What to wear (dance class or practice):
When you go to class, you should wear clothes that are tight enough to let the teacher know if you are in the right position. Don't get clothes that are too tight so they make you uncomfortable.
Girls normally wear a leotard and tights and boys wear a snug, white shirt, and shorts with their choice of tights, leggings, or nothing. The colors of the clothes depend on what the class wants.
Make sure that your hair is pulled back out of your face. Whether boy or girl, a head band or hair spray can do it with short hair.
Special uniforms can be provided.
Beginners usually wear what ever is comfortable(make sure it is not to loose for positions).
As you get older, you start to wear a leotard.
When first buying a leotard, don't buy it extra big, The teacher can make mistakes for body placements.
Make sure you buy a leotard that is comfortable(go to a specialist shop and get measured or measure yourself by putting a tape measure over one shoulder, bring it down in between your legs and back up to the SAME shoulder
Ballet shoes are supposed to fit like a second skin.
DO NOT allow any growing room in them.
Boys wear either black or white thin leather slippers and girls wear pink leather or satin slippers.
Don't get point shoes at the beginning. They are used for going on your toes. You don't start going on your toes right away. The teacher will tell you when you are ready.
If the shoes don't have a strap on them, you can easily sew them on.(elastic straps)
When you get more advanced, girls may prefer satin ribbons to tie around the ankle.
When you tie your shoes, make sure you keep the ribbon or elastic straight, smooth, and loose enough to move but not too loose.
As you get older, you will be able to have the choice of having ribbons instead of elastic. You need to tie them right:
1-Take the inside ribbon first, pass it across and around the ankle.
2-Continue around the front of the ankle, keep tight without wrinkling but not so it pinches.
3-Pass it around the back again and pick up other ribbon but don't let the first ribbon slip down.
4-Pass the outside ribbon across and then wrap it around and behind. Keep them close together, one on top of the other. Not to tight.
5- bring them together on the inside of your ankle and tie in a small knot, slightly above your ankle. Leave at least an inch after the knot.
6- Tuck the knot under the ribbons.