A ballerina gets ready…..

A ballerina wears specific layers and garments when getting dressed for class or a performance, moving from base dancewear to specialized stage costumes.

Standard Class Attire

• Leotard: A form-fitting one-piece garment that lets the instructor see proper body alignment.
• Tights: Pink, flesh-toned, or white convertible or footed tights that support flexibility and movement.
• Skirt or Shorts: A light wrap skirt, mini shorts, or pants worn over the leotard.
• Shoes: Soft ballet slippers for early practice or pointe shoes with ribbons for advanced center work.
• Warm-ups: Leg warmers, knit sweaters, wrap tops, or booties used to keep muscles warm before and during the start of class.

Stage and Performance Costumes

• Tutu: A stiff classical pancake tutu or a soft romantic long tutu worn around the waist for performances. Custom performance tutus often feature tight bodices with boning that require assistance to fasten properly.
• Character Gowns or Variations: Specialized thematic costumes (such as a white swan dress for Swan Lake) tailored to specific story ballets.