I was wondering if you all have warm up gear and if so what does it consist of what leotards you wear and what your favourite make is and what shoes you prefer. Also what do you have to wear at your dance school/studio.

thanks Suzanne xx

Hi x_SugarPlum_x!!
Well this is what I wear as a guy and whats in my dance bag.
1.black tights
2.few T-shirts, white, blue, brown
3.few white socks
4.legwarmers and sweatshirt for warm up or to wear during class
5.3 Ballet slippers, colors Black, White and Brown Pairs all leather full soles made by Blochs
6.Guys ballet brief or boycut shorts for the summer
7.head scarf to hold my hair down incase I let it grow long

Check with your studio to see if they have a dress code. The might prefer a certain color, style, and/or brand. My current studio requires black leotards, but that is much as they specify.

You will need ballet pink tights. In my opinion, Capezio has the most comfortable and durable. You can buy them full, footless, convertible, or stirrup.

I like Bloch ballet flats the best, in canvas. I recommend the Bloch Canvas Pump style. I find that it nicely flatters my arch. If you want leather ballet shoes, I can't really help you there since I haven't worn leather ballet flats since I was much younger.

For warm-ups, you might want to invest in legwarmers and a ballet crossover sweater. There are some cute sets out there too.

Check out Discount Dance Supply. You can browse their catalog online, and make an order through the internet, or they can send you a free catalog to your house. They have A LOT of dance clothes, warmups, shoes, and accessories. Different styles, and brands.

thanks you two. you given me some ideas now of what i need to invest with bye xx

There is an EXCELLENT sticky at the top of the forum about this, check it out
www.dance.net . . .
also, for warmup stuff
www.dance.net . . .

I have a leotard, pink tights (convertible), down boots, a couple of shirts (long and short sleeves), short shorts, and my shoes of course. I also have two pairs of legwarmers (one only reaches my knees, the others go all the way up my thighs. And a pair of special pants (sauna pants??)

Like said before, it would be best to check with your studio first. But if they aren't that strict, then its up to you. It's best to have a leotard thats comfortable- will not expose anything at different angles yet does not appear baggy or ill-fitted. I prefer thin strapped ones or long sleeves... (extremes work well for me lol). It's always good to start with a standard black leotard (the norm) but fun colored ones are also really nifty . Next would be tights- most preferably in "ballet pink" or simply "pink." I own only footed tights- but am going to get some convertable. The footed ones are comfy, but for other reasons, I have also considered the tights that cut off right after the knee- they look really cute and would be nice for informal class or practice. I have a pair of white ones but I only use them for performances, so you may not have to get those now. About ballet flats- I currently have leather ones and they're okay. Canvas tend to flatter your foot more, and look a ton more comfy. Lastly would be outerwear such as legwarmers. I am desperately in love with them and would most definately advise you to get some.

While it may be cheaper to buy from a catelog, it may be best to go to a local dance shop to make sure that everything fits okay. If that isn't possible, then its okay to order offline or from a catelog, just remember the companies policies for returns just in case something doesn't fit right- hopefully it will! Hope this helps and have fun with your dancing and ballet!

Lets see.. I own

2-capiezio bodytights
2-tan tights, 2black, and 4pink tights
1-tan leotard
2-black leotards
4 pairs of legwarmers
2-jazz shoes
2-tap shoes
1-pointe shoes
1-ballet flats
1-pedini

and others that i can't think of right now..

well my studio is less leniant so we do NOT have a dress code. But it is nice to come to dance class in actual dance wear. For tap shoes i prefer the Bloch tap flex. its really comfortable on the feet. I think you should go to your local dance store and try on shoes so they'll feel right on you. What feels good for me may be horrible for you. So good luck in finding the right shoes and what not for you