Figure 1.--The practice costume at this classical ballet school is a short"T"-shirt, black tights, and dance shoes. HBC is not sure in which country the school is located.

Classic ballet schools have boys practice in t-shirt-like short-sleeved dance shirts and trunk-like short pants or tights. HBC at this time can not identify the various schools involved. Many of the schools appear to be in Russia and Bulgaria, but there are classical schools in other countries as well.

Standards

Classical schools tend to have very strict standdards about costumes even for practing. They usually insist on classical ballet dancewear. They generally permit only minor differences between individual boys.

Garments

Dancers in actual performances often wear elegant, often elaborate costumes. Students learning ballet, however, need simple, close-fitting clothing that has been especially designed for ease of movement. Girls wear a snug loetard--a bodysuit designed by Monsieur Léotard more that a century ago. These garments allow the teacher to check posture at a glance. A sleeveless leotard is often a good idea, as it will keep a student and teacher mindful of the line of your shoulders. Classic ballet schools have boys practice in t-shirt-like short-sleeved dance shirts and trunk-like short pants or tights.

Shirts

Practice shirts vary. Some are short sleeve shirts, looking much like "T"-shirts. Others are more specialized. These specialized shirts include both short and long sleeved shirts. They differ from normal "T"shirts in that that they normally have especially wide neck openings and are usually shorter than normal "T"shirts. They are usually white. Another common short style, especially at classical dance schools, are tank-top tight sleeveless shirts--again almost always white.

Pants

When pants are worn, they are usually black short pants. Some schools have trunk-type shorts. Bare legs, with short socks, will allow the student to first recognize, and then use, his leg muscles correctly. As a result, shorts are very common ast classical ballet schools--especially the Russian and European schools.

Figure 2.--The boys at this classical school wear tank-top shirts and short pants with white kneesocks. Note the costume is very standard, except for one boy wearing black shoes.

Tights

Many schools have boys wear tights rather than short pants. The tights vary in color more than the short pants. Black is probably the most common color, but some schools use various colored tights. When tights are worn, they must also be carefully fitted to hug the legs, and not restrict movement. Pink tights are the best choice for girls, as the light color allows muscle actions and lines to remain clearly visible. Boys at clasical schools often wear short pants when younger and tights when older.

Leotards

Boys over sometimes wear thights over a leotard, although "T"-shirts or dance shirts are more common when boys are first starting out.

Unitards

A unitard, with its uncluttered lines, is another option.

Dance belts

Boys also need an athletic support (called a dance belt), and an elasticized belt to hold up their tights.

Socks

Socks are worn with short pants. They are almost always white sicks of different lengths. Boys at non-clasical shoesmay wear socks with tights, but this is less common at classical schools.

Shoes

Almost all classical schools require standard dance shoes. Boys and girls both need special ballet slippers, which are generally made from canvas or soft leather. They should fit the feet exactly, supporting their shape without allowing any extra "room to grow." Students will then be able to see and feel their feet develop strength and flexibility. Elastic, or ribbons sewn securely to the sides of the slipper, will keep it moded to the dancer's foot. Sew them where the back of the shoe touches the side when it is folded forward from the sole. Avoid catching the outside of the slipper, or the drastring, in the stiches. To keep ballet slippers clean and to prevent the soles from becoming slippery, wear them only when inside the studio. Black is the nost common color for boys, but white shoes are also widely worn. Colored shoes are not common for practice.

Most girls look forward to going on pointe; however, this does not happen until, after several years of study, the teacher feels the student is strong enough. Under their beautiful satin exteriors, pointe shoes have a hard shell made from layers of burlap and glue. A dancer needs guidance from an experienced pointe shoe fitter to find the shoes that best suit her feet, as there are many options available.

Warm up clothes

Teachers may also suggest some warm-up clothing to wear while waiting for class, or on chilly days. Close-fitting woolen leg warmers or a cotton sweatsuit are probably best, as they absorb perspiration, rather than trapping it close to the skin. Be certain to discuss all clothing purchases in advance with your teacher, as many schools ask their students to wear specific styles and colours. Remember that snug, simple clothing is best, as it allows you to check your positions and become comfortable with physique.

Countries

HBC at this time can not identify the various schools involved. Many of the schools appear to be in Russia and Bulgaria, but there are classical schools in other countries as well. A few of the images have been identified as Russian. In other instances I have seen Bulgarian flags in the background.