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.

Boys practice costumes vary depending on the dance school. Some classic schools have very rigid rules. This is especially true for some European schools, especially the Russian schools. Other schools are quite informal and do not insist on standardized practice costumes. There is substantial variation from school to school. At some American schools the children can wear whAt ever they want, of course, within region. In other schools they are stricter about practice costumes.

Chronology

Ballet is a very traditional art form. Many basic practice garments have remained unchanged over time, although the schools ahve been more receptive to new fabrics and materials. Many traditional schools have had boys practice in an open-neck dance shirt, both skeeved and tank-top styles. Schools have also used leotards and briefly cut shorts--to allow a maximum of freedom of movement. These styles are worn mostly in Russian and Eastern European schools. We have noticed some schools in recent years accepting some modern styles such as snug fittiong long-legged lycra shorts such as commonly use by bicycle racers. These are popular in American and European schools.

Types of Schools

Clasical Schools

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.

Other schools

Many other 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. Other schools insist upon tights, but allow condsiderable latitude about the shorts and 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.

Individual Schools

Here are some of the practice costumes required by different schools. Often there are different practice costumes for different age groups. Boys and girls always wear destinctive uniforms.

American school

An American school informs parents what is needed to take ballet.
Girls: a leotard (color and style specified by teacher and class level), tights (light pink with feet), and ballet slippers (pink leather or canvas). Learn to put hair up off face and neck (not a pony tail).
Boys: a leotard (color and style specified by teacher and class level), tights (worn outside leotard also specified by class level), dance belt (like an athletic supporter - for boys 11 or 12 years and older), ballet shoes (white leather or canvas), and athletic socks--calf high (white). If hair is long, must be pulled back.

American school--Deleware

One American school has different costumes for different age groups.
KinderBallet: Students are introduced to the art of ballet through exercises designed for the very young child. Develops self-awareness, coordination, flexibility, balance, rhythm, and muscle toning. Dress code: KinderBallet 1 & 2. Girls wear light blue leotard, pink tights, pink ballet shoes (no skirts, shirts or leg warmers. Hair must be off the face and in a bun if long enough). Boys wear black shorts, white T-shirt, white socks, black ballet shoes. Students are introduced to the art of ballet through exercises designed for the very young child. Develops self-awareness, coordination, flexibility, balance, rhythm, and muscle toning. Dress code: KinderBallet 1 & 2: Girls - light blue leotard, pink tights, pink ballet shoes (no skirts, shirts or leg warmers. Hair must be off the face and in a bun if long enough) Boys- black shorts, white T-shirt, white socks, black ballet shoes.
Pre-Ballet: Students learn basic fundamentals of ballet through exercises designed for their physical and emotional development. Develops body awareness, self-confidence and self-discipline. Dress code: Pre-Ballet 1 & 2: Girls -royal blue leotard, pink tights, pink ballet shoes. (No skirts, shirts or leg warmers. Hair must be tied back off the face and in a bun if long enough.) Boys - royal blue shorts, white T-shirt, white socks, black ballet shoes.
Ballet 1 & 1X: Students begin serious ballet training through a structured ballet class with emphasis on placement and technique. Dress code: Ballet 1 & 1X: Girls -navy blue leotard, pink tights, pink ballet shoes. ( No skirts, shirts or leg warmers. Hair must be tied back off the face and in a bun if long enough.) Boys-black tights, white T-shirt, black ballet shoes
Ballet 2: Ballet 2 is for children age 9-12 with experience/ placement by audition/ or must have completed Ballet 1X. Students must take 2 ballet plus 1 modern or jazz class per week. Students are introduced to more intensive ballet training, terminology and theory. Begins to develop physical strength and endurance. Dress code: Girls -rose pink leotard, prima soft European pink tights, pink split sole ballet shoes. (No skirts, shirts or leg warmers. Hair must be tied back off the face in a bun.) Boys-black tights, dance belt, white T-shirt, black ballet shoes. Boys in more advanced classes wear the same the same practice outfit.

Figure 2.--At this preparatory class the girls wear leotards and pink tights and the boys white "T" shirts and black tights.

American School--San Francisco

This San Francisco school also has varying costumes for diiferent ahe levels.
Creative Movement and Jr. Combo: These classes are for children 2-6 years old. Girls wear light pink leotard (cotton/lycra fabric, no velvet) and light pink tights, pink ballet shoes. Pink chiffon skirts are optional, no tutus. Skirts, leotards and tights may not be floral, glitter or sparkle. Boys wear black tights or dance pants, white fitted t-shirt, black ballet shoes. Both boys and girls need black tap shoes with Velcro or elastic ties.
Ballet Intro. and I: These classes are for children 7-9 years old. Girls wear burgundy or light pink leotard (cotton/lycra fabric, no velvet) and light pink tights and pink ballet shoes. Pink chiffon skirts are optional, no tutus. Skirts, leotards and tights may not be floral, glitter or sparkle. Hair must be worn in a bun or tied back, if not long enough. Boys wear black tights or dance pants, white fitted t-shirt, black ballet shoes.
Ballet II and III: These children are age 10 and up. Girls wear black leotard, pink tights and pink ballet shoes. Black chiffon skirts are optional. Hair must be worn in a bun or tied back, if not long enough. Boys wear black tights or dance pants, white fitted t-shirt, and black ballet shoes.

American school--Virginia

Anerican school--Ohio

Women and girls wear black leotard, pink tights, pink ballet slippers, hair off neck and fastened close to head. Men and boys wear white T-shirt or black leotard, black tights, black dance belt, and black ballet shoes.

Figure 3.--This school had an interesting approach to the practice costumes for the younger children. The girls wear a traditional outfit of pastel coloted leotards with a skirt. The boys instead of leotards wear a middy blouse and matching shorts.

Unknown school

We note one school with an interesting approasch to the practice costumes for the younger children. The girls wear a traditional outfit of pastel coloted leotards with a skirt. The boys instead of leotards wear a middy blouse and matching shorts. We believe this is an American school, but are not sure. Footwear an optional hosiery was left up to the children and their mothers.

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Created: July 22, 2000
Last updated: 5:23 AM 12/27/2004