Madeline Woo is a principal ballerina for the San Francisco Ballet whose off-stage look defies the traditional pink-tights aesthetic of the dance world. She blends tattoos, dark makeup and a bold wardrobe to express a personal rebellion against the strict visual norms that have long governed ballet.
At a Glance
- Madeline Woo uses tattoos and edgy makeup to challenge ballet’s traditional look.
- She launched Maddwoo Studios, a line of ballet outfits, in partnership with her boyfriend Ethan Watts.
- The brand has received an overwhelming response, though it also attracts criticism from some social-media users.
- Why it matters: Woo’s style shift signals a broader cultural shift toward individuality and body positivity in classical dance.
Background
Madeline Woo began her career in the ballet world at a young age. She moved to Sweden to attend a boarding ballet school where she faced intense scrutiny over her weight and appearance. “We were all trauma-bonded because the school was tough,” she said. “We were constantly being told to lose weight.”
Despite those early pressures, Woo has grown into a leading figure at the San Francisco Ballet, earning the title of principal ballerina. She has spoken publicly about how the industry’s expectations have evolved, noting that many former criticisms are now “cancelled.”
Off-Stage Style
Woo’s studio wardrobe stands out in a sea of pastel leotards and pink tights. Her style includes:
- Full-body floral tattoos that zig-zag across her stomach, with additional ink on arms and legs.
- Bold eye makeup featuring a swoop of perfectly done eyeliner, described as “en pointe.”
- Dark hair with a chopped, blunt bang.
These choices are not merely aesthetic; they represent a conscious rejection of the “stupid uniform” many dancers feel forced to wear.
Personal History
The early years in Sweden left Woo with a lasting awareness of how dancers are judged. She recalls that the school’s environment was “trauma-bonded” and that comments about losing weight were common. This experience informed her later desire to create a space where dancers could feel confident without altering their bodies.
Rebellion and Brand
Woo explained to News Of Los Angeles that her journey from a “grungier” look in the studio helped her confidence. She said, “This journey from wearing these more alternative grungy styles in the studio really helped my confidence and my image of myself. It made me feel so much better, even though my body didn’t change at all.”
She then channeled that confidence into Maddwoo Studios, a brand aimed at providing dancers with outfits that allow them to “dance while looking and feeling good.” “I wanted to make this feeling and journey into something material that I could share with other people,” she added.
Maddwoo Studios Launch
The brand debuted on Thanksgiving, with Woo and her boyfriend Ethan Watts handling logistics. The launch was met with an “overwhelming” response: “People are incredible, and I never thought that people would be so into my story and what I post online,” she said. The brand’s social-media presence has been strong, though it has also attracted a few detractors.
Reception and Challenges
While many applaud Woo’s authenticity, some social-media users criticize her tattoos and other non-traditional elements. Woo’s reply is pragmatic: “It’s great for the algorithm.” Her willingness to engage with criticism has helped maintain a positive relationship with her audience.
Key Takeaways
- Madeline Woo challenges ballet’s visual norms through tattoos, dark makeup, and a bold wardrobe.
- She turned personal struggle into a brand, Maddwoo Studios, offering dancers confidence-boosting outfits.
- The brand’s launch on Thanksgiving sparked a strong, mixed reception, highlighting both support and criticism.
- Woo’s story reflects a growing trend toward individuality and body positivity in classical dance.
January 26, 2026 marks the publication of this profile, underscoring the ongoing conversation about artistic expression in ballet.
