What To Wear To An Adult Beginner Ballet Class

Point shoes are unnecessary for ballet beginners, who should wear slippers.

Taking ballet as an adult is a way to learn a new art while getting physical exercise. Ballet helps students develop balance, coordination and grace and is also a way to socialize with other adults and make friends. Starting lessons with the right clothes and shoes will make developing one's skills as a dancer all the easier, allowing greater freedom of movement and making it easier for your instructor to observe your posture.

Footwear

Comfortable, appropriate shoes are an important part of ballet wear. Newcomers to ballet should invest in a pair of flat ballet slippers, a standard requirement for most classes. Made of thin leather or satin, ballet slippers fit tight and close and have a thin, flexible sole. Leather slippers last longer than those made from fabric, according to the Dance Class website. Also, some schools allow new students to wear short athletic socks that expose the ankles until they purchase slippers.

Legs

Ballet wear should display the body so instructors can monitor their pupil's stance, movement and technique. Shorts, capri pants or stretch pants made with spandex or Lycra provide the right fit and definition, according to Want to Dance, as they properly display knee, hip and ankle joints. Also, avoid pants or leggings which cover the ankles, as the ballet teacher will need to observe the joint to ensure you have proper leg alignment.

Tops

Like pants, tops worn to ballet class need to be form fitting. Avoid anything baggy or overly long, which hides the body and conceals the hips, which need to be visible. A closely-fitted shirt also allows the ballet instructor to check a student's posture and the alignment of her back, ensuring she is standing moving in a way that is both correct and safe. Sleeveless tops are also fine as long as they are fitted and don't hang low.

Hair

Long hair, if worn down, is a hindrance for ballet dancers, obscuring their vision and preventing instructors from observing the movements and positioning of the neck. Twist hair up into a bun and secure with bobby pins to keep it from falling out of place, though a ponytail will typically suffice for male students. Students with shorter hair should wear a headband to keep it back and out of their face during class.

Tags: ballet slippers, should wear