The good news is it doesn't have to be complicated. Here's everything you need to know before that first class.

Start with a leotard

A leotard is the foundation of any ballet wardrobe. It lets your teacher see your posture and alignment clearly, which matters from day one. For children, a simple classic leotard in pink or any colour your school specifies is all you need to start.

At Dance Direct, we stock leotards from Bloch, Capezio, Energetiks, and Studio 7 Dancewear, in styles to suit toddlers right through to adults. If your school requires a uniform, we can help you find the right one.

Add ballet tights

Ballet tights complete the look and keep you warm as you warm up. Pink tights are standard for most children's ballet classes, but many younger dancers wear ballet socks through the warmer months. For pre-primary and primary levels, ballet socks are a popular and practical choice in summer. From level one onwards, tights are generally required all year round. Look for a style with a soft waistband and good stretch so nothing distracts you mid-plie.

Your ballet shoes matter most

This is the most important part of your kit. Ballet shoes give you the right grip and flexibility for the floor, and a well-fitted pair makes a real difference to how you move.

For beginners, you have two main choices:

• Full sole - a continuous sole that runs the full length of the shoe. Great for younger children as it helps build foot strength.
• Split sole - the sole is split between the ball of the foot and the heel, giving more flexibility. Popular with older children and teens.

Both come in leather and canvas. Leather is durable and moulds to the foot over time. Canvas is lighter and tends to be a little more forgiving for wider feet.

Our own Dance Direct ballet shoes are a firm favourite for beginners, excellent quality at a price that makes sense when feet are still growing. We also stock Bloch, Capezio, and Energetiks for when your dancer is ready to move up.

Getting the fit right

Ballet shoes should fit snugly but not tightly. There should be no bunching of fabric at the toes, and the drawstring should sit flat around the ankle without digging in. A common mistake is buying too big to allow room to grow. In ballet shoes, extra room means extra fabric that gets in the way, can cause trips or slips, and makes it much harder to point your foot properly. Fit them to the foot they are wearing now.

If you are buying for a child, we always recommend coming in to our Maroubra store so we can fit them properly. A five-minute fitting makes a real difference, especially for younger children whose feet change quickly.

What to pack in your dance bag

Once you have your kit sorted, you need somewhere to put it. A good dance bag keeps everything together and makes the rush from school to class a lot easier. Look for one with a separate shoe compartment to keep your ballet shoes clean and dry, and enough room for a water bottle and a ballet wrap. A ballet wrap is great to have on hand for cooler days when your dancer needs an extra layer to warm up before class.

How to look after your ballet shoes and tights

Ballet shoes last longer with a little care. Let them air out after every class rather than sealing them straight into your bag. Canvas shoes can be hand washed when needed. Leather shoes should be wiped down with a damp cloth and left to dry naturally.

For tights, hand washing is the best way to keep them in good shape. If you do use the machine, use a laundry bag and a gentle cycle at a low temperature. Avoid the dryer either way as the heat breaks down the fabric and shortens their life.

A note on hair

Most ballet teachers will ask that hair is tied back, ideally in a bun. It keeps hair out of the face and away from the teacher during alignment checks. A simple bun with pins and a hair net is all you need.

What you don't need yet

Don't rush into pointe shoes, character shoes, or anything more specialised for a first class. Your teacher will let you know when the time is right. For now, keep it simple.

Frequently asked questions

Can my child wear leggings to ballet?

Most dance schools prefer a leotard and tights as the standard uniform. Some schools allow leggings for very young beginners but it is always best to check with your teacher first. A leotard and tights help your teacher see posture and movement clearly, which matters from day one.

Does my child need a specific colour leotard?

Many schools have a set uniform colour, often pink or a specific shade required by the syllabus. Check with your school before you buy. If there is no requirement, a simple pink or any classic colour is a safe starting point.

What is the difference between full sole and split sole ballet shoes?

A full sole shoe has a continuous sole running the length of the foot. It gives more support and is generally recommended for younger children whose feet are still developing. A split sole has two sections with a gap in the middle, giving more flexibility through the arch. It is popular with older children and teens.

How often should I replace ballet shoes?

It depends on how often your child dances and how fast their feet are growing. For children with regular classes, shoes may need replacing every six to twelve months. Check the fit regularly. If the toes are bunching or the drawstring no longer sits flat, it is time for a new pair.

Not sure what your school requires?

The best starting point is always to check with your dance school before you buy. Many schools have specific uniform requirements, especially for younger students. Once you know what's needed, we're here to help you find it.

Visit us in store at Maroubra or shop online at dancedirect.com.au. If you're not sure what to get, just ask. We've been helping dancers and their families get kitted out for over 30 years.

What gymnasts wear to class

Tank tops and crop tops

Tank tops and crop tops are the most common leotard alternative. They sit close to the body without the all-in-one construction, which some gymnasts prefer for comfort and ease. The fit needs to be snug enough that the top does not shift or ride up during inverted work or floor skills. A loose fit looks fine standing still and causes problems the moment you go upside down.

Shorts and leggings

Shorts and leggings pair with a crop top or leotard for extra coverage and warmth. Lycra shorts give full stretch and are the most practical for class. Velvet hot pants are a popular choice for concerts and end-of-year performances where the look matters. Leggings are the right call in cooler months or for gymnasts who prefer full-leg coverage during training.

Sports bras

For older gymnasts, a well-fitted sports bra worn under a leotard or crop top is standard. Racerback and cross-back designs work best because they stay in place during the full range of gymnastics movement and do not interfere with back flexibility. Moisture-wicking fabric is worth prioritising: a sports bra that holds sweat against the skin becomes uncomfortable fast in a long training session.

On bra cups: some gymnasts use them, some do not. If you do, make sure they are secured properly. Cups that shift during a routine are a real distraction. On underwear: seamless or sports-specific options are the practical choice. Standard underwear shows through most gymnastics gear and can cause chafing during floor work.

Wraps and warm-up gear

Warming up properly matters in gymnastics, and keeping muscles warm until training starts in earnest reduces injury risk. Wraps and lightweight jackets are worn over the main outfit before class begins and come off once the body is warm. Look for pieces that are easy to remove quickly and do not catch on equipment.

What to look for in fabric

Two things matter most in gymnastics fabric: stretch and moisture management.

Spandex and Lycra blends are the standard because they stretch in every direction and return to shape. A fabric that bags or loses its stretch after washing will not last long in a gymnastics class. The fit needs to stay consistent from the first minute of warm-up to the last skill of the session.

Moisture-wicking fabrics pull sweat away from the skin and allow it to evaporate. This keeps the body at a stable temperature during intense training and prevents the skin irritation that comes from sitting in damp fabric. Polyester and nylon blends handle this better than cotton, which absorbs moisture and holds it.

Practice wear vs competition wear

For class and training, the priority is comfort and practicality. A crop top with Lycra shorts or tights, or a plain leotard with a wrap, is enough. Colours and patterns are personal preference: bright colours and prints are popular with younger gymnasts, and wearing something you like does make class more enjoyable.

For concerts and competitions, the outfit is part of the performance. This is where velvet hot pants, metallic fabrics, and more considered colour choices come in. The school or club will usually specify what is required, so check before buying anything for a performance.

Colours, patterns, and accessories

Gymnastics wear comes in a wide range of colours and prints, and choosing something you like wearing is genuinely worth thinking about. You train in this gear regularly, and confidence in what you are wearing carries into how you move.

Scrunchies and headbands keep hair off the face during training, which is a safety issue as much as a style one. Hair that falls across the eyes during a skill is a real problem. Choose accessories that hold securely and do not have hard embellishments that could cause discomfort on the floor or apparatus.

If you need help finding the right fit or are not sure what your school requires, contact us or visit the store in Maroubra. Happy tumbling.

Types of dance bags

Backpacks

Backpacks are the practical choice for dancers with a lot to carry. Weight is distributed across both shoulders, which makes a real difference on a long commute to the studio. Look for padded straps and multiple compartments: one for shoes, one for accessories, one for water and snacks. A bag that keeps everything separated saves time at the start of every class.

Compartment bags

Compartment bags are built around organisation. Separate sections for shoes, costumes, and accessories mean nothing gets mixed together and nothing gets lost. They are a good option for dancers juggling multiple styles in one session, where keeping tap shoes away from ballet shoes away from everything else actually matters.

Drawstring bags

Drawstring bags are for light loads. They fold flat when empty, weigh almost nothing, and are easy to grab for a quick studio trip. Not the right choice for competition day, but exactly right for a student who only needs to carry one pair of shoes and a water bottle.

Duffel bags

Duffel bags are the choice for competition and travel. They have the volume to hold costumes, multiple pairs of shoes, accessories, and everything else a dancer needs for a full day away from home. The materials need to be tough: duffels take more abuse than any other bag type, going from car boots to dressing room floors to overhead lockers.

Garment bags

Garment bags are for costumes. They hang, which keeps fabric from creasing, and the better ones have pockets for shoes and accessories so everything for a performance travels together. If a costume has taken hours of work to prepare, a garment bag is the only sensible way to transport it.

Shoe compartment bags

Shoe compartment bags keep dance shoes separate from everything else in a larger bag. Mesh panels let shoes air out, which matters more than most people realise until they have left a pair of tap shoes sealed in a nylon bag overnight. Keeping shoes away from costumes and clean clothing also prevents dirt and odour transfer.

Tote bags

Tote bags are versatile enough to go from the studio to everyday use. They are open-top, easy to access, and available in a wide range of designs. A good dance tote is roomy without being shapeless, and sturdy enough to carry a full set of shoes and gear without the handles stretching.

Tutu bags: keeping your costume performance-ready

Tutu bags are designed around one problem: tutus lose their shape when compressed. A proper tutu bag holds the skirt in its natural position, keeps the fabric clean, and means the tutu arrives at a performance the same way it left home. Essential for any dancer with a platter or pancake tutu that needs to stay performance-ready.

Top brands for dance bags

Bloch

Bloch bags are built to the same standard as their shoes: durable materials, clean design, and thoughtful organisation. Multiple compartments keep gear separated, mesh pockets handle shoes, and the colour range runs from classic black through to more expressive options. A reliable everyday choice for class and rehearsal.

Capezio

Capezio offers one of the wider ranges in terms of bag type and design. Duffels, totes, and smaller bags are all in the lineup, with prints and colour options that go well beyond the standard. The bags are light without sacrificing strength, which makes them practical for dancers who carry a lot without wanting to add weight.

Claudia Dean

Claudia Dean's bags were designed by a former Australian Ballet dancer who knew exactly what was missing from the market. The backpacks have twelve compartments, a chilled insulated section, and a waterproof outer, which is a more considered design than most dance bags manage. Made from vegan materials, with colours matched to dancewear shades, they are popular with younger students and older dancers alike.

Energetiks

Energetiks uses eco-friendly fabrics across their bag range, which suits a brand that has always taken sustainability seriously. The bags are spacious, well-made, and available in a range of vibrant colours. Solid zippers and good compartment design make them a practical choice for regular use.

Studio 7 Dancewear

Studio 7 bags come in small, medium, and large, which makes sizing straightforward for different ages and needs. The designs are colourful, made from sustainable materials, and refreshed seasonally, so there are usually new options available. A strong choice for younger dancers who want something bright and well-made.

Caring for your dance bag

Cleaning

The cleaning method depends on the material. Canvas bags handle spot cleaning well with mild soapy water and a soft brush. Nylon and polyester bags can be hand-washed with a gentle detergent, rinsed thoroughly, and hung to dry. Avoid bleach on either. Leather bags need a specialised cleaner followed by a conditioner to keep the material supple, and should never be submerged in water. Mesh bags wash well in cold water and should be laid flat to dry. Satin bags are the most delicate: spot-clean only, and consider professional cleaning for anything beyond a minor stain. Always check the manufacturer's care instructions first.

Storage

Make sure the bag is completely dry before storing it. Any trapped moisture leads to mould, and that is difficult to fix. Stuff the bag lightly to help it hold its shape, but do not overfill it in storage or the structure will distort over time. Keep bags away from direct sunlight and heat, both of which degrade fabric and fade colour. Garment bags should be hung rather than folded. For satin or leather bags, a dust bag in storage prevents surface scratches and keeps them clean between uses.

If you need help choosing the right bag for your needs, contact us or visit the store in Maroubra.

Dance styles and their dancewear

Ballet

Ballet is built around visible technique. Teachers need to see alignment, posture, and placement at all times, which is why the leotard is the standard for class. A fitted leotard with tights leaves nothing hidden and nothing in the way. For performances, the tutu does a specific job: the shape draws the eye to the dancer's upper body and arms, and the skirt length is chosen to show the legs and footwork clearly.

Jazz

Jazz dance demands range of motion and sharp, defined movement. Fitted tops or leotards with leggings are the standard because loose fabric obscures lines and can catch during turns and jumps. The fit needs to be close without restricting the hip flexors or shoulders, both of which take heavy use in jazz. Fabric with a good stretch recovery matters here: something that moves with you and snaps back, not something that bags and shifts mid-routine.

Tap

Tap puts the focus on footwork and sound, so the rest of the outfit mostly needs to stay out of the way. Fitted pants or skirts that allow full leg freedom are standard. Nothing long or loose around the ankle, where it could interfere with the shoe or muffle the sound. For concert work, vests and more formal pieces are common, adding a theatrical quality to the performance without restricting movement.

Contemporary and modern

Contemporary dance is where the clothing has the most latitude. Layering is common: loose tops over leotards, footless tights, flowing skirts that move with the body. The fabric choices tend toward lighter weights and drape well, because a lot of contemporary choreography uses the movement of the clothing as part of the visual effect. What matters most is that nothing pulls tight or restricts the floor work, which in contemporary can be extensive.

Hip-hop

Hip-hop sits at the other end of the spectrum: loose, comfortable, and deliberately casual. Baggy pants, hoodies, and streetwear-influenced pieces are the norm, and that is not incidental. The aesthetic is part of the style. The loose fit also gives the freedom needed for the high-energy, grounded movement that hip-hop requires, particularly for floor work and breaking where a fitted leotard would be completely wrong.

What to look for in dancewear

Fabric and function

The two things that matter most in dancewear fabric are stretch and breathability. Spandex and Lycra blends give the stretch recovery that keeps garments in shape through a full class. Moisture-wicking fabrics draw sweat away from the skin, which matters more than most dancers realise until they have trained in something that does not wick and spent the back half of a rehearsal cold and damp.

Breathable fabrics prevent overheating during long sessions. This is especially relevant for ballet and contemporary, where training can run for hours without a break. The right fabric keeps the body at a stable temperature and lets the dancer stay focused on the work.

Fit

Dancewear that fits well should feel secure without restricting movement at the shoulders, hips, or through the back. A leotard that pulls across the shoulders will affect port de bras. Pants that are too tight through the hip will interfere with any style that demands a wide stance or deep plie. Always check fit in motion, not just standing still. Consult the brand sizing charts before ordering online, and visit the store in Maroubra if you need to try before you buy.

Colour

Many dance schools specify colours for class, and certain styles have industry-standard colours for exams and concerts. Our brands stock apparel in those standard shades, and we carry colour guides from each brand to help you match correctly.

Budget

Quality dancewear holds up to daily training. Cheaper fabrics lose their stretch and shape faster, which means replacing them more often. Second-hand dancewear is worth considering, particularly for growing children: check the fabric for pilling, inspect the seams, and make sure the elastic still has recovery. Many dance schools run second-hand uniform pools, which are a practical option for families.

How dancewear has changed

Early ballet dancers performed in full court dress: elaborate, heavy, and severely limiting. The shift to the tutu in the Romantic era of the 1830s and 1840s was a functional decision as much as an aesthetic one. The lighter, shorter skirt gave dancers room to show their footwork and move with the physical freedom the new choreography demanded.

The leotard arrived in the early twentieth century, named after French acrobat Jules Leotard, and became the foundation of dancewear across styles. The jazz age brought looser, fringe-trimmed pieces suited to the energy and character of social dance. Spanish flamenco kept its traditional ruffled dress because the skirt is an instrument: the way it moves and sounds is inseparable from the dance itself.

Today the priorities are stretch, breathability, and inclusivity. Brands now cover a wider range of body types than they did twenty years ago, and sustainable materials including organic cotton and recycled fabrics have entered mainstream dancewear. Bold designs, metallics, and mesh have become standard options across most styles. The range Dance Direct stocks reflects all of that: functional pieces that meet the technical demands of each style, across a full range of sizes.

If you are not sure what your class or school requires, contact us or come into the Maroubra store. Getting the right gear from the start saves a lot of back-and-forth later.

Ballet shoes

Ballet shoes come in two forms: soft shoes for class and training, and pointe shoes for advanced work. Most dancers start in soft shoes, either full-sole or split-sole, in leather, canvas, or satin. Leather holds up better for younger feet still developing strength. Canvas is the everyday workhorse for most students. Satin is reserved for performances where appearance matters more than longevity.

Split-sole construction gives more flexibility through the arch, which is why many teachers move students into split-sole shoes once their technique is strong enough to use that freedom properly. Full-sole shoes, by contrast, provide resistance that helps build foot strength in beginners.

Pointe shoes

Pointe shoes are the most technical fit in all of dance footwear. The box, shank, and vamp all need to match the individual shape of the dancer's foot, not just the length. A shoe that fits by size but not by shape will cause problems fast. That is why pointe shoe fitting should be done in person with an experienced fitter, and why buying pointe shoes online without that fitting advice is genuinely risky.

The box supports the toes when dancing en pointe. The shank gives arch support through the sole. The vamp covers the top of the foot and affects how much of the foot is visible, which matters for both aesthetics and function. Dancers transitioning to pointe for the first time often need a softer shank; more advanced dancers need a firmer one to match their strength and technique.

Jazz shoes

Jazz shoes have a split sole: separate sections under the heel and ball of the foot, with a flexible arch in between. That gap is what gives jazz dancers the range of motion they need to point and flex freely. A full-sole jazz shoe flattens that out.

The choice between lace-up and slip-on comes down to how much hold you need around the foot. Lace-up shoes let you fine-tune the fit, which matters for routines with sharp direction changes or footwork that demands precision. Slip-on shoes are faster to get on and off, and many dancers prefer them for class where the pace is quick and convenience counts.

Tap shoes

The sound a tap shoe makes is not just about the metal plates. It is about the whole construction: the weight, the stiffness of the sole, the heel height. A well-made tap shoe produces a clean, crisp sound at every tempo. A poorly made one sounds dull and muddy no matter how good the dancer is.

Flat tap shoes, with a low heel, are the right starting point for beginners and younger students. They are more stable and easier to control while building basic rhythm and footwork.

Heeled tap shoes, often called Cuban heels, sit at around one to two inches. They are for more advanced dancers who have the balance and control to work with that lift. The heel changes the dynamic of the sound and shifts weight differently through the foot, which affects how certain rhythms feel to execute.

Modern tap shoes have added features like split soles for more flexibility and adjustable taps that can be tightened or loosened to adjust the tone. Cushioned insoles help during long rehearsals. These refinements make a real difference for dancers working at a serious level.

Character shoes

Character shoes are used in RAD exams, character class, folk and cultural dance, and theatrical work where the shoe needs to look the part as well as perform. They come with a modest heel, typically between one and three inches, and are made to handle the footwork demands of these styles without sacrificing appearance.

The heel height affects more than aesthetics. It changes posture, line, and the way weight travels through the foot in turns and steps. Most character shoe work uses a lower heel for class and syllabus, with higher options for stage. Leather uppers are the standard; they hold their shape and wear well under regular use. Most styles come in black, with some in tan or beige to suit different costume requirements.

Ballroom and social shoes

We also call these social shoes. The two main categories are Latin and standard ballroom, and they are built for different things.

Latin shoes have a higher heel, between one and three inches, and an open-toe design. The heel shifts the body's centre of gravity forward, which is exactly where it needs to be for the cha-cha, samba, and rumba. The open toe allows the foot to work freely through quick, intricate steps.

Standard ballroom shoes have a lower heel and are built for the smoother, more travelling dances: waltz, tango, foxtrot. The suede sole is not a stylistic choice. It allows the controlled slide and glide that these dances require. A leather or rubber sole would grip too hard and fight the movement.

Contemporary and lyrical footwear

Contemporary and lyrical dancers mostly work barefoot or close to it. Foot undies and half-soles sit under the ball of the foot and over the toes, leaving the heel and arch exposed. They give just enough grip to stop slipping on a sprung floor without restricting how the foot moves.

Half-soles, also called pirouette shoes or turning boards, cover a slightly larger surface and are popular with dancers who need a bit more support for turns and floor work. The key benefit over bare feet is protection: even a well-maintained studio floor will wear through skin during a long rehearsal or performance season.

Dance sneakers

Dance sneakers look like trainers but they are not built like them. The sole is split or has a pivot point under the ball of the foot, which means you can spin and turn without the grip fighting you the way a regular sports shoe would. They are built for hip-hop, street, and commercial styles where the shoe is part of the look as well as the performance.

The padded insoles and cushioned heels handle the impact of a hard-floor studio session better than a standard jazz shoe. If your style involves a lot of ground-level work, jumping, or heavy footfall, a dance sneaker gives your feet more protection over a long session.

If you need advice on fit or which shoe suits a particular style, contact us or visit the store in Maroubra. Getting the fit right matters more than most dancers realise until something goes wrong.