Leotards allow a ballet dancer to move freely. They also help ballet instructors to see the dancer’s body and ensure that she is executing the right form and dance steps correctly. Leotards come in sleeveless, short-sleeved or long-sleeved styles. Necklines vary as well; there are high-necked, scoop-necked and V-necked leotards. Some necklines open wide to off-shoulder sleeves. There are also full-length leotards, called unitards, as well as leotards with built-in skirts, called ballet dresses. Although a wide array of colors is available, pink leotards are an apparent favorite among young ballet dancers.
Although some teachers allow students to come to class without wearing tights, this piece of dancewear is important during practice and performance. Ballet tights keep legs warm and help prevent injuries. They also prevent the dancer’s leg muscles from cramping and help keep the heat in after a warm-up.
These are among the most important items in a ballet dancer’s wardrobe. Canvas or leather shoes are preferred in practices, while satin shoes are common in performances. The soles of ballet shoes may either be full sole (one piece of leather) or split sole (two pieces of leather). Ballet shoes have a different sizing from everyday shoes. The general rule is to go a size higher if the shoes are intended to be worn on bare feet, and 1.5 to 2 sizes higher if they are to be worn with ballet socks or tights. Ballet shoes have colors that include white, red, black and pink.
Leg warmers help keep the dancer warm between the home and the dance studio. They are also helpful during pre-class warm-ups because they help in blood circulation and prepare the muscles for dancing; however, some instructors prefer that they be taken off during the actual class. For ballet classes, it is common to wear chiffon wrap skirts. For rehearsals and performances, the tutu-style skirts are more often used.