The Dance Theatre of Harlem in Arthur Mitchell’s "Rhythmetron" with music by Marlos Nobre

Initially, Dance Theatre of Harlem women wore the traditional classical ballet style of pink tights and pointe shoes. Breaking from a 300-year tradition, the dancers dyed their tights and shoes to match their unique, individual skin tone. The wardrobe department codified the technique with a blend of RIT dyes (a popular brand of fabric dye used), creating a recipe card for each dancer. Applying pressed powder on the ribbons and shoes seamlessly blends the two together. Matching tights and pointe shoes to skin tone became a trademark of Dance Theatre of Harlem and is now practiced by dancers all over the world.