Short answer: for a ballet exam most dancers wear the leotard, tights, ballet shoes and hair style their school has chosen for that level, plus an exam number. The exact colors and styles are set by your teacher and the examination board, so confirm them before you buy anything.
Who decides the exam uniform?
Two sources decide it. The examination board publishes dress guidance for each level. Your dance school then chooses the specific leotard color, skirt style and extras it wants its students to wear. If the two ever differ, follow your teacher, who is responsible for entering you for the exam. Uniform rules change from time to time, so always check the current requirements and not last year’s.
We are not affiliated with or endorsed by any examination board. This guide is general advice, not an official rulebook.
What is on the checklist?
| Item | What to check |
|---|---|
| Leotard | Color and sleeve style set by your school. Short sleeves or camisole straps are the most common. |
| Skirt | Only if your school requires one. Some levels use a light wrap or pull-on skirt, others none. |
| Tights | Ballet pink is the usual choice. Check whether your school wants footed or convertible tights. |
| Ballet shoes | Usually pink, with elastics sewn on, and a good fit with room for the toes to lie flat. |
| Hair | A neat bun, secured off the face and neck. Bring spare pins and a hairnet. |
| Exam number | Candidates are often given a number to wear so the examiner can identify them. Ask the school how it is attached. |
| Belt | Some schools use colored elastic belts to show the level. Confirm with your teacher whether yours does. |
| Jewelry | Usually none, apart from small plain studs if the school allows them. |
How do I choose the right size?
Choose by height first and use age only as a rough guide. If the dancer is between sizes, size up, because a leotard that is too tight restricts movement. Our size guide shows height and weight ranges for each style. Try everything on at home a few weeks before the exam so there is time to exchange it.
What should I do the week before?
- Wash and check every item, and sew on any loose elastics.
- Pack the exam bag the night before: uniform, spare tights, hair pins, hairnet, water and a warm layer.
- Practice putting the hair up and attaching the number so nothing is new on the day.
- Arrive early, dressed for class under a warm layer, and keep the uniform clean until the exam.
Can I wear last year’s uniform?
If it still fits well and meets this year’s requirements, yes. Check for faded color, stretched elastics and worn feet in the tights. Examiners look for a neat, tidy line, so a crisp uniform helps.
What do examiners notice about the uniform?
Examiners are watching the dancing, not the shopping list, but a neat uniform helps them see the work. A clean, well-fitted leotard shows the line of the back and shoulders. Tights without wrinkles at the knee and ankle show the leg. Shoes that fit properly let the foot work through the floor. When everything is tidy, the dancer looks confident and the examiner can focus on technique.
Common uniform mistakes
- Buying too late. Order at least four weeks ahead, so there is time to exchange a size.
- Trying everything on for the first time on the day. A strap that digs in or an elastic that is too long is a distraction.
- Forgetting spares. A run in the tights is easy to fix when a spare pair is in the bag.
- Hair that is not secure. Practice the bun and use enough pins and a hairnet so it stays put through the whole exam.
- Wearing a new pair of shoes. Break shoes in for a few classes so they are comfortable but still look fresh.
A simple exam-day bag list
| Pack | Why |
|---|---|
| Uniform in a clean bag | Keeps it crisp until you change. |
| Spare tights and spare shoe elastics | Quick fixes without panic. |
| Hairpins, hair net and hair tie | Fix the bun if it moves. |
| Warm layer and leg warmers | Stay warm while waiting. |
| Water bottle and a small snack | Energy before and after. |
| Exam number and pins | Know how it attaches before you arrive. |
If you are buying for a child, let them help pack the bag so they know where everything is. It makes the day calmer for everyone.
Frequently asked questions
What do girls wear for a ballet exam?
Most girls wear the school's chosen leotard, ballet pink tights, pink ballet shoes and a neat bun, plus an exam number. Colors and styles are set by the school and the examination board, so confirm them with your teacher.
Do I need a skirt for a ballet exam?
Only if your school or the level requires one. Some levels use a light wrap or pull-on skirt and others do not. Ask your teacher before buying.
What color tights are worn for ballet exams?
Ballet pink is the most common color. Some schools specify footed or convertible tights, so check first.
Can I wear jewelry in a ballet exam?
Usually not. Many schools allow only small plain studs, so ask your teacher what is permitted.
What if my school and the exam board disagree on uniform?
Follow your teacher, who is responsible for entering you for the exam and knows the current requirements.