What Should My Daughter Wear To Her First Ballet Class: A Beginner's Guide

When your daughter starts ballet it can feel exciting—both for her and for you, her parents! Tutus, Ballet Shoes, Tiaras, and more! The possibilities are endless. 

One of the most common questions parents have about their child's beginner ballet class is, “What should my daughter wear to her first ballet class?” If you're feeling unsure, you’re not alone! The good news is, we've got you covered.

Here’s a simple, stress-free guide to what your daughter will need—and what you can skip—for her first ballet class.

The Basics: What She'll Typically Need

Leotard

A leotard is the foundation of most ballet outfits. It’s a snug-fitting one-piece that allows your child's teacher to see her alignment and posture. For her first class, any basic leotard will do—common styles include tank, camisole, or short-sleeved.

While black or pink is often the standard color in traditional studios, you can wear any color unless your school specifies otherwise. Be sure to check with your local dance studio about any requirements they may have.

For younger dancers, parents often opt for a leotard with an attached skirt. It looks super cute and will help your daughter feel like a princess!

Some of our favorites ballet dresses in pink are below. Most of these styles are available in black and other colors as well:


Tights

Ballet tights are typically pink or skin-toned, and they’re designed to be stretchy, breathable, and supportive. Footed or convertible tights (which can be rolled up to expose the feet) are popular options but the youngest of beginner ballerinas can do with just a basic pair of footed tights to start. Be sure to ask your child's dance teacher if a particular color is preferred.

Another thing to keep in mind is the waist. Some tights are made with elastic at the top which can be uncomfortable for some dancers, especially those with sensory issues. A more popular option for younger ballerinas is a self-knit waistband. It holds tights securely in place without the discomfort of elastic.

When buying tights, the more pairs the better. While tights have come a long way in recent years, there's always the risk of ripping tights or getting holes in them from repeated use. Always make sure toe nails are trimmed to avoid those unsightly snags. Starting with at least two pairs of tights is a good way to ensure a smooth transition to ballet class.

Here are some of the tights we love:


Ballet Shoes

Ballet shoes (or slippers) are essential. They come in canvas or leather, with full or split soles. For beginners, canvas shoes are often more affordable and easier to break in. But they do get dirty faster. A quality leather pair will likely last your ballerina the entire dance year. If your daughter is performing in a year-end recital, you might need to purchase a new, cleaner pair at the end of the school year (if she hasn't outgrown them before them as we know how children's feet grow like weeds)!

A full sole ballet shoe supports your dancer's entire foot and is a great option for a beginner ballerina. However, some dance teachers and dancers prefer a split sole where they can really point through their foot, showing off their arch. Check with your child's ballet teacher to see if she has a preference. 

When fitting ballet shoes make sure the fit is snug but not tight. Your child's toes shouldn't be crunched up but there also shouldn't be a lot of room by her toes otherwise she might trip. Also take note of sizing. Each brand has its own sizing chart and it's important that you follow it. Unlike regular shoes/sneakers, most ballet shoes do not run true to foot size. If you are ordering online, do your research first.

It's a good idea to check with your studio to see if they require a specific color (often pink or skin tone) or brand. Some studio dress codes specify the exact shoe she may need while others are more flexible.

Here are some ballet shoes we recommend:


Hair & Jewelry

For ballet, a tidy hairstyle isn’t just about looks—it’s about function. A classic ballet bun is ideal, but a high ponytail or braid will work if your daughter's hair is too short. The goal is to keep hair off her face and neck so it doesn’t become a distraction. Bobby pins and clips work wonders for class and recitals. 

Skip the jewelry (especially necklaces and bracelets) as it can be unsafe during movement. But a bun cover with some studs is an inexpensive way to upgrade her ballet outfit if your daughter likes her bling.

Here are some hair supplies you might find useful for your daughter:

Extras You Might Want

While not strictly necessary, a few extras can make your first class more comfortable:

What to Avoid

Here are a few things to steer clear of when sending your daughter to ballet class:

  • Baggy Clothes: These make it harder for her teacher to see her alignment and for her to feel her body properly in space. While most dance teachers will allow a sweater or warmup until your daughter warms up, keep those tight fitted and snug for safety.

  • Bare Feet: Ballet requires shoes designed for sliding and turning, with flexibility and a soft sole. Make sure she has the proper shoes for class.

  • Tights or Socks Alone: While tempting, tights and socks can be very slippery on dance floors and lead to injury.

Where to Buy Beginner Ballet Gear

You don’t need to break the bank to start your daughter in ballet. Here are a few ways to get dancewear affordably:

  • Local Dancewear Stores: Staff can help you find the right fit and offer studio-specific advice.

  • Online Retailers: Check out New York Dancewear Company (our website) for great discounts on dancewear.  

  • Secondhand Options: Facebook groups, eBay, or local consignment stores often have lightly used gear perfect for beginners.

Final Thoughts

It's always an exciting time when your daughter starts ballet. Whether she's been dancing around like a princess since she was born or you want her to develop her inner ballerina, ballet is about expressing herself and enjoying movement—not having the perfect outfit. As long as she's dressed in something that allows her to move freely and safely, you're setting her up for success.

Remember: Take many photos on her first day of ballet! This moment only comes once.

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