wear them to special occasions?

Anyway, there probably isn't much left for me to say; I'll try to make this my last post here. I never mentioned anything about westerners leading the way or something (I'm not that self-loathing ). I just think it's better to have more freedom, not less, for people of any culture. If the intent is good, I try to be forgiving of mistakes. We learn even through failure and the discussion it generates; we don't learn by avoidance.

I don't disagree

 

[Ophelia]

If the intent is good, I try to be forgiving of mistakes. We learn even through failure and the discussion it generates; we don't learn by avoidance.

The road to hell is paved with good intentions.

 

[MoonlightSkater]

I'm very curious what some of you thought of Davis and White's 2010 Original Dance, then. Was it an abuse of their white privilege to do a bollywood program after consulting with bollywood dancers and a costumer who sews traditional Indian clothing?

For that, isn't figure skating generally only available to those with financial means (with a very few exceptions)? Is it an abuse of privilege even to skate, then?

 

[jwren]

D/W were very careful in their research and interpretation, (she is an anthro major, after all!) and I think they were very respectful to the culture. I don't recall seeing any backlash from the Indian community about it, only good things. If the borrowing is done with respect, accurately, and in the right context, I think it's a way to honor and appreciate a culture.

 

[Bonesfan]

One major difference is that Japan was not colonized by Europeans. Japan being relatively small, compact, and isolated was able to maintain its culture (even during the US occupation post WWII).

As an Asian-American, I cringe when I see (usually) white Americans wearing various "ethnic" clothing as costumes.

My personal view is that Yuzuru wearing a KIMONO variation is different than a Westerner wearing a YUKATA poorly tied, and wrapped the wrong way (i.e. for dead people) as a Halloween costume. Perhaps I'm sensitive to this as my daughter studied classical Japanese dance for 10 years, and only wore KIMONO or YUKATA in what I would consider appropriate situations, dance performances, festivals.

Thanks for sharing your point of view on this topic. --what part of India are you from?
I am from Japan.
But in growing up with people from all over the world, I don't really have strong ties to any one place.
It amuses me when Americans wear Japanese clothes or variations of Kimonos etc. But I don't feel bad about it.
It's just me though.
Hanyu wore a sort of Kimono variation for his Exhibition which I thought was lovely. So in the matter of changing the kimono to make it easier to skate in, I don't think there is a problem.
Each country is different.

 

[Meoima]

One major difference is that Japan was not colonized by Europeans. Japan being relatively small, compact, and isolated was able to maintain its culture (even during the US occupation post WWII).
As an Asian-American, I cringe when I see (usually) white Americans wearing various "ethnic" clothing as costumes.
My personal view is that Yuzuru wearing a KIMONO variation is different than a Westerner wearing a YUKATA poorly tied, and wrapped the wrong way (i.e. for dead people) as a Halloween costume. Perhaps I'm sensitive to this as my daughter studied classical Japanese dance for 10 years, and only work KIMONO or YUKATA in what I would consider appropriate situations, dance performances, festivals.

Agree, my country was colonized, so I can get your point. I never care much when Western people buy our traditional clothes and wear them (though I have to say most look funny). Those clothes are still authentic since we made them and Western people who travel to our country buy from us. But if they make some of their own, imitate the style and wear it to Halloween. I find it uncomfortable.

 

[humbaba]

I'm very curious what some of you thought of Davis and White's 2010 Original Dance, then. Was it an abuse of their white privilege to do a bollywood program after consulting with bollywood dancers and a costumer who sews traditional Indian clothing?

D/W were very careful in their research and interpretation, (she is an anthro major, after all!) and I think they were very respectful to the culture. I don't recall seeing any backlash from the Indian community about it, only good things. If the borrowing is done with respect, accurately, and in the right context, I think it's a way to honor and appreciate a culture.

As I recall D/W's Bollywood SD was something of a YouTube sensation at the time. I remember reading articles about how many hits the video got on YT, particularly in India. The impression I got from the articles was that the program was well received by those viewers from India. Whether that is accurate or not, I don't know.

 

[Icey]

Was there any flak about Kwan's Pocahontas costume?

 

[TangoTraumatica]

(I know that the topic has shifted a bit but I actually really liked the introductory questions, so I'm gonna answer them based on my own experiences)
What kind of materials are used for costumes?
Depends entirely on the costume really. The only common factor (for my costumes at least) is that it's stretchy! Swarovski crystals are common, and the big flouncy waltz dresses usually have wire in the hems of the skirts to keep them up.

How do female skaters keep their hair in place? Especially knowing that they'll be rotating quite quickly during spins and jumps.
Hairspray. Hairspray. Hairspray.

What are some of the weird tips/tricks that skaters (particularly female skaters) use to avoid wardrobe malfunctions?
I used a lot of double-sided tape. I also used to put safety pins through the clasps of my dresses in case the clips came undone.

Can anyone list/think of any wardrobe malfunctions that affected a person's skate?
I didn't witness this personally, but I heard of a girl who was dancing at Novice sectionals in a halter dress with an open back and who had her dress come undonw in the middle of a lift. The whole top half of her dress flipped down, she was wearing nothing underneath (pretty common) and they had to stop the music.

Do female skaters use waterproof makeup or not necessarily?
I never did. The thing my coach emphasized the most in terms of makeup was exaggerating it. She had us use more eye liner, more shadow, more lipstick, and more blush than any normal human being would use on a regular day because the ice washes people out, and the judges sit so far away that you want to exaggerate your features so they can see your expression.