Expert: Dianne M. Buxton - 11/17/2009

Question
I am just getting back into ballet after 25 years.  I am 43 and I have a child, so I don't exactly have the perfect ballet body.  Fortunately, my instructor doesn't require adults to wear leotard and tights.  My question, then, is what is the best outfit for me to wear?  I have been wearing a form fitting t-shirt and yoga pants, but I'm not sure that's most appropriate.  Do you have any suggestions?  Thanks.

Answer
Hi Kelli. I'm not sure what you mean by yoga pants - loose fitting I assume.

The point is whether you feel confident in your ballet technique, or do you want your teacher to see what you are doing in order to correct you.

Your spinal posture, pelvic position, feet-on-the-floor placement and turnout must be visible to the teacher at all times. So, a form fitting top and tights or tight leggings would be best.

I do understand how exposed one can feel! Here's a possible compromise - wear exposing ballet wear for the barre, ( no one can see you except the person in front and behind you) and then add your concealing pants or a wrap around short ballet skirt for the center work. This way the teacher has had a chance to correct you at the barre, if you would prefer that.

Another way is to wear exposing ballet wear once a month - tell the teacher to let you know what you should be working on, or if you have successfully corrected "x" and then wear the more concealing outfit for the next few classes. Usually it takes a few classes to correct something, and if you know what you're working on, the teacher will let you work on it yourself.

I hope this helps!

All the best, Dianne