Professional dancers Sophia Cerrito and Jesse Alexander have introduced MAE Studios activewear, a new label created to serve both studio sessions and evening plans. The brand’s debut, the Pyramid Collection, includes jumpsuits, bodysuits, bras, leggings and shorts, all built with performance in mind and finished with sculptural cutouts, sheer mesh panels and strappy details.
A Gap in the Dancewear Market
Cerrito explained that clothing often forms a first impression in dance settings, whether someone is taking a class, auditioning or rehearsing. She saw an opening for dancewear that felt elevated, distinctive and interesting while still delivering on quality and function. Her aim was to design pieces that support movement but also allow wearers to express personal style and stand out.
Alexander pointed to the broader cultural role dancers have played in fashion, music and entertainment, noting that they frequently help realize major creative visions while remaining in the background without the recognition they deserve.
Built for Movement and Everyday Life
MAE Studios is intended to function as hard as the people wearing it. Alexander described dancers’ lives as extending well beyond the studio, with days that move between rehearsals, auditions and meetings. The collection was designed so women can feel confident wearing the same pieces to a dance class or a night out.
Cerrito envisioned a range with versatility at its core. A garment worn to dance class could be paired with jeans or heels for a completely different look. She cited Tom Ford’s era at Gucci, Thierry Mugler and Jean Paul Gaultier as major inspirations, and said she wanted to take cues from those iconic fashion references and rework them into clothing that can actually be danced in, moved in and worked out in.
Music and Fashion Influences
The designers also drew from music. Cerrito named Tate McRae as someone she had in mind while creating the collection, describing the artist’s appeal as a balance of sexy, sporty and slightly edgy.
For Cerrito, the connection between clothing and performance is direct. She said that when an outfit looks elevated, cool and sexy, she dances better, and the same applies to working out. A precise fit that flatters the body also means less time spent adjusting and more focus on movement, particularly in heels classes where distractions can interfere with execution and on-camera appearance.
Alexander reflected on the mental side of dance training, noting that dancers spend hours watching themselves in mirrors and analyzing their movement, which can make self-criticism second nature. He recalled performing with Rosalía on a major stage in a full designer look and said the experience simply felt different, carrying a distinct confidence.
What Comes Next
The first collection is centered on women, but the founders indicated that their plans extend further. Alexander suggested that menswear could arrive sooner than expected, hinting that male customers may soon have their own moment with the brand.
