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6 min read

You never really think about how important your leotard is until you realise what a difference it makes when you stop wearing the correct uniform.

You wouldn’t step onto a building site without a securely fitting hardhat, you wouldn’t dream of jumping out of a plane without a parachute, so why are we not wearing the best leotards for our bodies in the dance studio? If we want to minimalise injury and ensure we have the best technique, we need to be wearing the best clothing.

Every year, every show was another opportunity for another leotard, or five. Each routine came with its own outfit, its own leotard. If you are a serious dancer, you more than likely have an entire collection of leotards. You will have your favourites and you will have your least favourites, for me, it was the long sleeved. I loathed it! 

My Story: How My Choice of Ballet Leotard Affected My Performance

I still remember putting on my first pink ballet leotard. Just putting on the leotard made me feel like a ballet star. Paired with my ballet shoes and my pink ballet tights, I never wanted to take them off.

Wearing a leotard is the best thing you can ever do to improve your performance. Hearing the words “stomach in” or “align your hips” bellowed at me. That constant reminder made me the dancer I am. Don’t ever forget those words. Let them echo inside your mind.

But, as I got older, the standards began to slip at our dance academy. Suddenly, T-shirts became the craze. Foolishly, I began to wear a T-shirt over my leotard, I slipped into the peer pressure and my insecurities got the better of me. What if people could see my lumps and bumps? What if I had missed shaving day? The T-shirt was the perfect option. Or, so I thought.

In the midst of puberty, it seemed the best way to hide everything I wanted to hide. I was in the midst of teen angst and the last thing I wanted was my ballet teacher shouting at me to keep my stomach in. Can’t she see I’m trying!? With t-shirt and shorts, she couldn’t see my turn out, she couldn’t see my posture. The bagginess gave me a security net. It gave me a way to mingle in to a crowd. I was slipping into oblivion and so was my technique.

It’s sad to see your own performance deteriorate. You don’t notice at the time. Day by day, you’re still at dance class, you’re slipping into bad habits, but nobody is there to pick them up. Your teacher can’t help you, how can they help something they can’t see? You fall into a trap. A quiet life. You fade into the backlight. Is that really what us dancers want? To be cast a shadow upon and find ourselves slowly falling behind?

I was dropped from solos. Distinctions turned into passes. I wasn’t chosen for scholarships anymore. I’d worked so hard just to let it all slip. My confidence dropped. Why can’t I do this anymore? So, I dropped out. Dancing became a drag for me. I wasn’t good at it anymore. I had failed myself. How? I wasn’t sure back then.  

It took two years for me to realise how badly I missed dancing. How badly I missed the shows. The exams. The fitness. Things I had loathed about dancing became the thing I craved the most. So, I sought out a different dance school. A stricter one. I needed the push. If I was going to do this, I needed to do it right.

The most important thing to me was a school with a uniform. I needed that sense of discipline.

I searched for the perfect leotard to wear for my first day back. I needed to get this right. I tried on so many leotards. I wanted one that accentuated my features. One that would make me feel confident and make me want to stand in the spotlight. I couldn’t fade into the back row, not again. 

I chose a microfibre leotard, the quick drying feature makes them exceptionally more pleasant to dance in. There are so many different styles, halter neck, camisole, tank, short sleeved, long sleeved. That’s before you’ve ever begun to take a look at colours! I decided on a spaghetti strap halter leotard with an elegant back design. I decided on a high leg leotard to accentuate my legs. I wanted to make a show-stopping debut!

ballet leotards, many colors, for girls

The bellows of “turn out your legs!”, “hold your stomach in!” “POSTURE!” were greatly received. I never knew how much I had missed the familiar ballet shouting that we all know so well. Investing in a flattering leotard and ditching the T-shirt was the best decision I ever made. 

It took time. It took hard work, tears and countless shouting from my teacher, but my technique returned. I became the dancer that I craved to be. I have my leotard to thank for that and a very good teacher! 

Now, whenever I’m teaching dance and I see a young student waltz in with their t-shirt on, I sympathise. But, it’s uniform. Take it off or leave the class. Never will I let a child waste important practice time. They can’t wear them during exams, they can’t wear them during shows. Invest in a good leotard, it’s worth it.

What Size Should I Buy? 

My general rule is, after six months of ballet class, it’s time to invest in a new leotard. When you try on a leotard, keep this in the mid. It should fit you perfectly. It should not be too tight where you can’t breathe, yet not too loose that there is sagging.

If you’re unsure whether you have the right size, give it a test drive. Do a quick plié or a Grand battement and see how you feel!

ballet leotards for women

Leotard Styles 

There are so many styles to choose from so it’s essential to find one that you feel comfortable in. 

  • Halter Leotard: The halter leotard is easy to put on and flatters most body shapes and types. There are no straps to worry about and they show off the back and shoulders. The halter leotard is a very popular style.
  • Tank Leotard: The sleeveless tank with the thick shoulder straps. They provide great coverage and more stability for bigger busted dancers.
  • Short Sleeved: Cap sleeves that look like a t-shirt, they are popular among the younger dancers. However, the sleeves can be annoying!
  • Long Sleeved: Perfect for the cold weather, but the sleeves can be bothersome. Long sleeved leotards give an impression of long, flowing arms. Perfect for showing off the arm positions.
  • One-Shoulder: Want to look unique? The one shoulder leotard has an artistic flare. They are popular among jazz, character, contemporary and ballroom dancers.
  • Mock-Neck: The mock neck, or turtle neck, is a tight fitting, high neckline. It gives the impression of a longer neckline. They can be a quick fix for a classy feel.
  • Zipper: A zipper leotard has a functioning zip, often near the neckline at the front or down the back. They can make for quick changing or add an interesting feature to the leotard.
  • Embellished: Born to stand out? If you’re wanting to make an impression for an audition then an embellished leotard is a popular choice. With decorative details or sparkly rhinestones, they’re sure to be a show-stopper.
  • Camisole: A very popular style, the camisole leotard has classic and sophisticated ‘spaghetti-straps’. They create a flattering and delicate look.

unique ballet leotards

Material Choices

There are different choices of material so it’s vital that you choose one that you feel comfortable and confident in.

  • Cotton: Cotton leotards can be soft and comfortable. They are usually inexpensive and are usually all-natural products. However, cotton has poor elasticity and the colours will fade fairly quickly. They will also absorb sweat.
  • Microfibre: Microfibre materials are quick drying and are comfortable to dance in.
  • Velour: Velour leotards are a popular choice and can look absolutely beautiful. But, they can make you too hot, so they aren’t a great choice for summer.
  • Lace: Lace leotards can look beautiful and elegant, but ensure you choose one that has been manufactured to stretch with your body! 
A leotard is one of the most important investments in dance. The right ballet leotard will boost your confidence, your performance and your technique. Choose the right leotard for you. It’s worth it.

 


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