Classwear

     For any dance class most studios prefer a black leotard and pink tights.  Sometimes colored leotards can be worn.  For jazz and tap class however, black tights are sometimes worn.  The pink tights are used for ballet mostly because they allow you to see the muscle in the legs.  Skirts are used for ballet class also.  Leg warmers are used during warm-up and in-between routines so the muscles don't get cold and the dancer doens't get hurt.

Jazz Shoes

     There are many different types of jazz shoes.  It all depends in what your studio likes.  Jazz shoes are made to help you turn.  They usually come in colors such as: white, tan , or black.  They can have shoelaces, slip on, or button.  They come in all different styles and brands, but they all seve the same porpose, and that is to make your dancing easier and to look better.

Tap Shoes

     Just like all the other dance shoes, tap shoes came in many different styles.  But, they all have a metal plate on the bottom of the shoe, which is where the noise comes from.  Tap shoes are usually black, tan, or white.  But, if you are performing a special piece you can get them in any color you'd like.  A tap shoe is what tap is all about.  Without the shoes there would be no sound.  Sometimes, the tap shoe can have a high heel, which makes it more difficult to tap in, but it makes the tapper's legs look longer.

Ballet Shoes

     The difference between ballet and Pointe is the shoes.  Ballet shoes do not have the box on the shoe like Pointe shoes do.  Ballet shoes for girls are pink and for boys are white or black.  Ballet shoes have a sole on the bottom, which can be split or not.  Like jazz shoes, ballet shoes are make to help you turn and move around easier.  An elastic is sewn onto the ballet shoe to keep it from falling off the dancers foot.  Ballet shoes allow you to do everything on demi-pointe rather than all the way up on your toes.  You should also always tie the draw-string and tuck it in so it cannot be seen.

Pointe Shoes

     The tip of Pointe shoes are made of layers of satin, paper, and a coarse material called burlap, glued together.  New shoes feel stiff and hard and have no left and right.  It takes time and care to break them in and make them confirm to your feet.  You need to feel as if your shoes are a second skin.  Then you will be able to "speak with your feet".  The ribbons on the shoe should be tied neatly and tight enough to support your ankle, but loose enough to leave your ankle free to move.

Rosin

     After trying your shoes, put the tips of the shoes into the Rosin box, one foot at a time.  A little rosin on your shoes will help you avoid slipping on a wooden floor.  It shoudl not be necessary on a vinyl floor, which is usually less slippery.  Rosin is made form the sap of fir trees.  It crumbles into a white powder when you step on it.  It starts out as yellow chunks and blocks.  Rosin is made to help you dance better and slip free, but if you put too much on your shoe you will stick to the floor having trouble turning.