Ballet Leotard
Choosing the Perfect Leotard!

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A ballet leotard is the core of a dancer's ballet supplies. Dancers wear leotards everyday for rehearsals, classes and auditions.

When choosing a leotard, the same thoughts always come in a dancer's thoughts - What colour should I wear? What style should I get? What suits my body type?

Leotards can look much different off your body then when you put them on. I would advise for you to try leotards on, but if can't then just be certain about the size and style.

There is an endless amount of choice for leotards online, from catalogs or the dance shops.

Some well known brands for leotards would include Bloch, Capezio and Plume.

When looking for a leotard here are some questions and thoughts you may want to think about -

Colour

Which colour complements your skin tone?

You want to get a colour that suits you. If you're going to an audition then focus on a colour that flatters you the most - you want to stand out by looking your best!

Style and Design

Which style looks good on your body?

This could include the cut, the neckline or the sleeve length.There is plenty of choice of different styles, some with fancy crisscoss backs, others with a more simple design.

Here are the names of some styles which you may come across when searching for leotards -

Camisole Leotard (Thin, spaghetti straps)
Tank Leotard (Slightly thicker straps)
Cap-Sleeved Leotard
Long-Sleeved Leotard

Material

Which material do you find the most comforting?

The majority of leotards are made with cotton, lycra, nylon or sometimes velvet. When it comes to material it's personal preference.

Most dancers wear cotton leotards because the fabric is very comfortable and snug. However a lot of dancers do wear nylon because it's cooler and light.

Dance schools most commonly let dancers wear a leotard of their choice, perhaps with a preference of dark-coloured leotards or simple styles.

At vocational dance schools the students normally wear the uniform leotard in which the school require.

Professional dancers have more independence with uniform and have the freedom to wear whichever leotard for rehearsals and class.

The only time when leotards aren't particularly necessary are in performances because usually you have a beautiful costume to wear.

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