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Ballet/Ballet Attire

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Expert: - 8/3/2010


Question
I have been searching dance studios for my 4 & 6 year old daughters. I visited a studio today while an advanced ballet class was taking place and was surprised to see that the students were all wearing different leotards with shorts. They were also wearing different shoes as well, some traditional ballet slippers and others wearing something resembling socks. I was taken aback because I know many studios require dancers to wear matching leotards.  Is there any important reason for ballet dancers to wear matching leotards during practice or is it just custom?  This studio is primarily a jazz studio, not ballet, but nonetheless - would this be reason to be wary of the quality of instruction?

Answer
Hi Amber. I guess in a jazz studio requirements for dance wear could be lax. In a ballet studio you would be looking for pink tights and black leotards - because that dance wear helps the teacher teach. Here's an article I wrote about it a while ago:

http://balletshoesandpointeshoes.blogspot.com/2007/11/best-ballet-wear-in-ballet...

So that's my take on it, and I hope it explains why in some dance studios it is strictly enforced.

But in the meantime, for your  daughter, it is most important that the teacher has wonderful rapport with children and supports their love of moving to music.

All the best, 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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