Ballet Technique, Metro Orlando, Florida: INTERLACHEN SCHOOL OF DANCE

The purpose of wearing proper dancewear is to allow the teacher to freely observe the student’s posture, and to allow full range of movement for the student.

LEOTARD REQUIREMENT
Leotards must be purchased through Interlachen School of Dance. We have selected the best cut, fabric and fit for our ballet students. Each class level wears a different color attractively embroidered with the school logo.

Pink tights are required by all ballet students. These may be purchased at a dancewear store, or by catalog or over the Internet. We suggest buying tights one size larger than package sizing indicates for your height/weight. We recommend Prima Soft brand tights for their excellent fit, comfort and durability.

Dance shoes must be fitted in person at a store, instead of ordering “sight unseen.” Dance shoes are usually not sized the same as street shoes, and sizing varies from one manufacturer to another. Ballet and other dance shoes should fit snugly, with toes able to extend fully, but without being able to “pinch” anything extra with your fingers at the front of the toes. They should not be bought for students to “grow into.” Leather shoes will stretch (expand) slightly with use. Canvas shoes sometimes shrink when feet perspire. Do not wear new dance shoes or sew on elastics before instructor checks the fit; if they are soiled, the store will not exchange them in case the fit is incorrect. Keep your box and receipt.

BALLET SLIPPER DRAWSTRINGS
Ballet slipper drawstrings must be tied in a double knot (not a bow)—then excess string must be cut off about 3” away from the knot and tucked into the shoes. Please ask instructor how to sew on instep elastics if shoes do not come with elastics attached.

If you are unable to obtain proper dancewear prior to your first lesson, please attend wearing other dancewear you may have, or simply wear clothing that allows full freedom of movement without obscuring body lines (i.e., close-fitting clothes) and flexible, flat shoes, or socks.

ALL STUDENTS - Please do not wear legwarmers or jewelry (other than small stud pierced earrings) in class. Wristwatches are easily broken. We prefer no skirts, shorts or pants over leotards, or leotards with attached skirts in class (except for Adult students).

FEMALE STUDENTS - Long hair (below earlobes) should be worn in a high bun (ponytail OK for Creative Movement & Primary Dance); otherwise, for shorter hair, please wear headband or barrettes to keep hair off the face. For the safety of all our dancers, please secure all hair accessories so they cannot fly off while dancing.

CREATIVE MOVEMENT STUDENTS - Please refer to the LEOTARD REQUIREMENT at the top of the page. Pink full-footed tights, and pink soft ballet slippers are also required. Please refer to the BALLET SLIPPER DRAWSTRINGS instructions at the top of the page.

PRIMARY DANCE STUDENTS - Please refer to the LEOTARD REQUIREMENT at the top of the page. Pink full-footed tights, and pink soft ballet slippers are also required. Please refer to the BALLET SLIPPER DRAWSTRINGS instructions at the top of the page.

BALLET LEVEL A STUDENTS - Please refer to the LEOTARD REQUIREMENT at the top of the page. Pink full-footed tights, and pink soft ballet slippers are also required. At this level, try to purchase split-sole soft leather ballet shoes. Please refer to the BALLET SLIPPER DRAWSTRINGS instructions at the top of the page.

BALLET LEVEL B I & II STUDENTS - Please refer to the LEOTARD REQUIREMENT at the top of the page. Pink full-footed tights, and pink soft ballet slippers are also required. Split-sole soft leather ballet shoes are recommended for this level. Please refer to the BALLET SLIPPER DRAWSTRINGS instructions at the top of the page.

BALLET LEVEL C I & II STUDENTS - Please refer to the LEOTARD REQUIREMENT at the top of the page. Pink tights may be convertible-foot (slit-foot) or full-foot style. Split sole, soft pink ballet slippers are required. Please do not purchase pointe (toe) shoes without first consulting your instructor. Please refer to the BALLET SLIPPER DRAWSTRINGS instructions at the top of the page.

ADULT or TEEN BALLET STUDENTS - Please refer to the LEOTARD REQUIREMENT at the top of the page. Short ballet skirts are acceptable with teacher approval. Please refer to the BALLET SLIPPER DRAWSTRINGS instructions at the top of the page.

FEMALE STUDENTS IN TAP, JAZZ, MUSICAL COMEDY AND OTHER CLASSES - Ask your instructor. Usually leotard color conforms to your ballet level. Jazz shoes should be flexible oxford-style, in black. Tap shoes (tan), with flat (low) heels. Tan tights.

MEN AND BOYS - For Tap, Jazz, Hip Hop, Musical Theater or other dance classes, please wear “street clothes” that allow complete freedom of movement without being excessively “baggy”. No shorts. Biker pants OK.

All male students above Primary levels are required to wear a dance belt (supporter) under their clothing.

Tap and jazz shoes should be fitted at a dancewear store; buy shoes in black leather, oxford style.

Boys in Creative Movement or Primary Dance may wear shorts and correct dance shoes. Men and Boy’s Ballet should wear a white T-shirt, black heavyweight men’s tights (preferred), OR black close-fitting (not flared) long jazz or stretch pants that allow full movement. See dance belt requirement, above. Buy white or black men’s ballet shoes, in canvas or leather. Thin socks should be worn with ballet shoes if tights are not worn.