My First Ballet Outfit: What your little dancer needs to start ballet – Flo Dancewear

My First Ballet Outfit: What your little dancer needs to start ballet classes

April 22, 2021

If you have a little one about to start ballet, sorting out the all too cute wardrobe may be on the top of your to do list.

Before you head to the shops, it’s a good idea to check in with your ballet school on any uniform requirements. Usually tiny tots ballet classes are anything goes and uniform requirements may start from age 4 but that varies from school to school.

Here are my suggestions on what your little dancer needs to be comfortable in their first ballet class. Let’s start at the bottom and work our way up:

1. Ballet Shoes

Of course ballet shoes are absolutely essential. Socks are too slippery, sandals and street shoes are too stiff… there are no substitutes for ballet shoes. When buying a pair of ballet shoes look for a full sole, preferably suede which gives the right amount of grip and resistance. Check out our blog post on which ballet shoes to buy here. Don’t forget that these are inside shoes only – they won’t last long on the concrete.

2. Ballet Tights or Socks

Depending on the season or the climate you live in those little happy feet will need a pair of tights or ballet socks. They will help protect the ballet shoes from sweat and add comfort.

3. A leotard

Leotards are the basis of every dance ensemble and need to be comfortable. Choose something that doesn’t irritate your little dancer – soft, stretchy with no straps falling down. We recommend a classic style (they are classics for a reason) like our tank leotard that’s easy to move in and easy for you to wash.

4. A skirt

Whilst tutus are just the cutest thing it can be a little hard for beginners to see what their feet are doing underneath all that tulle. Our go-to skirt is a georgette skirt with a fixed waistband. Alternatively a pair of ballet shorts are also a great option.

5. A warm layer

Always good to have a layer stashed in the ballet bag in case the studio is a bit cool or it’s frosty on the way to and from class. A ballet wrap or bolero like this or a soft fleecy zip up hoody are perfect. They are easy to get on and off and won’t restrict movement.