What Should My Child Wear to Ballet Class at Petite Ballet?

One of the most common questions parents have before their child’s first ballet class is: What should they wear?

At Petite Ballet, we want young dancers to feel comfortable, confident, and ready to move. There’s room for personality in our dress code, so your dancer can choose ballet attire that makes them feel special while still being able to participate safely and comfortably.

Ballet Attire for Girls

Dancers should wear a leotard, but the color and style are up to you. Pink, purple, blue, or another favorite color, we love them all!

A ballet skirt is optional. If your dancer loves a tutu or skirt, just be mindful of its length and fullness. Very fluffy tutus can be adorable, but they can also make certain movements more difficult or become distracting during class.

Dancers should also wear pink tights and proper pink ballet shoes.

Please avoid dress-up shoes or ballet-style flats. Proper ballet shoes allow children to move safely and help teachers see and guide the positioning of their feet as they begin learning ballet technique.

What Should Boys Wear to Ballet?

Boys are always welcome at Petite Ballet!

Boys may wear black leggings, a comfortable t-shirt in any color, and black ballet shoes. Dancers are also welcome to wear any of the attire options listed above that make them feel comfortable and ready to dance.

How Should My Child Wear Their Hair?

Hair should be neatly pulled away from the face so your dancer can move freely without stopping to fix it.

Longer hair can be worn in a bun, ponytail, or braid. Dancers with shorter hair can use a headband or barrettes to keep hair comfortably out of their eyes.

Why Does Ballet Attire Matter?

For young children, ballet attire is about more than looking the part.

Comfortable, properly fitted dancewear allows children to jump, stretch, tiptoe, bend, and move freely. Ballet shoes also help young dancers begin developing proper technique and body awareness.

And there’s another benefit: getting dressed for ballet can become part of the ritual. Putting on a favorite leotard, tights, and ballet shoes helps little dancers understand that it’s time to head to the studio and dance!

Petite Ballet offers ballet classes for children ages 1.5 through 8 at Beam & Barre in Cos Cob, Greenwich, CT.

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