Ice-Dancing Champs Stereotypical 'Aboriginal' Costumes
Russian ice dancers Oksana Domnina and Maxim Shabalin caused an uproar at the 2010 European championships when they donned red loincloths and dark brown bodysuits with white markings and green leaves. The costumes and brown face makeup were part of an Aboriginal-themed dance number that was intended to fulfill the requirement of the "country/folk" label assigned for the year's original-dance event. Quickly after the pair took the ice, Aboriginal leaders from around the world raised objections, saying that the duo’s portrayal of the culture was offensive, with gaudy and inauthentic costumes and dance movements that included having Shabalin drag his partner around by her blond ponytail. In response to the criticism, Domnina and Shabalin ended up toning down their costumes (lightening the bodysuits and face makeup) but keeping the same movements. They went on to perform the routine at the Olympics later in the year and defended the program in a statement: "Our routine was very fair, and we respect this culture. It's very unique, and that's why we chose it."