Tattoos and Piercings in Ballroom Dancing

[ballroomboilergirl]

I'm curious to see what everyone thinks of this...I myself have 5 piercings and have had mixed reviews as to how it might affect how I am scored on the floor...but I'm going to hold out and see what you guys think.

[samba ajr]

I had a lady instructor a while back with the sun and moon tattoo on her decolletage and a LARGE angry sun on her back. We rarely if ever saw them. Then at a competition, she wore a top with a big keyhole in the back, and the tattoo became prominently featured. For latin ok maybe, but for smooth? She hadn't realized it would show (and freaked out just a bit--we were looking for paint to cover it up!). Luckily she had a long hair piece that pretty much covered it!

As for piercings, as long as there's no risk of anything getting torn (eek), I guess it's ok. Of course if you are playing to the judges, you should look into who they are, and if they're a bit older and might take offense at the piercings, better safe than sorry.

[lindy jihad]

i really think people need to get over the whole shock taboo of tattooing.
i think there needs to be more opera singers with ink as well as ballroom dancers.

now, i will never get all of my arms done, because i know i would not be able to get as many jobs. its such a sad world. so sad.

[pygmalion]

Hmm. I don't want to sound like a hopeless fuddy-duddy. (Although maybe I am :? ) I think that piercings and tattoos can be okay, up to a point. But it is possible to overdo them. When they become distracting or draw attention away from your dancing, I think they're overdone.

Not to rationalize away my fuddy-duddiness (not a word, I know), but take a look at "The Judge's View" video. In it, several world renowned judges talk about the importance of grooming -- everything from manicures to tans. Surely these folks have some strong opinions about tattoos, as well. Who knows what those opinions are, but why risk it?

At the last comp I attended, there was a young lady with five or six tattoos -- one on each ankle/leg, a large one on a shoulder blade (backless gown!) and a couple more on her arms -- you know, the thorny bracelet looking ones. You know what my coach (who has also judged) said? He said "Ew! They have makeup to cover those things!" Yup. The tattoos drew attention to her, but not in a good way. Just something to think about. (By the way, they do have makeup to cover virtually anything -- it's called Dermablend, and it covers everything.)

I am thinking about a tattoo for myself, but it will be in a spot where the judges can't see it, just in case.

Just my 2 cents -- I could be an old-fashioned twit, and probably am.

[pygmalion]

Sorry. I got off on a tattoo tangent. :oops: :lol: Piercings? Same deal, I guess. I know a couple competitive dancers with multiple ear piercings -- looks okay. I like the two-hole look with a stud in the top hole and a large earring in the bottom hole. And earrings are a MUST for competitive female dancers. And I could even wrap my mind around a belly-button piercing in a Latin costume, as long as the ring was tasteful.

But again, when it gets to the point where the piercings are distracting people from your dancing, you have to draw the line. Where that line is, I'm not sure. :? :)

[Larinda McRaven]

I have a belly ring. I have had it for over ten years, since before I was dancing, so ithere was no thought given to how it would affect my dancing or how I would be percieved/judged in the ballroom world. When I wore my first two piece latin outfit back in 1993, there were lots of gasps, but now it is so common place to see them. Lots of high ranking girls have them, and quite a few men as well. Multiple ear holes show up with unsurprising frequency. I see a few pierced noses, very few, and the girls usually take the tiny stud out so you would never know it was there to begin with. And I don't know of any professional competitiors that have any other piercings on their face.

I did just get my first tattoo. And I have put a lot of thought into this for years. I got it on the top of my foot, and I have a few pair of shoes that show it nicely. But when it comes to my dancing, I can easily spread some foundation make-up on it and with my fishnets covering it as well, you would never know it was there. Sometimes I cover it with make-up, sometimes I don't depending on how I feel, either way the fishnets themselves do a good job of masking it.

I often see tattoos on girls lower low backs and guys arms or chest. For the most part if it is a nice tasteful design I don't think it detracts from your dancing or gives any judge a reason to fault you.

Since neither of my adornments are "in your face" I find them to actually be more than acceptable. They don't detract from anything. They are simply embellishments. I don't really care to see, on the ballroom floor, lots of tattoos or piercings, like Pygmalion said, there is a point where it is probably too much. Ballroom is supposed to be pretty and latin is supposed to be sexy, and the average view of pretty and sexy don't usually include lots of holes and ink. I mean really, why spend three thousand dollars on a beautiful elegant ballgown, look like a princess, only to spoil it with "SEXY KITTEN" scrawled acroos your back.

just my thought :)

[lindy jihad]

Ballroom is supposed to be pretty and latin is supposed to be sexy, and the average view of pretty and sexy don't usually include lots of holes and ink.
i think this so called "average" is changing. its about time too.
tattooing and piercings have moved from a taboo, to a sub-culture, to popular culture.
i really dont think people should be judged on what they look like, cause that opens up a whooole new can of worms.
i know we are talking about ballroom here, but some of the best lindy hoppers i know are totally inked up. even their freakin dog has a tattoo!
marking someone down for tattooing and piercing is like marking down someone for race. you can argue that the said tattooed person should know the consequences, but we live in a society that teaches tolerance. we should try to look past it all.

[ballroomboilergirl]

It was good to hear everyone's opinions on the matter :D I think we're all in agreement that tattoos and piercings fall into the grey matter of looking good for competition...opinions indeed vary from judge to judge, coach to coach, and dancer to dancer.

I have 5 piercings: one set of regular lobe piercings, a second piercing right above the lobe in my left ear, a cartilage piercing in my left ear, and a navel piercing. Though this is typically more than the average person has, I by no means think of my piercings as being "excessive" or "distracting"; I wear silver hoops in my lobes and tasteful rhinestone studs in my other ear piercings most of the time, and a small, pretty rhinestone bar in my navel.

However, when my first competition rolled around in November, I was test driving my outfit, hair, makeup and jewelry at an open practice when one of the advanced members of our team (a guy who has competed at Championship Latin and has been nationally ranked two out of the past four years) practically went nuts and said "You aren't going to wear THOSE, are you?", gesturing at my navel ring, cartilage, and extra lobe piercing. He thought that they were too "taboo" and would detract from my dancing. The navel I can understand. The cartilage? Ok maybe. The extra lobe piercing? I don't think it was a big deal. Nevertheless, I took his advice and removed those three piercings for the competition.

However, at my second competition the following weekend, I saw NUMEROUS girls with navel rings, extra ear piercings, even nose rings and tongue rings. And they were still getting called back, as if the judges didn't even notice it. This left me rather puzzled as I had gotten such a negative response from the members of my team.

Based on what you all have said, though, I think the general consensus is that piercings are okay as long as they are tasteful and not excessive. My piercings are as much a part of me as the way I do my hair and makeup; I don't want to have to conceal them for competition. It makes me feel a lot better knowing that even professionals (thanks Larinda! :D ) have them, so they must not be completely detrimental to your score in competition.

[d nice]

Surprise, I agree with lindyjihad.

The very idea of looking at someone's choice of beauty as possibly having some sort of impact on their dance ability disturbs me.

I mean I could just as easily down grade someone because their hair is the wrong color, their skin is not dark enough, oh forget it.

Just one reason why the closest I'll ever get to competitive ballroom is PBS.

[pygmalion]

To me, it's just like a job interview -- subjective, big time! The interviewer isn't going to tell you that you didn't get the job because your nails were scruffy. Chances are, they don't know consciously why. They just turn you down because you didn't make a good impression.

Competitive dance is like that, too. It's about making an overall good impression. Superficial, yes. But hey. That's what we have to deal with. Things do seem to be loosening up, but a lot of the judges I've seen are definitely old school. And they may not mark you down BECAUSE of your tattoos or whatever, they mark you down because you just "didn't make a good impression." Why is anybody's guess.

[Larinda McRaven]

I mean I could just as easily down grade someone because their hair is the wrong color, their skin is not dark enough.

When I first started dancing, at my second pro comp, a unknown judge took me aside and told me that he loved to watch us, and we had a great future ahead...but...my costuming was all wrong, I needed different shoes, my tan had to be darker and I should rethink my hair-do. The word he used is "grooming". And I can't get away from that word even today. Ballroom is ballroom, what can I say.

Ballroomboilergirl, I also have one hole in my right lobe and 5 in my left lobe and one in my high left cartilage. But the only earring I wear at all anymore is the one in the cartilage. I consider these so common place anymore, that they aren't really an issue.

I had to reread your post, I was so sure the person that made the rude quip at you was going to be a standard/smooth dancer...

[Sarah]

i really think people need to get over the whole shock taboo of tattooing.
i think there needs to be more opera singers with ink as well as ballroom dancers.

now, i will never get all of my arms done, because i know i would not be able to get as many jobs. its such a sad world. so sad.

How do you know they're not - opera costume tends to be pretty all enveloping. The guys especially could have everything but their face and hands done, and you'd never know unless they cared to tell us. Since it has absolutelty nothing to do with the quality of the music, why would they bother, except to possibly take advantage of the `shock taboo' for publicity purposes?

Cheers
Sarah

[d nice]

And this is why Lindy Hoppers will always be "Thieves in the Temple of Ballroom".

As a judge myself I just could not ever see myself looking at anything other than someone's dancing.

The onlyway what they were wearing or how they "groom" themselves would effect my evaluation is when it covers up their dancing. If your hair was down to your calves or are wearinga mumu and I can't see what is going on underneath I am likely to give you a lower score... not because of the hair or dress, but simply because I'd miss out on body movement. But then again if what I could see was better than what I got from everyone else then you are still going to place high to first place.

It reminds me of Charlie and Jackie, two Carolina Shag superstars (they are like Fred and Ginger in that dance) were told at the US Open Swing Championships that they could not perform because their clothing was inappropriate... what were they wearing? casual slacks, button down shirts and sweater vests... not formal enough... so they went out and rented matching tuxedos. Needless to say the dance was awesome they kicked everyone's butt, and felt incredibly uncomfortable the entire time. The slacks and vests are pretty much the "uniform" for their dance.

By demanding they were "more appropriate costuming" the officials were attempting to change decades of tradition and the very look of the dance (anyone who has ever seen Carolina Shag will understand why their choice of clothing is casual and unrestrictive).

Then again Ballroom is Ballroom. I think the tans, dresses, make-up, men's clothing, and plastic smiles seen in competitions are pretty repulsive. Yet I can still look past it and see the technique and beauty of the dance. Personally I think Ballroom should get a whole new slate of younger/more accepting judges.

[Sarah]

I think I'm going to answer here with a huge, decicive `it depends'.
The judging of ballroom dance is a subjective thing and anything that makes the judges go `Huh?' is probably a bad thing, so while tats and piercings are not necessarily awful, the dancer should definitely consider the asthetic impact of them from a stage or performance perspective. A couple of cases in point. I was watching some tribal belly dance, and while bold tats and heavy ethnic jewellery are de rigeur for tribal style, this one dancer had chosen to wear a nose ring linked to an earring with a chain. Very cool, and appropriate to the dance but the shadow cast by the chain under stage lighting made it look as though she had two day's worth of stubble on one side of her face. Not cool.
One thing that I havn't actually seen but can imagine is the effect of tattoos on the appearance of arm or leg lines. We are advised to not wear black shoes for ballroom comps because of the shortening effect on the lines - I can see a heavy anklet or armband tattoo having the same effect. Then again I can also imagine a well designed tattoo enhancing arm or leg lines.

Cheers
Sarah

[pygmalion]

Then again Ballroom is Ballroom. I think the tans, dresses, make-up, men's clothing, and plastic smiles seen in competitions are pretty repulsive. Yet I can still look past it and see the technique and beauty of the dance. Personally I think Ballroom should get a whole new slate of younger/more accepting judges.

Styles do change. I'm sure that the ballroom dancers a couple decades ago wouldn't be caught dead in the simple lines of today's smooth/standard costumes. They had to have flounces and boas. Change is coming. Perhaps slowly. But in the meanwhile, in the spirit of Strictly Ballroom, "You can't win if you do your own steps!" And, for what it's worth, most competitive dancers are in it to win. So it pays them to understand the contemporary conventions, repulsive or not. *shrug* It's one of those things.

[HothouseSalsero]

(I said elsewhere that I was logging off, but when I can't go out dancing, being online is another addiction of sorts.)

I'm not part of the ballroom scene, so my opinion may not be worth a whole lot, but if ballroom dancing wants to attract an under-30 crowd, it had better consider being relaxed about tattoos and piercings.

[pygmalion]

I doubt it will happen anytime soon, Hothouse Salsero, although it probably will happen eventually. The ballroom world is full of very conservative people who have a lot of power.

[Larinda McRaven]

just a small update.

this weekend I was chatting with a judge in the hallway and was wearing a pair of heels that easily showed my tattoo. He showed great shock and surprise when he noticed it. I said "yah but you have never seen it before when I dance have you...?" He said "no, but whoa you should hear the judges up on the dias bi*ch and moan about them. They all hate them."

Later that night another judge noticed it and commented on it. She said "good thing I didn't see that earlier when you were dancing" Now she said it in good humor and I know her well enough to know that it would not and will not make a difference in her judgement for our placement. But things said in humor...

So I will continue to cover the tattoo on evenings that I dance, this is no different to me than putting on my fake eyelashes. It is just part of making myself up and put on a costume, playing a role that the judges and audience want to see, a fantasy that they want to live through me for a few short moments, and it won't kill me.

[virginiadancegirl]

Larinda -- After seeing you dance, I find it a shame that a little tattoo would make a difference! As I said elsewhere...I was booing at your placement on Saturday!! I (as an uninformed obsrever) thought you were amazing. I only hope I can someday look as good as you on ANY dance floor!

[SDsalsaguy]

Thanks for the update Larinda.... and, as is worth noting, some other judges could "keep it in mind" in the future (just something to consider for any newer dancers reading this thread).

[BayAreaBallroomLady]

not to offend those of you who are into tattooing, but alas... styles DO change...
which is why I personally NEVER commit to any fashion item being inked into my body so that I can be part of the current Popular culture. Heck, I can't even own the same car for more than a couple years without getting sick of it!

The image of being a 90 year old woman with barbed wire on her wrists really really doesn't appeal to me. :lol: Yep I was BORN conservative when conservative wasn't cool!

[pygmalion]

LOL. Hilarious image, BayAreaBallroomLady!

I'm considering giving myself a tattoo for my birthday next week. But it'll be someplace well hidden. My little rebellion, for just me an my SO to enjoy. And hopefully, he'll be around until I'm ninety, and won't mind a little barbed wire. :wink: :lol:

[Merrylegs]

I realize this thread is old but it seemed the most relevant for the questions I have.

So, about 14 years ago I got a tattoo on my back. This was before I was dancing. It's a kinda big (2 inches) Celtic sun and is between my shoulder blades. I haven't had too many regrets about getting it until lately. That is, until this competition.

My new dress is so gorgeous and classy that I can't imagine having my tattoo show. I'm interested in trying the Dermablend but have some questions the website doesn't seem to answer.

Because the back of the dress is very low and because I dance Smooth there is a danger of the makeup rubbing off onto my coach's tailsuit. Needless to say this is not something I want to happen. I'd prefer not to have to pay to replace the tailsuit. Know what I mean?

Has anyone used the Dermablend and found it to *completely * smudge-proof? Any other comments you'd like to share? Can you recommend a another product that works as well?

Did I say that I'm dancing in 2 days?

Thank you.

[fascination]

LOL. Hilarious image, BayAreaBallroomLady!

I'm considering giving myself a tattoo for my birthday next week. But it'll be someplace well hidden. My little rebellion, for just me an my SO to enjoy. And hopefully, he'll be around until I'm ninety, and won't mind a little barbed wire. :wink: :lol:your SO?????????????????????????????????????

[fascination]

i got the belly but peirced as a reckless whim....it does want to be pierced though so I have let it close.....my entire family thought I was insane...prolly right...oh well...

[fascination]

never tried the derma blend...sorry michelle

[alemana]

i have a very visible tattoo on my arm and i covered it with over-the-counter MAC concealer for my comp last weekend. you could see it close up, of course, but from a distance, not so much. i wish i had tried the Dermablend so i could advise you... sorry.

[Merrylegs]

i have a very visible tattoo on my arm and i covered it with over-the-counter MAC concealer for my comp last weekend. you could see it close up, of course, but from a distance, not so much. i wish i had tried the Dermablend so i could advise you... sorry.

O.K. Did you find the concealer to be smudge proof? Did it rub off onto your partner or any clothing?

The pre-comp freaking out has begun!

[alemana]

i made sure the skin was very clean and dry before - no oil - and the concealer itself is not very oily, rather cakey. so this is good for stay-ability. it was good-quality MAC stuff (which i know i mentioned earlier.) nothing rubbed off on anyone.

dermablend is expensive, or i would've bought some myself. i might try some drugstore "stayproof" foundation, like covergirl, for a dry run next time - that stuff is formulated not to smudge. but we didn't have any problems.

how would you see the tailsuit coming into contact with the tattoo area - on his sleeve, or...? because as i picture it there doesn't seem to be much danger, but i'm not good at visualizing. do you have any practice before the comp? you could do a dry run with you sporting the coverup makeup and him in street clothes, to minimize damage?

[Shannon]

I realize this thread is old but it seemed the most relevant for the questions I have.

Has anyone used the Dermablend and found it to *completely * smudge-proof? Any other comments you'd like to share? Can you recommend a another product that works as well?

Thank you.

I have used Dermablend though it was years ago. It stayed on very well but wore off over a few hours to the point where you could see through it. I coverd an all black tattoo on my leg which I am actually in the process of having lasered off.

As for covering, Dermablend is the best product I have used.

Hope that helps.

Shannon

[Merrylegs]

We have a couple of steps were we're in skaters hold, I guess you would call it. His arm in on my back, that's where I am worried.

Hmm. What if I use the MAC concealer and then spray it with hairspray to seal it? I'm sure it will feel gross but I don't care. Any thoughts? I've seen women actually set their makeup with hairspray, that's where I'm getting the idea from.

Of course color matching anything right now is next to impossible since I'm not the right (fake) tan color yet.

[Merrylegs]

Thanks Shannon.

Do you know where they sell that stuff? I called Sephora and they said they don't carry it.

I live in Boston. I'm hoping a major department store carries it. I'm going back to the Dermablend website now.



I have used Dermablend though it was years ago. It stayed on very well but wore off over a few hours to the point where you could see through it. I coverd an all black tattoo on my leg which I am actually in the process of having lasered off.

As for covering, Dermablend is the best product I have used.

Hope that helps.

Shannon

[alemana]

that's what i was going to do but i forgot my hairspray!

i would only worry that the hairspray would not dry matte, and shine would draw attention rather than deflect light. i would like to try this. you might also set with regular face powder, which will also come off on other people but harmlessly.

[star_gazer]

Has anyone used the Dermablend and found it to *completely * smudge-proof? Any other comments you'd like to share? Can you recommend a another product that works as well?Both the kids use Dermablend and the Dermablend powder. Although I haven't found any stains on the tailsuit, the shirt & collar are stained and nothing gets it totally out.

[alemana]

yikes

[SDsalsaguy]

do you have any practice before the comp? you could do a dry run with you sporting the coverup makeup and him in street clothes, to minimize damage?
Seems like a really good suggestion if you have the chance.

...and good luck too!!! :D

[Merrylegs]

Seems like a really good suggestion if you have the chance.

...and good luck too!!! :D

Thanks for the warm wishes. I have a lesson tonight, I think I'll call him now and warn him.

I just found out that Macy's and Lord & Taylor sell the dermablend product line. I think I'll go check it out at lunch today.

I'll let you know.

[alemana]

do they have the same kind of return policy Sephora does?

[Merrylegs]

do they have the same kind of return policy Sephora does?

I don't know. I think I'll run over to Sephora before I go to Lord & Taylor. I seem to remember there being a different product called Tattoo Cover, or something like that.

How am I going to squeeze all of this in?

Crikey!

[Medira]

I don't know. I think I'll run over to Sephora before I go to Lord & Taylor. I seem to remember there being a different product called Tattoo Cover, or something like that.

How am I going to squeeze all of this in?

Crikey!
Maybe cover half with Dermablend and the other half with the Sephora product? See which one works better for your test?

[monicadances]

Interesting topic. I haven't competed for quite a few years now, and am working on my return to the competition floor. In 2000/2001 I had tattoos and now I very much want them to be removed...because of my dancing...

[pygmalion]

Doesn't laser removal leave scars? And isn't it painful? (I have no idea, but that's what I've always thought. :?)

[monicadances]

Doesn't laser removal leave scars? And isn't it painful? (I have no idea, but that's what I've always thought. :?)

I am not sure about the scars. It is somewhat painful, I think.

But an appropriate dress will also solve the 'problem'...

[pygmalion]

Oh yeah. Looks like it hurts. *cringe*

http://tattoo.about.com/od/tatremoval/

[monicadances]

What's going on, Pygmalion, tattoo regret?

[pygmalion]

Nope. I waited until I was old enough to be sure. No regret. Just an itchy google finger. :wink: :lol:

[tanya_the_dancer]

And this is why Lindy Hoppers will always be "Thieves in the Temple of Ballroom".

As a judge myself I just could not ever see myself looking at anything other than someone's dancing.

The onlyway what they were wearing or how they "groom" themselves would effect my evaluation is when it covers up their dancing. If your hair was down to your calves or are wearinga mumu and I can't see what is going on underneath I am likely to give you a lower score... not because of the hair or dress, but simply because I'd miss out on body movement. But then again if what I could see was better than what I got from everyone else then you are still going to place high to first place.

It reminds me of Charlie and Jackie, two Carolina Shag superstars (they are like Fred and Ginger in that dance) were told at the US Open Swing Championships that they could not perform because their clothing was inappropriate... what were they wearing? casual slacks, button down shirts and sweater vests... not formal enough... so they went out and rented matching tuxedos. Needless to say the dance was awesome they kicked everyone's butt, and felt incredibly uncomfortable the entire time. The slacks and vests are pretty much the "uniform" for their dance.

By demanding they were "more appropriate costuming" the officials were attempting to change decades of tradition and the very look of the dance (anyone who has ever seen Carolina Shag will understand why their choice of clothing is casual and unrestrictive).

Then again Ballroom is Ballroom. I think the tans, dresses, make-up, men's clothing, and plastic smiles seen in competitions are pretty repulsive. Yet I can still look past it and see the technique and beauty of the dance. Personally I think Ballroom should get a whole new slate of younger/more accepting judges.

I took a lesson from a judge once and he said that all sorts of little things come into play when they are deciding who is better. Basically they would look for things which make one person worse than other, and if they're don't find anything substatial to pick on, it will be overall appearance. And anything which might make judges go "Huh?" is a bad thing, so why risk it?

[gracie]

I realize this thread is old but it seemed the most relevant for the questions I have.

So, about 14 years ago I got a tattoo on my back. This was before I was dancing. It's a kinda big (2 inches) Celtic sun and is between my shoulder blades. I haven't had too many regrets about getting it until lately. That is, until this competition.

My new dress is so gorgeous and classy that I can't imagine having my tattoo show. I'm interested in trying the Dermablend but have some questions the website doesn't seem to answer.

Because the back of the dress is very low and because I dance Smooth there is a danger of the makeup rubbing off onto my coach's tailsuit. Needless to say this is not something I want to happen. I'd prefer not to have to pay to replace the tailsuit. Know what I mean?

Has anyone used the Dermablend and found it to *completely * smudge-proof? Any other comments you'd like to share? Can you recommend a another product that works as well?

Did I say that I'm dancing in 2 days? Thank you.I wore dermablend after surgery and even following the directions with the setting powder it did smudge- got on clothes, cell phone (http://www.serverlogic3.com/lm/rtl3.asp?si=11&k=cell%20phone), you name it. Very greasy- so glad I no longer have to wear it! Hope you find a solution!

[SuzieQ]

My opinion: if you make the decision to compete, and you want to win, you have to do what will make the judges happy. No one's forcing you to compete (I assume!) And there are rules; for instance, if you don't want to wear cowboy boots, don't enter a C&W comp. No one's telling you to listen to country music outside of the ballroom, or change your lifestyle--just do what's required/expected during the competition. (C&W is the only comp. I have experience in.) If the judges aren't going to be impressed with your tatoos, or your lack of tan, then you need to do something about it or expect to not win, or don't compete.

[caityrosey]

The way I look at it is that a tatoo or a piercing is a permanent part of your costume...and you have to decide if it is appropriate for the occasion. Piercings you can take out (most of the time), or play down (somewhat). Tatoos you can cover up if you choose, or flaunt if you like. They are always something that you have to consider when you're putting your look together. If the tiger tattoo isn't part of your elegant waltzer image then you should find a way to cover it...or not have it at all if having it will cause you too many problems. I hesitate to tell people what they are and are not allowed to do with their bodies--tattoos and piercings can be very personal and meaningful...but people have to recognize the limitations that a permanent body alteration place on them and the extra effort they may need to make with their "look" in certain situations.

[alemana]

michelle -

how'd it go with the coverup at the comp? the comp in general? can't wait for deets :)

[Merrylegs]

Tattoos cannot be removed as easily as cowboy boots. To use your example, it isn't as simple as turning off country music or changing my lifestyle. Duh. So should I become the Hunchback of Notre Dame and never come out during the light of day? No.

I got a tattoo on my back 14 years ago, long before I ever considered that competing in ballroom would be a part of my life. I've always thought my tattoo was a part of me and you could accept it/me or not. It may not necessarily be who I am today but it is who I was all those years ago. Not too many people have completely flipped out about it. In fact, Suzy Q, you've had the most extreme reaction to my tattoo than anyone has in about 9 years. And, I don't think we've ever met, so I find it funny that you are so critical of me. Life is not so black and white as you'd make it out to be.

So, this weekend? I let it all hang out, so to speak. I just didn't get a chance to try anything out, I was out of time to do any experimenting. No one gasped, shrieked or pointed at me in horror. And, you know what? I won all of my events. Granted it was a small comp but given the fact that I was warmly welcomed by all of the people I've known for all the years I've been dancing, I'm guessing everyone was o.k. with it.

My costume was beautiful, my hair was perfect, my makeup very professional looking. I was prepared with my routines and I am relaxed when I'm on the dance floor, it shows. I spend a LOT of money on my presentation.

No one is perfect, everyone has flaws. How you deal with them is the real key to success. On and off the dance floor.

Have a groovy day, o.k?


My opinion: if you make the decision to compete, and you want to win, you have to do what will make the judges happy. No one's forcing you to compete (I assume!) And there are rules; for instance, if you don't want to wear cowboy boots, don't enter a C&W comp. No one's telling you to listen to country music outside of the ballroom, or change your lifestyle--just do what's required/expected during the competition. (C&W is the only comp. I have experience in.) If the judges aren't going to be impressed with your tatoos, or your lack of tan, then you need to do something about it or expect to not win, or don't compete.

[bjp22tango]

Michele:

I doubt that SuzieQ was talking to you specifically. Even though the thread was recently resurrected, there were other comments from prior years that I took her to be responding to. I think she and CateyRosie were basically saying the same thing.

Some earlier postings were saying that any kind of piercing/tatooing should be accepted and gotten over.

I think SuzieQ and CateyRosey were saying that you have to work within the constraints of the "competition" you are in. If tatoos/piercings are frowned upon you have to decide whether to "go with the flow" or "swim against the tide".

Incidently, in the recent OPB competition, one of the competitors had a low back latin dress on with a tattoo low in the back that was commented on by the two hosts. Tony Meredith, the retired latin champion, didn't have a problem with it. I would have been interested to see what the thought would have been with a standard or smooth gown.

[Joe]

I didn't find SuzieQ's reaction to be extreme at all...

[fascination]

likewise...i saw nothing of a personal attack there or anything even remotely extreme but having been judged outside the ballroom venue on the basis of a piercing I can understand why someone would be sensitive about it...my entire family decided I was having a mid life crisis when I got the bellybutton pierced...mercifully that is a fairly easy one to conceal

[Shannon]

Thanks Shannon.

Do you know where they sell that stuff? I called Sephora and they said they don't carry it.

I live in Boston. I'm hoping a major department store carries it. I'm going back to the Dermablend website now.

I got mine at either a Sears, Hecht's or JCPenny. I remember thinking it was an odd store to carry it. It was a department store though, I remember that.

[Shannon]

Doesn't laser removal leave scars? And isn't it painful? (I have no idea, but that's what I've always thought. :?)

It can leave scars and it can be painful and there is also a chance that it might not go away completely. It can also take forever for it to go away if you have skin like mine that holds ink like a tattoo artists dream. I've had about 15 treatments in two years and there is still some ink. So far, no scaring here, scaring really depends on the person. As for the pain, it is short, my treatment only takes about a 1-2 minutes and you get used to it.

[Shannon]

I didn't find SuzieQ's reaction to be extreme either or directed at anyone in particular.

I have a tattoo (or the remains of one) it is on might right calf. The decision to remove it was based on it looking out of place in dancing and in the office. It drew too much attention and often the wrong types of attention. Covering it became too much of a pain in the butt so I'm taking a more permanent route.

Tattoos are a personal decision but dancing is a public sport and the judges are impacted by these things. Competitors need to make their own personal decisions about whether they want to conform or not/

[JoepiE]

A nice body is appreciated by everyone. A nice body with piercing and/or tattoos is not appreciated by every single judge. In fact I dare te say that the majority of judges don't like it.

Regardless of my own oppinion on tattoos and piercing I think it's wise to not show them on the dancefloor, risking judges marking you down.

[fire_sprite]

I haven't made up my mind about tatooing but i think piercing can really add to a dancers costume in latin (if done tastefully!). I think the matching belly button ring with latin costumes can look fantastic on women..and multiple ear piercings look good because the more glitter the better really. I wouldn't personally have any more than that though. I love guy latin dancers with eyebrow bars as well...but that might be just me lol

[Yliander]

I have 9 piercings and 1 tattoo.

and while I compete - not in ballroom - I get mixed reactions to them - some people like them others don't

the first time i competed - I made earrings for each of my ear piercings that went with my costume - the tattoo was not seen in any of my costumes that year

Last year though I wanted a low back in my dress - and the orginial cut of the dress went halfway across the tattoo - it sits in the lower part of my smaller back - so I had two options either have a higher or lower back - using make up to cover it was to risky due to not enough time to trial it.

So we decided to go for a lower back - I got a lot of "i didn't know you had a tattoo" comment - those that didn't like it made disparaing remarks about the design of the tattoo - but the most common response was that it looked great and that the tatoo and dress went well together

my personal opinion is if you have a tattoo and it is going to be shown then it needs to be done so as to be a complementary element of the costume if it is going to clash - then have the costume cover it or use make up to cover it.

[Ms_Sunlight]

Yeah Yliander, I agree. It seems a terrible shame to me to have a tattoo and not make it a feature of your look. Most of my clothes I buy are chosen to either cover mine, or work with them. Likewise the colours are mostly greens and yellows so I pick colours that work with that, or at least don't work against it.

It's no different to anything else really -- you dress appropriate to the setting. I'm fortunate, for example, to work in an environment where a nose stud and a few extra ear piercings aren't a big deal. However I do have "work" clothes that cover my tattoos.

[delamusica]

I don't have a lot of piercings - both earlobes, my tragus on one ear is pierced, and I have a conch piercing in the other. They're simple - the conch piercing is just a thick silver ring, the tragus has a curved silver barbell with silver ends. I try to wear silver costume jewelry - I would probably switch them all out if I was wearing gold with my costume. No one has ever really paid attention to them. The only comments people have ever made at dance functions was that they had never noticed them and did it hurt. :)

As for tatoos, I personally don't like the way they look on the floor. Even if they work with your costume, they tend to look like a smudge from a distance. I'd go with the Dermablend.

But hey - that's just me.

[pygmalion]

Ooh. I thought, "Tragus?" So of course I was forced to google. :lol: Did it hurt? :cool:


http://girlgerms.net/tragus.jpg

[Yliander]

As for tatoos, I personally don't like the way they look on the floor. Even if they work with your costume, they tend to look like a smudge from a distance. I'd go with the Dermablend.I'm sure little ones would look like a smudge and dermablend all the way - mines a little large for that though

[delamusica]

Ooh. I thought, "Tragus?" So of course I was forced to google. :lol: Did it hurt?


http://girlgerms.net/tragus.jpg

Yeah, actually. :-) That's a thick chunck of ear!

And here's a picture of a conch piercing, just for fun:

http://www.geocities.com/rideausttattoos/conch_piercing.jpg

[delamusica]

I'm sure little ones would look like a smudge and dermablend all the way - mines a little large for that though

IMO, even the big ones usually are too intricate for the design to be visible from the floor, and end up looking dirty.

Although, I saw a picture earlier today of a woman with a butterfly on her shoulder and an open-backed latin dress, and I thought it would have been really cool if she had used eyelash glue to rhinestone the butterfly in the colors of the ink. You know, if you can't hide it, flaunt it, right? :-)

Enough rhinestones can ballroom-ize anything!

[pygmalion]

Enough rhinestones can ballroom-ize anything!

Words to live by! :D


(And both of those piercings look pretty painful to me. *shudder* )

[Yliander]

Although, I saw a picture earlier today of a woman with a butterfly on her shoulder and an open-backed latin dress, and I thought it would have been really cool if she had used eyelash glue to rhinestone the butterfly in the colors of the ink. OOooo what a lovely idea!!!!

Enough rhinestones can ballroom-ize anything!LOL

[danoos]

Do you think that having a tattoo is a bad thing for ballroom dance ? I know that it would look weird if you have something on your neck and dance for example waltz but if your tattoo is on less visible place on your body..is it problem ? For example on my chest or arm ? thanks for soon replies :)

[Larinda McRaven]

tattoos! (http://www.dance-forums.com/showthread.php?t=40457&highlight=tattoo)

here is the most recent of the many threads on this topic!

[Cordy]

As a Collegiate DanceSport competitor, I was regularly disqualified for "unfair attention from the judges" in Bronze and Silver levels but it didn't matter in Gold and above because sequins, feathers, and the like are all accepted to GAIN attention from the adjudicators.

[dancerdol]

Hi Cordy - welcome to Dance Forums!

[dancerdol]

Danoos - welcome to you also! Lots of new DF folks.

[laucy.my]

tattoos! (http://www.dance-forums.com/showthread.php?t=40457&highlight=tattoo)

here is the most recent of the many threads on this topic!

Which reminds me that I've yet to post a reply there. :roll:

[ajiboyet]

Standard is to some extent conservative. I don't think a tattoo is a good idea. Except it's completely invisible, like on your thigh or something...