Ballroom Dancer Sparks Debate After Showing Just How Dark She Makes Her Skin For Competitions

A dancer showing before and after videos of her enhanced skin tone from rehearsal to performance sparked a spirited discussion surrounding tanning culture in competitive ballroom.

TikToker @sibusheva posted a clip first showing footage of herself rehearsing choreography in front of a mirror, with the overlaid text that reads, "too much tan?" followed by a mind-blown emoji.

The video posted on July 17 then jump cut to the TikToker in full performance mode backstage in costume, with a noticeable change to the color of her skin.

Her caption only contained three emojis–a White woman, a right-pointing arrow, and a Black woman.

By Tuesday, the clip had over three million viewers.

Many TikTokers overlooked the level of transformation for her body makeup.

@sibusheva/TikTok

@sibusheva/TikTok

Some informed the uninitiated that fake tanning was necessary protocol in the competition.

@sibusheva/TikTok

@sibusheva/TikTok

There were plenty of TikTokers, however, who thought she went overboard.

@sibusheva/TikTok

@sibusheva/TikTok

@sibusheva/TikTok

In response to a TikToker who commented she had "too much tan," the TikToker posted a follow-up clip showing a variation of the before and after skin coloration with an overlaid text that read:

"Did you know that in ballroom dancing fair skin in competition is bad form?"

The caption in that video asked viewers:

"Do you like it better with or without tan?"

Some viewers asked fellow TikTokers to leave the judging for the pros.

@sibusheva/TikTok

@sibusheva/TikTok

Others surrendered the argument over the competition protocol.

@sibusheva/TikTok

@sibusheva/TikTok

@sibusheva/TikTok

According to Riot and Frolic, tanning is necessary in competitive ballroom because dancers on the floor get washed out by the harsh lighting.

"Combined with the lack of shadows, you are now a dancing piece of grey paper, void of any muscle definition and depth, save for your perfectly made up face," stated the dance site.

"In a realm where you're often being judged on perceived vigor, this is not good."

In addition to enhancing the contour and shape of a competitive dancer's body, Ballroom Dance Planet said getting a fake tan "disguises sweat."

"Sweat can ruin a dancer’s performance and also look unappealing."

Overall, TikTokers encouraged @sibusheva to grand battement jeté the ignorant comments away and continue sasahying with her fierce tan and smoke the competition.