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Ballet/Men's Ballet Uniform

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Expert: - 9/4/2009


Question
My son is taking a beginning ballet course (as a required class for musical theatre) and needs to purchase tights and shoes.  I see that there are several types of material for the tights, which material is preferable, or do most men prefer?  WIth the shoes, are there any that are better than the rest, or are they all basically the same?
thanks so much!

Answer
Hi Holley. Most brands of men's ballet shoes are very similar so it doesn't matter really. They should fit snug, but he should be able to do a knee bend in the shoes (where his feet will spread a little), without them hurting the ends of his toes. Leather will stretch...

The tights are better if they are fairly thick - Danskin is pretty good. A black dance belt under black tights is standard. A black or white leotard can be worn under the tights. Some tights are like a body suit with suspenders or straps that go over the shoulders, and a belt can be worn at the waist. (A piece of black elastic is fine.)

All the best to you both, Dianne

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Dianne M. Buxton

Expertise

I can answer questions about ballet positions, ballet movements and ballet technique, pointe shoes and pre pointe exercise, mens training, ballet diet, general health issues related to dance, artistry, performance, modern dance, rehabilitation from injuries, and teaching ballet. I have taught ballet, choreographed, produced and directed dance companies. For any answers related to health questions I will offer my experience, and give references to information, but I also automatically include "see a professional".

Experience

dancer, ballet and modern, choreographer, dance teacher, artistic director, ballet mistress, producer

Organizations
I.S.T.D. Actra, Actors Equity

Publications
http://ezinearticles.com http://ballettoeshoes.blogspot.com http://streetarticles.com http://balletconnections.com

Education/Credentials
Graduate of the National Ballet School of Canada where I studied Cecchetti, Bournonville, Vaganova and Graham technique. Taught at the National Ballet School of Canada, York University, George Brown College and Harvard University.

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