This guide will tell you all you need to know about what to wear to an adult ballet class. As well as needing clothes that will allow you to dance freely, you may wish to cover up for modesty and to help you feel more confident. In this guide we’ll talk about the key elements to a successful and flattering outfit to wear to an adult ballet class.
Should I wear a leotard to an adult ballet class?
It is a really good idea to wear a leotard to a ballet class, because this garment is designed specifically for dancing in. However, you don’t need to feel exposed in a leotard – that isn’t the only thing you should wear! You can add tights, leggings, a t-shirt, shrug or wrap skirt to your outfit so that you feel suitably covered.
It’s really important to have a leotard that is the correct size for you. Don’t try and squeeze into something from your younger dancing days, it probably won’t be comfortable! So just like buying correctly fitting underwear, take your time to find a leotard that is correctly sized.
If you are buying a leotard online you often need to size up from your regular clothing sizes as they run small. If you need more support for your chest a leotard with short or long sleeves might be better for you as it has more structure in the bodice. Wear Moi has some lovely short-sleeved styles. You can also wear a sports bra under your leotard, in which case a leotard with thicker straps would be better.
What coloured tights should I wear to adult ballet?
If you’re wondering what tights you should wear to an adult ballet class, most people leave behind pink tights in their childhood, so the best choice for adults is black tights. The bonus of this is that they are more flattering and give your legs a streamlined look. Make sure they are correctly sized for you now, as tights cutting into your stomach all class is not pleasant!
Silky Dance tights are highly rated for quality and fit. The on-trend choice for an adult ballet class are black cut off tights, but that means wearing bare feet inside your ballet shoes. If you prefer coverage on your feet inside your shoe then full footed tights will be best. Alternatively you could wear a pair of very thin trainer liner socks inside your ballet shoes. You can also buy convertible tights that allow you to wear them either way.
What should I wear to cover up in a ballet class?
There are lots of flattering and stylish options to choose from to cover up in an adult ballet class. Adding extra clothing such as a t-shirt, skirt, pair of shorts or a shrug will help you feel more confident and comfortable in class.
T-Shirt ballet cover ups
You can wear two fits of t-shirts for ballet class. A fitted t-shirt sits close to your body and allows you and your teacher to see your elegant lines and check correct body alignment. An option such as the Giselle or Word Art t-shirts from Ballet Rocks are slim fit, with a wide scoop neckline. This is helpful for putting on over your make up and ballet hair, but also accentuates your balletic lines. The second option is a loose fit t-shirt, which has a nonchalant air about it, making you look like you effortlessly threw together this fab ballet outfit. The Ballet Rock’s Ballet slogan v-neck is a great option for this. It’s raw edge gives a casual look and the deep v-neck ensures you show off that expressive upper body line without having a t-shirt skin tight to the rest of your body.
Wrap skirts for ballet class
Wrap skirts are a pretty choice to wear over your leotard and tights for ballet class. They add a gauze layer of clothing for modesty and move gracefully when you dance. Take note of the length of the skirt if you are ordering online as the shorter versions (7-9”) barely cover your bottom. If you’re looking for something with more coverage a length of 13” or 15” would be more suitable, like this Capezio option. Generally the skirts tie at the side or back with a cord, but some have buttons, so make sure you check the measurements for a comfortable fit. See a good selection at Dancewear Central.
What shorts can I wear for ballet class?
Shorts can be a great option for ballet class. You can wear shorts over your leotard for a modesty layer. Sports shorts can work well as they often have moisture wicking properties and can be flattering. Or you could choose a smaller pair of hot pants style shorts for a closer fit. You can look out in high street stores such as H&M for options in their sportwear ranges. If you’re feeling brave, or your studio is warm, you could forego ballet tights and replace them with cycling shorts worn over your leotard instead.
How can I keep warm at ballet class?
It’s important to stay warm at the start of a dance class. It can be draughty in halls and studios where ballet is taught. A wool layer is ideal to wear on your arms and around your shoulders to keep warm until your class has warmed you up fully. A tight-fitting shrug can be bought from a dance retailer, like Bloch here, or look out in high street stores for an inexpensive option. A shrug is a good option for dancing in because it maintains your elegant arm lines. A thin cotton version could also be used all year around if you were self-conscious about your upper arms and want to create a streamlined look.
How can I add personality to my adult ballet class outfits?
What you wear to an adult ballet class doesn’t have to be dull; as dancers we’re artistic, creative people and wearing a plain outfit can feel boring and drab.
Coloured or patterned leotards
One way to easily express your personality at a ballet class is your choice of leotard colour. Yes, black is sleek and flattering and one good black leotard is a must in your dance wardrobe: but there are so many beautiful coloured leotards available, in many different cuts and styles.
Look out for options in purples, blues and greens, or whatever colour you know suits you. Mirella have a lovely range at Bloch. There are options with sheer panels, lace and cut outs as well as zip necks and different sleeve lengths. As a general rule avoid anything light-coloured or unflattering for your skin tone (yellow rarely looks good on anyone). You could pair your leotard with a skirt that is a darker or lighter shade, or choose a skirt that picks up your leotard colour in its pattern.
Ballet t-shirts
It’s great to find ballet t-shirts which don’t rely on corny puns, but are elegant and stylish just like ballet itself. Wearing a Ballet Rocks organic cotton t-shirt in deep plum such as the Giselle option can add a touch of class to any outfit. And the Word Art ballerina t-shirt will give you a boost of feel-good coral colour.
Hair accessories
It’s not a good idea to wear jewellery to ballet class, but you can add decoration to your hair easily and safely. There are always a range of pretty slides available from stores such as Anthropologie and & Other Stories, plus scrunchies are back in style too to put around your bun.
Tops
Another option to add creative flair to your ballet outfit are thin gauzy tops from high street stores. Often the tops have longer sleeves, which are ideal for layering up in class in winter, and they often have interesting patterns and designs on them.
Looking the part is important at ballet class, especially as you may be in a studio with mirrors where you can see your every move. It’s important to feel happy with what you see looking back at you in the mirror so experiment with what combination of ballet clothes works best for you. You will soon discover what is both comfortable to dance in and elegant and stylish looking!