Expert: Jennifer - 7/7/2006

Question
Hi,
I am 12 and I have just signed up for ballet lessons at a local dance school. I have always wanted to do ballet every since I was very young and now I have the opportunity as I have moved house. My first lesson is in a few weeks time and I wanted to know what things I will be needing to buy (clothes and shoes-wise). I also wanted to ask what exercises I could do to help build up my leg strength (a friend told me that strength was needed in ballet) and because I am so old compared to other girls starting ballet, how long it would take until I could start pointe work.
Many thanks for taking the time to read this, Becca.

Answer
Congratulations on starting to take ballet classes! That is very exciting for you... I know you'll really enjoy it.

The first thing that you need to do is check with your school to see if there is a specific dress code that you need to follow for class, and see if there are any specific recommendations from your teacher about what type of shoes to buy... different teachers have different ideas about shoes. I will give you the safe basics, and you can adjust this to what your teacher says.

Here are the basics:
Leotards
Tights
Technique Shoes
Skirt (if allowed by your teacher, and if you want to wear one)
Coverups (for going to and leaving the studio)

Leotards:
I always like to have at least 1 leotard for each class I take in a week. So if I'm taking 3 classes a week, I like to have 3 or 4 leotards -- that means I only have to do laundry once a week.
Always have at least one solid black sleeveless (either tank or spaghetti strapped) leotard, unless you are required by your teacher to wear a specific color. The rest of your leotards can be any style as long as they're simple and are one solid color. Steer clear of leotards with bells and whistles -- no stripes, two-toned leotards, lace, etc.

Tights:
I also try to get 1 pair of tights for each class I take in a week. My standard tights (and this goes for most students) are ballet pink microfiber convertable tights. These are the tights with no seams that have the hole in the bottom of the foot. They are very durable (they dont run and get holes in them like the mesh tights do) and they are more comfortable, and it is easier to find the right size. Please do check with your teacher about dress code first though, because many dance stores don't take returns on tights.

Technique shoes:
In my opinion, you have 2 good options for your technique shoes. I dont think one is necessarily better than the other -- you just have to decide what you need and what you like best.
1) Leather split sole technique shoes - Leather shoes have 2 major benefits. There is more resistance in the instep with leather shoes, so they can make your feet stronger. They are also more durable and wont wear holes in the toes as quickly. The drawback is that they are much more expensive, usually about $30. If you get leather, I don't recommend getting the hybrid leather shoes (the ones with canvas inserts in the middle) because you lose the strengthening benefit).
2) Canvas split sole technique shoes also have benefits: it is easier to point your foot and you can feel the floor better. You can also wash them in the washing machine. They're also much cheaper than leather shoes, usually from 13 - 20 dollars.
One thing I don't reccomend in ballet shoes are the full soled ballet shoes -- only because they are usually cheap and dont fit well... if you found well-made ones those would be fine too.

Skirt:
Stick to a solid colored skirt, if you choose to wear one, that coordinates with your leotard. Save the patterned skirt for later, when you know if you can get away with it or not.

Coverups:
Always have something comfortable and covering to arrive and leave the studio in. It isn't appropriate to go outside in just your leotard and tights. Warmups or just pajamas are fine, as long as you're covered!

As for exercises -- save exercises for class! Since you've never taken classes before, I want you to wait until you learn the appropriate exercises from a teacher before you start doing things at home. Instead, just try to stay active doing activities you are used to to try to build up your stamina.

As for pointework -- since you are already 12 you don't have to worry about waiting for your bones to develop... your body should be mature enough to handle it now. However, it may take a year or 2 of learning the basics before you are ready to handle the stress of pointework... it takes a lot of strength and skill to dance on your toes! Just be patient and be sure to let your teacher know that pointe is your goal.

If you have any other questions, please let me know. Otherwise, good luck!