r/BALLET • u/Adventurous_Yam5412 • 2d ago
Beginner/improver class attire?
I‘m starting at a new studio and we can basically wear what we want (I’m an adult), still relatively new to ballet. Stupidly ridiculous question but what do people generally wear to them apart from tights Leo and a skirt? I love leg warmers etc but I think as a beginner I’d look like an overenthusiastic berk, can someone weigh in on this?. Lastly I’d love to know what people wear to and from the studio, at my old one I came straight from work and I’d just leave in my ballet clothes, but at this one I’ve got plenty time to go home and get changed. I struggle with anxiety and I’m terrified I’ll stick out line a sore thumb
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u/ViolinNoah 2d ago
I know the words ‘don’t worry’ won’t help much but… try not to worry. It depends on the studio a lot. Can you ask the teacher in advance what is the most common thing people wear?
Other than that it goes anywhere from athletic t shirt and shorts, t shirt and tights (think like tights for running), ballet unitards, the classic leo and skirt combo. For a more ballet-y look you can go for bike type shorts and a tight fitting t shirt or a tank top? Whatever you fancy.
My school has changing rooms and I change there but some girls just slap baggy jeans over their tights and a hoodie over the leotard. I am a dude and I want to change from my dance belt :D So it’s up to you I guess
Also wear those leg warmers if you love them!
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u/YouTotallyGotThisOne 2d ago
Wear whatever gives you confidence!
I've been dancing a few years (late 40s F) and from day 1 I needed to wear tights and leo to feel "serious." Most of my classmates wear yoga pants and a tank top but I just don't feel fully invested in dancing if I don't look the part. I throw sweatpants over my tights to get to the studio and wear short leg warmers during barre since I have recurring ankle injuries. When classmates compliment my very curated leo collection I always joke that if I'm going to be terrible at something I might as well look good doing it 😂
Once class starts you will probably not have time to worry about what you're wearing and nobody else will really care. Dress for yourself and your practice ❤️
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u/Counterboudd 2d ago
I wear the full get up because I like it- leotard, tights, leg warmers, garbage bag warm ups, etc. if I’m going to do ballet I’m going to at least dress the part. People always compliment my outfits because I have quite a few and I try to match. So if you want to go “full ballet”, do it! It’s a traditional art form so you can’t go wrong looking traditional.
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u/Gymnast_Leo 1d ago
Even at home I’ll dance in the full get up. I don’t mean to sound uptight or anything but I don’t get the whole wear a t shirt and trousers but make sure they’re tight enough so movement can be seen and all that. Just wear a leotard and tights 🤷♀️
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u/Counterboudd 1d ago
I don’t really get it either. I don’t see how that’s any better than just wearing a leo to be honest. Seems like it would be harder to move in.
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u/Gymnast_Leo 1d ago
I mean it’s made for it. No different to wearing a football kit to play football
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u/TheRealTabbyCool 2d ago
My classes have a mix of regular gym clothes, classic ballet clothes, and lots of combinations of the 2. Some wear a leotard with tights and a skirt, or with shorts, with or without tights, some wear leggings and a vest top or t-shirt, just whatever they feel comfortable in! I’ve always worn a leotard, tights and skirt, I really hate dancing without a leotard as it holds everything in!
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u/messysagittarius 2d ago
Same, no matter what else I have on top, I need the base layer of a leotard and sports bra to prevent a wardrobe malfunction!
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u/NaomiPommerel 1d ago
How do deal with bra? I love the look of a leo but I can't do without a proper bra
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u/Tiny-firefly 2d ago
Most of the time I wear leos and exercise shorts (usual the biker style. Sometimes shorter) or leggings on top if it's cooler. I also got a set of the snag tights chub rub short and they work brilliantly as "cut off" tights without the actual cut portion. Their sizing is a little off but I got size D and I'm a 6-8 street or M to L in leos.
When I do feel like looking more true ballet style, I have stirrup tights in black or tan.
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u/AnOnYmUs-112 2d ago
Pre professional student here
So people in my level usually just wear a leotard and tights with the occasional cut off tights, and then to and from the studio, just normal cloths. For what to wear during class I have a adult dancer friend who always wears a leotard, tights, and a skirt. But you can also wear short exercise shorts if you want a cover up. Other warm ups though, I would suggest only wearing them if you have an injury
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u/ExistentialExitExam 1d ago
Yes, or before class when you’re warming up on your own or between classes to keep your muscles warm. Nothing is better than pink tights and a leotard so the teacher can see your leg alignment and make sure your knees aren’t bent and your ankles are in the proper position- it is especially important for beginners and crucial that the teacher is easily able to view your body without extra material in the way.
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u/pintsized_baepsae 2d ago edited 2d ago
If you really want to wear the leg warmers, wear the leg warmers! You'll look keen, but there's no shame in wanting to dress the part AND they'll keep you nice and warm (which is good, because it helps avoid injury, and especially good if the studio has aircon on during class!).
As others have said, your comfort is what matters and it WILL make you dance better because you won't be distracted by your outfit. Dressing cute is also good for your confidence, whether that's dressing in tights and a leotard or putting on your favourite Lululemon / Alo / no-brand / different brand leggings and shirt.
The only hard and fast rules are a) no pointe shoes (which you'll know about since you're here) and b) please keep your ankles visible.
I know anxiety makes it really hard, but that's why being comfy in your outfit is even more important 🫂 you can always just wear something 'tame' / monochrome for your first time so you can check out the vibe. But I also promise you that in every single beginner class I've ever been to, there's been a real mix of outfits - from athleisure to super formal uniform.
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u/catscatscats265 2d ago
Getting dressed for ballet is half the fun for me. I wear a leo, tights, skirt and legwarmers every class. (Legwarmers mostly because I have finicky ankles that need to stay warm) lots of people in my class wear Leos and tights some just wear gym clothes. I think wear whatever makes you feel comfortable and confident.
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u/Lavender-Tea-313 2d ago
I wear yoga pants an a tshirt. It’s important in a beginner glass to wear pants where the ankles are visible though, so the teacher can see the alignment.
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u/NaomiPommerel 1d ago
Are yoga pants for you meaning flared legs?
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u/Lavender-Tea-313 1d ago
I’m not a beginner, so some of my yoga pants are flared, some are straight leg, and others are ‘skinny’ style.
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u/Complex-Skirt-6332 1d ago
I understand - I’m starting in a couple of days and also hope I will look ok for class. I will be wearing some capri leggings and a t shirt. I have ballet shoes but they aren’t for pointe - just regular. I do hope people don’t look at me weird because I’m not skinny. That’s part of why I want to learn ballet - to work out and have fun!
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u/Catlady_Pilates 2d ago
People wear all kinds of things. Wearing leg warmers is absolutely appropriate, they’re made to warm your legs! I’m a modern dancer, returned to ballet class after over a decade away from dance and I wear a leotard, tights and all manner of knit dance things until I’m warm enough to remove them. But plenty of people wear leggings and tank tops while others wear traditional ballet wear. You just need to be appropriately dressed, your style is entirely up to you
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u/Whole-Page3588 2d ago
So bear in mind this is a while ago in a professional program, but I always wore tights and a leotard. When we were allowed to skip dress code, the interesting leotards would come out (short sleeves, many straps, bright colors and lace! and black tights, of course (worn over top). I could only ever afford a couple of leotards though, so all mine fit in dress code (plain black/burgundy or navy).
Anything else was worn primarily for warming up (just at the barre), because once I got dancing, I needed to see the lines of my body properly in the mirror. I always got cold shoulders and feet, so I had a wrap sweater and under-knee socks I'd cut (well, worn, really), the toe and heel out of. They were Chrismas-themed reindeer hooves, lol, and they fit perfectly over my point shoes.
As for other people, shorts were popular. Some people wore those garbage bag pants, but we were warned about those causing a "false warm" of the muscles and possible injury. Not sure if that was true, but they were way too sweaty/noisy for me. I remember some legwarmers--just pulled up smooth, instead of worn baggy over the ankle. I think my grandma knit me a pair that I wore for a little while, but I didn't like the tightness over my knee.
When I did adult classes, I wore the same. There were a lot more bare legs (no tights) and leggings/biker shorts, but I always preferred tights (black).
I'd just wear my ballet clothes under my regular clothes. Usually pants and a hoodie, but I'm sure i threw a dress over top of black tights with black boots.
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u/pintsized_baepsae 2d ago
Trashbag pants look so cute, but I wore a pair (borrowed, thankfully) to one class and I can NOT deal with them. The noise, the sensation of them making the noise, the whole thing.. 😭 They were too much.
Ironically I don't mind it if other people wear them - I actually like the sound when they wear them. But for myself? HELL. HELL. ON. EARTH.
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u/Whole-Page3588 2d ago
Yes! Thank you! I was wondering if I was the only one who couldn't stand them on me sound-wise. I also didn't mind or really remember noticing the sound on other people.
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u/messysagittarius 2d ago
For me, the issue with trashbag pants is that they have zero stretch. Whatever size you think you are when you try them on, you have to go up two more because on the first grand plie, they will rip!
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u/pintsized_baepsae 1d ago
I mean that too! 😅 I also have been blessed in the booty lottery - I'm sure the ones you can buy in stores won't even come in my sizes, but my friend made them herself 😂
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u/Wishnowsky 1d ago
I wear my trashbag pants over leo and ballet tights for my half hour walk to ballet but not for in class warm ups.
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u/DaretokuVintergatan 2d ago
I'm a beginner as well! Also an adult
The people in my class usually wear normal gym clothes. Every class there is like 2-3 in leotards. Before our beginner class there is another class at the highest level, from what i could see its the same in there, most people normal gym clothes. A lot of them just wear bigger/loose fitting clothes on top to go to class, we don't have a proper big changing room so they just take off their shirt and wide pants
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u/Infantine_Guy_Fawkes 1d ago
I wear a mix. I'm a plus size adult, so it's hard to find cute dance wear in my size, and I've also learned what's comfortable for me. I wear an Old Navy athletic unitard because I love that there's no waistband to cut into me, especially while bending. I wear a hardcore sports bra under this because I lead the big titty committee, and a crop top over everything to give me some boob coverage. There's nothing quite so uncomfortable as sweaty boobs pressed to your chin when you're bending over. Then I throw on one of my many skirts because they make me feel pretty, as well as giving me a tiny bit of coverage.
I also have pretty bad carpal tunnel syndrome, and holding the barre for long combinations hurts, so I wear a compression brace on my wrist.
My classes are a mix of everything from hardcore ballet wear to basic athletic clothes!
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u/70sobsession 1d ago
Adult beginner here. Some days, I just wear leggings and a tank top. Others, I wear my leotard and tights, maybe with a dance skirt or athletic shorts over top. The teacher needs to be able to see your knees and ankles to make sure your form is correct. As for to and from the studio, I always just wear my ballet clothes. If it’s cold I put a jacket and sweatpants over top.
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u/NaomiPommerel 1d ago
I wear leggings and a tee.
I'll wear a leo eventually but probably still black leggings and cover-up.
I like the whole ballet core look but actual professionals wear kind of urban stuff now. The pink stuff is cute for trips to the theatre
We have students who come in full get ups cover up, leg warmers etc but keep that on for the whole class!
I'm hot in 15 mins without all that and I'm not bringing a suitcase of clothes to class. I'm usually coming from elsewhere so tee, leggings and ballet shoes is it
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u/eejesiee 1d ago
honestly ive just started and going for the full shebang really makes me feel pretty and confident even as a novice
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u/Diabloceratops 2d ago
If I’m not wearing tights and a Leo, I typically wear bike shorts and a top or a biketard with something over it.
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u/wildflowerwishes 2d ago
I used to wear leotard and tights, but that got annoying after a while. Now I wear leotard and shorts.
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u/Little-Monitor-1204 2d ago
i wear yoga pants and a tank top most of the time in my beginner class!
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u/lovehateikea 1d ago
At my studio the really beginner classes will have a range of outfits from yoga pants and socks to full ballet core. So no one would stick out. When you go the next level up the outfits stay the same but everyone has now invested in ballet shoes. After that you get more leotards and less exercise gear.
I tend to dress for practicality so leo, tights and skirt are standard. I wear legwarmers only if its actually cold and i have a couple of plain wrap tops as well for the start of class in winter.
But there are a few ppl in my classes who go all out in full bodile plus accessories.
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u/Katia144 Vaganova beginner 1d ago
Beginner or not, I always wore what made sense. I wore legwarmers and a sweater because I was cold, not for fashion, and when I warmed up, they came off. On a hot day, I didn't wear them because I didn't need them. Certainly preferred not to so I could see what my body was doing, but shivering through the beginning of class was also sub-ideal. And I owned them well before ballet was ever a part of my life, for both my other dance form and simply keeping warm. Besides that, it was all business-- leotard, tights, shoes, the end. Don't wear something that's not comfortable or utilitarian in order to look "cute"-- warmups when you don't need them sounds mighty toasty and un-fun. And don't buy All The Things because you think that's what you need-- get the basics and as you go along, you'll figure out what else you might need (vs buying a bunch of stuff and then realizing it's not necessary).
IOW, wear what is comfortable, that you can move easily and confidently in, and where you and your teacher can see what you all need to see. You can still find things you like the look of within that category.
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u/scarlett_lithium 1d ago
At our studio you have the option to wear a Leo and skirt etc. or opt for comfort and wear leggings and a T-shirt. Most ladies opt for leggings and a T-shirt. We are very relaxed though so not sure if yours is the same. We love seeing the ladies bring their own style in to it with fun Leo’s, leg warmers or funky leggings 🤗😋
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u/drclaude 20h ago
Adult returning learner here. You’ve gotten plenty of responses already so mine won’t add much, but just for my own fun: I oscillate between leo and no-leo, but either way I wear thin, ankle-length, tights-esque leggings and either athletic shorts or wrap skirt over it. I’m recently leaning towards no-leo for comfort, wearing a sports bra + fitted long-sleeve crop-top instead. I start class WARM with a puffer vest, leg warmers, and sometimes even a light scarf, and they gradually come off by the end of barre. Btw all of the above except for leg warmers are black. Shoes are just canvas ballet shoes as I don’t do pointe.
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u/baller_unicorn 15h ago
I think a classic black Leo with a wrap skirt and pink tights and shoes with hair in a bun is always acceptable no matter what your level. I know what you mean though as when I was a total beginner I felt like too much of an imposter to wear that stuff because I just wasn't used to it so I just wore leggings and a workout top to class for maybe the first year or two. Then I finally decided to buy a Leo and skirt and I really enjoyed how I felt and looked in them so I often would wear that or even regular leggings with a ballet skirt on top.
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u/Rosyface_ 11h ago
Why not go to your first class in sportswear and see what everyone else is wearing if you’re worried about feeling out of place? I found in my studio that when I started most people were in sportswear but there were a couple of us in leotards and skirts and more have adopted this over time as new people have joined and old people left.
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u/Playmakeup 2d ago
So really, you don’t want to look like a ballet core girlie. If you watch the tiktok videos for professional ballet dancers, they look like they’re trying to avoid paying for a carry on bag on a spirit flight. More is more. Nothing matches. Layers don’t make sense.
Something about a pink wrap sweater always gives “ballet core”. The big thing I’ve noticed between all the ballet core girls in my classes is they never have their hair up in a secured style. Learning to do a proper bun or French twist really goes a long way to looking the part (and it really does make you dance better if your hair isn’t distracting you).
So wear your leg warmers. Wear two of them at the same time. Put a skirt on over your pants. Wear a sweatshirt in August. Batshit crazy is actually the vibe you want.