Short answer: for ballet a girl usually wears a leotard, tights and ballet shoes. For jazz and hip hop she wears a fitted top or tank, leggings or shorts, and the shoes the class asks for. For creative movement, comfortable stretchy clothes are enough. Always check the school’s dress code first.
What should she wear to each type of class?
| Class | Top | Bottom | Shoes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ballet | Leotard | Ballet tights, optional skirt | Ballet shoes |
| Creative movement | Leotard or fitted tank | Leggings or tights | Bare feet or soft shoes |
| Jazz | Fitted tank or leotard | Leggings, shorts or tights | Jazz shoes or bare feet |
| Hip hop | Fitted or loose tee | Leggings, joggers or shorts | Clean sneakers |
What does she wear for her first class?
If you do not know the dress code yet, send her in a fitted top, leggings or tights, and either bare feet or the shoes the teacher suggests. Ask the teacher before buying the full uniform. Our guide to a girl’s first ballet class lists what to buy.
What should I look for in dance clothes for children?
- Stretch. The clothes should move with her without pulling.
- Soft fabric. Cotton blends are comfortable on sensitive skin.
- Flat seams and no scratchy labels.
- A fit that stays in place when she jumps, turns and bends.
- Room to grow a little, but not so much that it bunches.
How do I choose the size?
Choose by height first, then check the chest and torso. If she is between sizes, choose the larger one. Our size guide shows height ranges for each style.
Do girls need a skirt?
Not always. Some schools want a leotard and tights only, so the teacher can see the line of the legs. Others allow a simple skirt or wrap skirt. Skirts are popular with younger dancers for performances and photos.
How many outfits should we buy?
Two sets are enough for a weekly class: one to wear and one to wash. Choose a plain color first. Write her name inside each piece, and wash gently in cool water so the colors last.
What about hair?
For ballet, tie hair back in a neat bun or tidy ponytail. For jazz and hip hop, a ponytail or braids that stay off the face are fine.
Common mistakes with children’s dance clothes
- Buying by age. Height is a better guide than age.
- Choosing clothes that are too loose. Loose clothes hide the body line in ballet and slip in jazz.
- Forgetting the shoes. Each class uses a different shoe, so ask before buying.
- Skipping the name label. Many outfits look alike in a changing room.
If class is cold, add a soft layer from our guide to dancer warm-up clothes.
Frequently asked questions
What should a girl wear to ballet class?
A leotard, ballet tights and ballet shoes, in the colors the school asks for. Some schools allow a simple skirt.
What should a girl wear to jazz class?
A fitted tank or leotard, leggings or shorts, and jazz shoes or bare feet.
What should a girl wear to hip hop class?
A fitted or loose tee, leggings, joggers or shorts, and clean sneakers.
What should my daughter wear to her first dance class?
A fitted top, leggings or tights and bare feet, unless the school has told you otherwise.
How many dance outfits does a child need?
Two sets are enough for a weekly class, so one can be washed while the other is used.