Girls’ First Ballet Class: What to Buy and What Can Wait

Short answer: for a first ballet class you need a leotard, ballet tights and ballet shoes. Everything else, such as a skirt, warm-ups and a bag, can wait. Ask the school for its uniform list before buying, as colors and styles are often set by the teacher.

What are the essentials?

1. Leotard. In the color your school asks for.
2. Ballet tights. Usually ballet pink. Buy two pairs.
3. Ballet shoes. Soft, with elastics sewn on.
4. Hair supplies. A hair tie, pins and a net if the hair is long enough for a bun.

What can wait?

Item	Buy when
Skirt	After you see whether the school requires one.
Wrap top or cardigan	When the weather turns cold.
Leg warmers	If the studio is cold.
Dance bag	Any bag will do at first.
Exam extras	When the teacher confirms an exam entry.

How many do we need?

Two pairs of tights and one leotard is enough to start. Add a second leotard if the child attends more than one class a week. Ballet shoes only need one pair, but check the fit often as children outgrow them fast.

How do I choose the right size?

Use height first and age second. If the child is between sizes, go up a size, but not two. Shoes should fit snugly with the toes lying flat. Try everything on at home before the first class, and keep the receipt in case an exchange is needed. Our size guide shows height ranges for each style.

How can we save money?

• Buy the basics first and add extras later.
• Look for classic colors that can be reused at the next level.
• Ask the school if it holds second-hand sales, which are common.
• Care for the uniform properly: wash gently and air dry.
• Label everything so nothing gets lost.

How do I prepare my daughter?

Let her try on the uniform at home and practice tying her hair. Pack the bag together the night before. Arrive a few minutes early so she can settle. Most first classes are playful, and teachers are used to nervous beginners.

Questions to ask the school

• Is there a uniform list, and does it include colors and styles?
• Is a skirt required or optional?
• Are tights required in pink or are other colors allowed?
• Where should we buy ballet shoes, and does the school have a preferred shop?
• How should the hair be styled?

How to choose ballet shoes

Ballet shoes should fit snugly with the toes lying flat and without curling. There should be little extra space at the front, because children grow fast but too much room makes the shoe slip. Check the elastics sit across the arch, and sew them on if the shoes do not come with them already attached.

What should we do at home?

1. Wash new items once before the first class.
2. Label everything with your daughter’s name.
3. Practice putting on the leotard and tights together.
4. Pack the bag together so she knows what is in it.

What if she changes her mind?

Many children try ballet for a term and decide it is not for them. That is why buying only the basics at first is sensible. If she stays with ballet, add a skirt, a warm-up top and a better bag later, and check our size guide when she grows.