Dancer, changemaker, student, fashion lover; we want to introduce you to a young woman who is all of these things and more, Quincy Wilson. Here’s why we think she’s so Soca.
What has she been up to?
Aiming to make a difference, Quincy began a local initiative just six months ago that is now making a difference worldwide. While dancing at her local studio, Quincy had to wear tights that matched her peers, but didn’t match her own skin-tone. When she wore her version of nude, she was told her tights “looked weird”. She did not understand how having shoes and tights that matched her own skin-tone was weird when that was what everyone else was doing. She then decided to begin her initiative, Variation en Hue™, to change perspectives and advocate for representation of varying skin tones in the dance world. In partnership with Brown Girls do Ballet®, Variation en Hue™ outfits dancers of color with flesh toned tights and shoes as well as new or gently used ballet costumes.
When she’s not in a dance costume, what is Quincy wearing?
Quincy likes to keep it comfy. Like most of us right now, she’s a big fan of the loungewear trend. Her go-to outfit is usually a pair of leggings with a cute, casual sweater and her favorite sneakers. She likes to be comfortable enough to move around even when she isn’t dancing.
How important is confidence to Quincy?
While most high schoolers are worrying about doing whatever it takes to fit in, Quincy has not been afraid to stand out. For her, it’s all about confidence. Part of her initiative is about emphasizing the importance for women to have the confidence and courage to not blend in. We couldn’t agree more. So many women struggle with doubting themselves and being afraid to wear what makes them feel good. In our experience, the biggest difference between a good outfit and a great one is the wearer’s confidence.
What is her current favorite piece from Soca?
Quincy and her family have been long time Soca shoppers. It’s no surprise that some of her favorite pieces from Soca are her DL-1961 jeans and her fray hem tank from Bella Dahl! She says the jeans are so comfy and fit perfectly (something we always love to hear). She also loves how the wash is great for dressing up or down. Her Bella Dahl tank is one of her warm weather go-tos!
Quincy has now sent costumes and accessories all around the country and even overseas. Were these her expectations from the start?
Definitely not. At the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, Quincy and her mom were looking at ways to donate some of her old dance costumes. This got her asking: how can we do more? This would eventually lead to the creation of Variation en Hue.™ She has now collected hundreds of costumes that have been sent to Ohio, Florida, and even Guatemala and Ghana, just to name a few. She encourages other young women to follow their dreams no matter how big or small.
How can you help support Quincy?
Variation en Hue™ continues to need support and donations to assist with purchasing more flesh toned tights and shoes as well as the substantial shipping costs.
Donate Dance Supplies
Donation of costumes is currently on hold. However, to donate new or gently used flesh tone tights, ballet or jazz shoes, contact Quincy via direct on social media @variationenhue Or, packages can be shipped to: Variation En Hue, 2710 18th Street South, Suite 59748, Birmingham, AL 35259-9748.
Make a Financial Donation
For monetary donations, please make checks payable to Brown Girls Do Ballet® and mail to Variation En Hue ™ at P.O. Box 59748, Birmingham, AL 35259-9748, or you can give online at browngirlsdoballet.com (click “Donate” and specify “Variation en Hue” under the Additional Information step).
Keep in Touch
For more information on Variation En Hue™, visit variationenhue.com, or follow them on Instagram at @variationenhue or Quincy Wilson @quincy.wils.