Figure 1.--Notice how the boys at this school wear a variety of different shirts, a colored long sleeved shirt, a white "T"-shirt, and a black long sleeved shirt.

Most ballet schools insist on tights, but this may discourage boys in countries like America where there is no strong tradition for boys learning and participating in ballet. About the worst thing that boys can be called in America is a sissy and wearing tights and other ballet wear is something that most American boys would want to hide. American dance schools may allow boys, at least beginners, to dance in short pants or other clothes that the boys feel comfortable in. Many are quite shy about traditional ballet clothes like tights. Other schools insist upon tights, but allow condsiderable latitude about the socks the boys choose. The schools strictness depends in part on the type of school. A dancing school that specialized on ballet is likely to be very strict. A school offering many types of dance--especially modern dance is likely to be much more flexible.

Garments

Shirts

A variety of shirts are worn for ballet practice. Some schools let the boys wear rather much what they want. White "T"-shirts of various descriptions are common. Colored short or long sleeved shirts are also worn. Patterned or logo shirts are usually not allowed, but some non-traditional schools even allow them. Normally these shirts are long and may have to be tucked into the tights. They also often have normal sized necks.

Tights

Most ballet schools insist on tights, but this may discourage boys in countries like America where there is no strong tradition for boys learning and participating in ballet. About the worst thing that boys can be called in America is a sissy and wearing tights and other ballet wear is something that most American boys would want to hide. American dance schools may allow boys, at least beginners, to dance in short pants or other clothes that the boys feel comfortble in. Many are quite shy about traditional ballet clothes like tights.

Pants

Socks

Other schools insist upon tights, but allow condsiderable latitude about the shirts the boys choose. They wear their shirts both ticked in and left out. Often boys will add socks when wearing tights. White socks are by far the most common.

Shoes

Figure 2.--All of the boys at this ballet school wear black tights. The boys are allowed to select a variety of shirts and socks.

Type of School

The schools strictness depends in part on the type of school. A dancing school that specialized on ballet is likely to be very strict. A school offering many types of dance--especially modern dance is likely to be much more flexible.