For Ballerinas only please!?

Question:I am going to start taking ballet on Monday. I have figure skated for about 3 years and I feel that I should take ballet. I am 11 and wanted to know if anybody has any good suggestions for ballet slippers or just stuff in general about ballet. Thanks.

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: I am going to start taking ballet on Monday. I have figure skated for about 3 years and I feel that I should take ballet. I am 11 and wanted to know if anybody has any good suggestions for ballet slippers or just stuff in general about ballet. Thanks.

Hi!

Beginning ballet... how exciting!
You're a figure skater? Wow. I've always wanted to do that.=)

Check out www.discountdance.com for pretty much all your needs. They have some really good stuff--- I'm pleased with everything I've bought from them.

As far as shoes, I would say try out Sansha's slip sole canvas slippers.

Check with your studio about any dress codes. Ask your teacher if she has any preference as to shoes. I've had teachers who prefer leather to canvas, and canvas to leather, but leather for performances. So just check with your teacher.

If you don't have a dress code, you're pretty much homefree, but here are some pointers:

Get a leotard with some form of straps or sleeves.
A light "wrap" skirt.
Pink tights.
Wear your hair up in a neat bun.
Don't wear a lot of jewelry as it tends to be distracting. (My studio forbids bracelets/dangly earrings/necklaces.)
Do not chew gum in class. I've swallowed gum, had gum fly out of my mouth.... the list goes on. Plus, guess who is going to be stuck with getting all that gum up off the floor?
Be respectful to your teacher- don't talk when she's talking, and pay attention to what she's telling you.

Good luck and HAVE FUN! =D

um.. ask your dance teacher?

I'm 15 years old and have been taking ballet sinse I was 2. "Leo's" makes the ballet shoes in my opinion. (:

split soled, leather technique shoes are often the most flattering (giving an impression of a higher, better arch in the foot). The brand we prefer at our school are Bloche. Search out a store in your area that specializes in dancewear. If you can't find one, contact the school where you are beginning your classes and ask where they recommend you purchase shoes.

Ballet would be really good to help your technique in Figure Skating also balance and flexibility. It usually depends on you teacher but they usually want bloch full or split sole ballet shoes (usually full sole) Pink Mondor brand tights and a body suit (style depends on level and studio)and you should put your hair in a bun . If you are unsure to make a bun for ballet, here are some instructions:

1.Brush hair smooth and free of tangles.

2 Pull hair back neatly into a ponytail at the back of the head or higher, using a brush to avoid "lumps and bumps". A tidy pony tail with hair drawn snugly back is the key to making a good ballet bun. Placement of your ponytail determines placement of your bun. Ballet buns should be at the middle of the head or higher.

3. Secure ponytail tightly with hair elastic.

4. Use hair spray to eliminate any "whisps" around the head, smoothing any remaining bumps of hair on the head.

5. Twist the ponytail as you gradually wrap it around the hair elastic, creating a tight, coiled circle, inserting hair pins as you wrap. Be sure that your hair pins contain hair from both the head and the ponytail. This will hold your bun close to your head. Be sure to use plenty of hair pins (12-16 on average).

6.The idea is to have your bun tightly coiled around your elastic and secured to your head.

7.Once you have created your bun, wrap your hair net around it as many times as it will allow for a snug fit.

8. Hold the hair net in place with a few extra bobby pins, and hair spray or gel any whisps that are remaining.

Short Hair :

* Short hair must be secured with a headband.
* No hair may be hanging in the face.
* Use bobby pins to secure any dangling strands of hair.

Don't forget to Stretch before class!

Hope this helps!