for the beginning dancer.
Is the color appropriate for your class? Many studios have a perscribed leotard color for ballet classes.
Try it on. Bend backward and sideways. Do the straps cut into your shoulders? If so, try the next size up. Do a few changements. Does the leotard fall down in the front?
Note: If one size of a leotard falls down, but the next size down cuts into your shoulders, get the bigger size and take in the straps. To do this, make a loop in the leeve and sew the bottom. Then fold it down and sew the top to the rest of the strap.
Do you like the cut of the leg? Do a grande plie in second and come up. If the legs cut into your thigh, try a different cut.
Is the front supportive? This is not a problem for some, but for bustier girls, a lining in the front or body tight (see below) often works well for support.
Do you prefer body tights or waist tights? Body tights are good for support and for under costumes. However, if you plan to wear it with a costume, make sure that the straps will not stick out excessivley.
Footless, footed, or convertible? Footed tights soak up perspiration, while footless tights are good for summer, as they let your feet and calves breathe. Convertible tights offer a happy medium, to both ideas, as well as give girls who dance en pointe the option to roll back their tights to insert toe spacers, tape etc, white covering their entire foot while dancing.
First of all, what level are you? If you are a beginner,no matter what your age, get full-sole shoes. A lot of people say to wear split soles if you are over 13, but if you're just starting out, full soles offer a little bit of resistance and thus build the muscles in your feet. Split soles are for people who havebeen dancing for a while and have stronger feet. If you are intermediate or advanced, you should be in split soles.
Do you prefer canvas or leather? This is mostly a matter of personal preference.
The slipper should fit like a second skin. Your toes should lie flat, but when you demi-plie they should touch the tip of the shoe. The heel should not slide off when you point your foot. Go on releve. There should be no bumps under the metetarsal, you should be able to blance on one foot without pain.
