Silk fabrics have been around for many, many years. I'd bet dancers used them, too.
I'm wondering why you didn't search the web for the history of fabrics? There must be lots of websites that talk about that.
Good luck finding your answers! balletboy
>We have all seen the dancers in 1950's era film musicals wearing wonderful sheer full fashioned stockings that covered the entire leg. Full fashioned - that is with a seam and reinforced heel. They were often black and often neutral with black seam and heel. >These stockings existed before stretch yarns and panty hose. Does anyone know how these were made? Were they custom made for each individual dancer? I understand a "Wiley of Hollywood" made opera stockings and was in business to the late 1960's.>Does anyone know how these stockings were held up. I have examined many movies looking for signs of support and have seen none. [/i]