Ballet Buying Guide

Ballet is about art, but it is also about life. Classical ballet technique  was established centuries ago in the courts of Europe, and it has been evolving ever since as dance teachers, artists, and researchers refine approaches to training and add to the vocabulary of steps and movements that are unique to the ballet discipline.   Ballet dancers are fit, strong, and flexible, and they are lifelong students. They take class frequently to keep in shape, to maintain the quality of their style and technique, and to enjoy the community of other dancers.  To be able to perform at the best of their ability, dancers need focus, commitment, and a comfortable stage presence. 

Though we cannot provide you with the discipline and confidence that it takes to be a prima ballerina, we can certainly help you get there with some helpful tips and the appropriate gear.

Shoes

With so many ballet shoes to choose from, how can you tell which ones are right for you?  Read on to pick up some tips! 

Types of Ballet Shoes

Pointe Shoes	Split Sole	Full Sole	Men's

Shoe Buying Tips

• Make sure they fit.  Ballet shoes are designed to enhance the dancer's technique as well as protect the feet and ankles. Many people say that a ballet shoe  should fit the foot "like a glove." Although the shoes should fit quite snugly, be careful not to buy them too small. There should be sufficient room in the shoe for moving the toes.

• Consider the material.  Ballet shoes are available in leather  and canvas,  and the material that you choose is all a matter of personal preference.  Leather ballet shoes  are more expensive, but are more durable and will probably last longer than the canvas variety.  Some people believe that leather ballet shoes accentuate a pointed foot and simply appear more elegant than canvas shoes.  However, some dancers prefer the feel of canvas ballet shoes.   They are also easier to clean, as they can be thrown right into the washing machine. 

• Look at the sole.  Ballet shoes are designed with full-soles  or split-soles.   Full-sole ballet shoes closely mimic pointe shoes,  which is important to dancers that are technically ready to dance on their toes (although dancing on the toes is not recommended without true pointe shoes, and only then if a dancer has gained enough strength and technique).  Half-sole ballet shoes  are preferred by some dancers because they allow the foot to create a stronger point, as the sole is split between the heel and the toe.  Sole preference is acquired through experience, and rarely makes much of a difference in dancing ability.

• Check for elastics.  When shopping for ballet shoes, keep in mind that elastics are generally not included with the purchase of the shoes.  Elastics  are placed on ballet shoes to secure them to the feet.  The elastics are purposely left off the shoe so the dancer can sew  them on in exactly the right place, depending on the location of the arch of the foot.  If you buy a pair without elastics, you'll have to sew them on yourself. It's not difficult to sew on the elastics, but some dancers (and especially parents of young dancers) prefer to buy them pre-sewn. 

Apparel

When heading to ballet class,  keep in mind that the main components you want to emphasise are comfort and simplicity.  The clothes you wear to practice ballet must allow you to move and stretch easily, and your clothing must also be tight enough for your teacher to check your body alignment during certain movements.  A black leotard  and pale pink tights  are the basics, but adding a ballet sweater,  skirt,  and leg warmers  to your ensemble are simply extras that many ballerinas prefer to keep muscles warm and the body comfortable.  Men should wear a dance belt,  jazz pants,  and a form-fitting tank top  for rehearsal; however, traditional companies may want men to wear a leotard  with the tights  over the top of it.     

Black Leotard	Pink Tights	Leg Warmers	Wrap Skirt

Accessories

Don't forget about the extras!  Dancers will certainly need beautiful music to set the stage, along with a quality tote bag for transporting shoes and apparel to/from rehearsals and performances.  As dancers are lifelong learners, it is always nice to have a ballet barre and full-length mirror at hand in which to practice technique and experiment with new choreography.  And, instructional videos can offer some inspiration as well as help beginners solidify newly-learned steps and positions. 

Music	Rehearsal Barre	Instructional Video	Dance Bag

External Links

• About.com:  An article on how to make your ballet shoes last longer. 
• AustralianBallet.com.au:  Check out the latest in ballet news, performances in your area, and education events from the Australian Ballet.
• Dance.net:  A forum for ballet beginners to ask questions and browse discussions. 
• Wikipedia.org:  Read more on the history of ballet through the years.