If you are new to the world of ballet class, the terminology, traditions and requirements can feel overwhelming. Here are ten practical and historical facts about ballet that will help you understand what your child is learning and why things are done the way they are.
1. Ballet Has a 500-Year History
Ballet began in the Italian Renaissance courts of the 15th century as a form of court entertainment. It developed into a structured theatrical performance art in France during the 17th century, when Louis XIV (himself a dancer) established the first formal ballet academy in 1661. The RAD (Royal Academy of Dance) was founded in London in 1920 and developed the graded syllabus that many schools around the world use today.
2. The Five Foot Positions Are the Foundation of Everything
All ballet technique is built on five positions of the feet, numbered 1 through 5. Every exercise at the barre and in the centre begins or ends in one of these positions. Learning to place the feet correctly in these positions — with proper turnout from the hip, not just the ankle — is the first technical skill a student develops.
3. Turnout Comes from the Hips, Not the Feet
One of the most common early corrections in ballet class is “turnout from the hip.” When feet are rotated outward in ballet, the rotation should come from the hip joint, not from the knee or ankle. Forcing turnout from the wrong place puts strain on the knees and ankles over time.
4. RAD Grades Are Cumulative
Each RAD grade builds on the one before it. A student cannot reasonably sit Grade 3 without having covered Grades 1 and 2 — the vocabulary and technique introduced in earlier grades are assumed knowledge in later ones. This is why students progress through grades in order rather than skipping ahead.
5. The Uniform Colour Is Specific to Each Grade
RAD class examinations require the correct uniform colour for the grade being examined. This is not just a school preference — it is part of the RAD syllabus requirements. If your child is moving up a grade, check the new uniform colour before the start of term. Our dress code guide by level has a full breakdown.
6. Pointe Work Requires Teacher Clearance
No student should begin pointe work without their teacher’s specific approval. Pointe work typically begins around Grade 4-5 and only when the teacher has assessed that the student has sufficient strength, alignment and bone maturity. Starting too early risks permanent damage to the developing foot bones.
7. The Ballet Bun Is Functional, Not Just Traditional
The requirement for a neat bun is not arbitrary tradition. A bun keeps the hair off the face during class (important when the head is moving quickly), allows the teacher to assess the student’s neck and head placement, and presents a tidy, professional appearance for examinations.
8. Ballet Develops Core Strength and Body Awareness
Ballet training builds strength in the core, legs and back through controlled, progressive exercises. Studies have shown that regular ballet classes improve balance, coordination, spatial awareness and posture — benefits that carry over into everyday movement and sports.
9. The Warm-Up Is Not Optional
Barre work at the start of a ballet class is a structured warm-up that prepares the muscles and joints for the more demanding work in the centre. Arriving late and missing the barre is not just disruptive — it increases the risk of strain during centre work. Many teachers ask students who arrive after barre has begun to warm up separately before joining the class.
10. Dancewear Sizing Is Different from Everyday Clothing
Ballet leotards and tights are sized by height and weight, not by the familiar S/M/L or age-based sizing used in children’s clothing. A child who wears age 8 in school uniform may need a different size in dancewear. Always use the size guide before ordering. Our leotard size chart explains how to measure correctly.