Mahogany Dancewear, LLC is dedicated to challenging conventional notions of what "nude" means in the world of performers and athletes, as well as advocating for inclusivity. We firmly believe that performance wear should be accessible and accommodating to a variety of skin tones and body types. Our mission is to ensure that everyone feels their absolute best while training or performing.
As the CEO of Mahogany Dancewear, LLC Kaeja Cox has personally experienced the frustration of not finding dance attire that matches her skin tone. Being a black woman pursuing a career in musical theater and performance, Kaeja has often encountered the expectation to wear "nude" dancewear, only to find limited options available. This has resulted in Kaeja and other performers of color having to dye or modify their dancewear, or pay extra for customized pieces. Unfortunately, this lack of inclusivity is not a new challenge for Kaeja, as she struggled to find tights, leotards, and shoes that matched her complexion or fit her curves while growing up.
During her final year of her master’s coursework at New York University Steinhardt, Kaeja found herself in need of "nude" dance shoes for a performance but couldn't find any suitable options. This sparked conversations with colleagues, dancers, and professionals about the prevalent issue of exclusion and limited access. Motivated by this lack of inclusion, Kaeja's innate passion drove her to create Mahogany Dancewear, LLC.
Mahogany Dancewear, LLC was born with the aim of promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in creative spaces, pushing the boundaries of what is considered the norm. We strive to catalyze positive change within the music and performing arts industry, advocating for greater acknowledgement and commitment to inclusivity. By providing a wide range of dancewear options that cater to different skin tones and body types, we aspire to transform the landscape of performance wear and promote a more inclusive and welcoming environment for all.