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Last month, I posted suggestions for modern jazz, modern dance, and yoga class clothing. Now I’ll give equal time to ballet. To those asking why any adult female would start, or return to, a discipline geared to teenagers or professionals in their 20’s, the answer is simple-it’s the most challenging physical activity. To succeed is to experience an incomparable sense of fulfillment. Plus, it’s good for both the inside and the outside of one’s body.

Some cities offer studio-based adult classes; those that don’t may allow a beginner to take with children. But, most adults feel better among other adults, even if the age range is vast. (When everyone is struggling to achieve a perfect pirouette, 20 year olds and 40 somethings have a lot in common.) However, college or universities offering a dance program and community classes at nights should be the first choice. The training may be better geared to adult’s needs. But, both venues will have some sort of dress code.

Ballet attire is the way it is for many reasons. Teachers need to see beginning students’ legs, especially knees. That’s impossible with thick leg warmers, sweats, jazz pants, or warm-up capris. Pink tights allow the working of the muscles to be witnessed, and if the color is close to the ballet slippers, the line of the leg appears longer. (But, very rarely will any studio prohibit an adult from wearing black tights.)

Today’s lovely colors, fabrics and designs will ensure that anyone can find a flattering leotard. Although professional academies often insist on traditional black, adults seldom face such rules-but many opt for black because it’s slimming. A good sales gal in a dancewear shop can recommend the right neckline, style (high waist, wrap, etc.), straps, and thigh cut for one’s particular body to increase confidence. Yet, most adults still feel a bit naked with so much of their figure showing. This is where short, gauzy dance skirts are a lifesaver, and they make everyone feel beautiful. Unlike a bathing suit, in which a woman just walks, tans or floats around with her body underwater, a dancer moves every part of her body in a leotard-a lot-while being closely watched. So, it’s important that it fits perfectly, and nothing gets exposed. Wearing little dance sweaters or shrugs is possible, but eventually they become hot and uncomfortable. Some ladies may wear non-ballet clothing such as t-shirts or sweatshirts, but usually they are experienced dancers and will shed layers as they feel specific muscles warm.

Hair is worn up and secured (bun, pony tail, French braid or short hair held back with a band) to keep it from whipping around during turns and to elongate the line of the neck, keeping emphasis on posture and artistic movement. Students must make sure that clips, pins, hair ornaments and earrings are secured so they don’t fall off and pose a slipping hazard.

Flat ballet shoes (versus pointe shoes, which adult beginners will not be using) come in either canvas or leather. Dancers should visit a dance supply store and try on several styles to see which brand and model are the best for their feet. The arch, instep, toe length and heel width must all be properly accommodated in order to support and provide balance during the demands of class. After finding the right shoe, students can save money by ordering it from a discounter; it’s necessary to remember that brands are sized much differently than American street shoes.

Leotards don’t require special laundering. Some gals prefer to air dry their tights if they are higher end models which are sheer and seamed. Dance skirts are best hand washed and air dried. Canvas shoes may be machine washed, but may be tight when first re-worn, and leather ones simply need wiped with a wet cloth occasionally. Both types of shoes will require the dancer to position and attach the elastics where they give the most support. Many dancerss like to have two, crossed over the instep. Even though the initial cost of ballet clothing seems high, they offer years of wear.

The greatest thing about ballet clothes is that they represent reality in a world that was once only a fantasy. Finding that one can actually dance is a nice bonus.