“Why do I have to wear THAT?” Stop, whining…..here’s why……

Short answer – A dancer’s body is their only instrument….teachers need to see it, to train, develop and protect it!! Traditional ballet attire for a female is generally a solid colored leotard, pink tights and snug fitting pink soft ballet shoes.  Many studios also require a belt or an elastic band at the waist.  Ballet attire also includes hair.  Hair should be pulled off the face.  If hair is long enough it should be pulled into a high or low bun.  Traditional ballet attire for a male is a white t-shirt, black tights and a dance belt.  For those of you new to dance a men’s dance belt is not a belt.  It is elastic stretch underwear padded for protection.  It is generally made of moisture wicking fabric.  Male dancers generally wear black snug fitting ballet shoes. I have personally experienced the WHINE of kids and parents alike when I introduce the dress code.  “Why do I have to wear that?!”
It is necessary for dancers to wear proper clothing and hair so their body lines are clearly and quickly seen by the teacher.  Wearing leotard and tights with hair in a bun enables the teacher to trace a line down from the head to the ankles to ensure the student holds their alignment while executing the exercises and combinations.  If a teacher cannot see you it it’s like trying to buy fresh fruit in a paper bag…..What the heck is in there?

Snug fitting ballet shoes – I have watched many a parent cringe when a teacher insists on snug fitting shoes.  They want their child to be able to wear the ballet slippers for as long as possible. They would implore. “Leave some extra room so she can have them for recital!” AGH!!! Correct fitting ballet slippers are just as important as the correct dancewear if not more.  They should fit like a glove! Then the teacher can clearly see any sickling, rolling in or out of the instep and whether the foot is fully extended.  As a teacher, I have had some youngsters come in with bedroom slippers! Once again…..AGH!! The parent feels that they have spent enough money on the classes they are not going to spend more money on the shoes. Ok, this makes no sense to me.  It is like saying, “My child wants to play the soccer.  I will pay for them to join but I am not buying equipment.” When the child  plays an instrument, doesn’t the parent assume they have to buy or rent an instrument. It is the same thing.
I repeat, A dancer’s body is their instrument.  Correct dancewear is necessary to facilitate the movements of ballet.  It enables both student and teacher to get the most from the class.  This dancewear evolved from the beginnings of ballet when it was done in the courts of King Louis the XIV in the mid 17th century.  As the steps became more intricate, they needed less clothing.  The clothing got in the way, so to speak.  Finally Jules Leotard invented the leotard in the early 20th century.  Since then, Dancewear has exploded into a huge business.
In the end, it is simple.  The teacher needs to see the dancers body….all of it!! Only professional advanced dancers have placement and knowledge to execute the steps with correct technique. The younger student may see them wear sweats and big sweaters.  But, in the end even professional dancers will shed the outer wear. They too want to see their lines reflected in the mirror as they move through the choreography.
Another short answer….”I’m the teacher and I said so”