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Leotards:
 Leotards come in many different types, sizes, cuts, brands, fabrics and
colors. As you can see in this picture you have a variety of
short sleeve, long sleeve or halter type leotards.
Every leotard fits
differently so it is best that you go and try them on at a store to get
a proper fit. The sizing of leotards is different than sizes you
may normally wear.
The type of leotard you get is completely up to
you, but it has to fit your body. It should fit close to your body but
not too tight or too loose. You need to feel comfortable when you
move around, it must give you ample support and you should not have to
constantly adjust it. A good leotard should stretch nicely when
you move your body. Just be sure to check with your studio to see if
they have any requirements before purchasing.
Tights:
Most ballet classes require you to wear tights
because it gives the teacher an unrestricted view. Tights come in a variety of colors and styles.
Pink is a very popular color in many studios. However you must ask your
teacher what color tights you should get for class.
| Types of tights
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|
Description |
| Convertible: |
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These tights have a small hole under the foot that allows the dancer to
wear it rolled up around their ankles or covering the foot.
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| Footed |
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This type of tight covers
every inch of the legs, ankles, and feet. |
| Seamed |
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It can purchased in
either convertible seamed or footed seamed. The tights
will have a seam down the back of the leg. |
| Stirrup Tights: |
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These tights have
have a hole cut out under the heel and they cut off at the ankle. |
| Full Body Tights: |
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It covers everything from the neck down
and it can
be purchased in long-sleeved or camisole straps. |
Ballet
Shoes/Slippers:
Ballet shoes are the
"building blocks" of a good ballet dancer. Choosing the correct shoe is
an important process that requires the assistance of a reputable
salesperson. You need to be able to manipulate your feet readily
in the ballet slipper without having excess space. The slipper
will stretch to allow a little additional growth space. Although it is a fact
that children outgrow their shoes quickly, it is also true that it is
hard to learn to dance with poor fitting, uncomfortable or stiff shoes.
The proper way for a
ballet slipper to fit is like a glove. When you try on ballet
slippers you should start with a shoe that is 1 1/2 to 2 sizes smaller
than your street shoe size. A good indicator for fit is to put the
shoes on and stand in first position. The shoes should feel a bit
snug but not tight.
When standing up with feet flat on the
ground, you want feet and toes to lay flat in the shoe.
The shoe fits
properly when your heel stays in place, the tips of your toes fit almost
to the tip of the shoe, and you have room to wiggle your toes.
Slippers come in different widths so be sure to choose one that suits
your child's foot.
So when you begin to
think the slipper is too small for your child it is probably just
beginning to fit correctly! The slipper is too small when it is so
tight that the toes can not lay flat and square on the floor.
Basically there are two
different types of ballet slippers: full-sole and split-sole.
| Full -sole |
The
full-sole is the "traditional" ballet shoe with a leather sole
that runs the length of the shoe. |
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| Split- sole |
The
split-sole shoe has half a sole under the ball of the foot and
half under the heel of the foot. |
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There are also a few
choices of materials that you can choose from for ballet
shoes. They can be made out of canvas, leather or
satin. Satin shoes are primarily used for recitals
Leather is a classic shoe material that has a smooth
appearance. This material will not stretch very
much. Canvas shoes will stretch.
When
purchasing ballet shoes you will also have a selection
of colors, generally white, black, and pink. Normally,
pink are for girls, and white/black are for boys. Some
contemporary styles of slippers for women are are also
being made in a flesh tone. You should check with your
dance instructor to determine what is required for your
studio.
Elastics
are what keep ballet shoes on the ballerina's feet.
Some slippers will come with pre-attached
elastics and with others you will need to attach them
yourself. There are two different ways to position
the elastics to the slipper. You can either go
straight across from one side of the shoe to the other
or you can criss-cross the elastic over the instep of
the foot.
Other
Great Activities for Kids....
ART
A wonderful way for children to express their creativity,
while at the same time learning fundamental skills that
will
improve their artistic endeavors.
THEATER
teaches the importance of
dedication, focus and practice.
SCUBA
teaches
you to set goals and progress steadily towards them
with the help of your instructors. |
GYMNASTICS is
the foundation for all sports because it teaches your child to control
their body.
BIKING
is a great family activity and it is
something that kids love to do. |
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