Ballerina Tights 101

Ballet is a performance dance for which no education is needed, only effective dance training in a professional ballet school. But besides the desire to become a ballerina and go to all dance classes, stocking on the right supplies and gear is paramount for improving the moves and being able to perform them. Leotards, ballet shoes, hair bands and a dance bag sure are essential pieces of dance gear, but let’s not forget about ballet tights.

Dance tights are ideal for improving the look of a ballerina by giving it the needed neat and tidy appearance. Alongside the good old white tights, nowadays, you can choose from a large selection of tights ranging in colour and type, providing you with the chance to pick just the right type for your needs.

Types of Ballerina Tights

Convertible Ballet Tights

convertible ballet tights
Source: newcastledancecentre.co.uk

Convertible tights have become one of the most sought-after types of ballerina tights since their appearance. Looking the same as regular tights at first, the main difference is in the small hole they have on the bottom of each foot in order to be pulled up and over the foot to sit on the ankle. This makes it easier for ballerinas to change their shoes during classes without compromising their outfits and comfort. Available in numerous colours, convertible ballet tights are versatile and comfortable pieces of dance equipment every ballerina should try.

Practice shows that convertible tights have become the norm in ballet and many other dances mainly because of their convenience of use. This adjustment of theirs is remarkable, especially in those times when a ballerina is needed to quickly adjust to pointe shoe pads or when in the need to change her pair of shoes. These tights are also great in those times when ballerinas need to tape their toes, insert a toe spacer, lambswool or when in the need to treat blisters. Thanks to this hole and to the need not to undress, they’ll be able to perform all of these things without a problem. another great thing about this hole is that it has another purpose, and that’s to let feet breathe. This will result in less sweat, bacteria and smell which is amazing. As you can see, owning at least a pair of these tights will make ballerinas’ life easier. And, once they feel the benefits, they’ll never want to go back to footed tights. These tights can be easily found in every trusted and well-stocked store that specialises in dance wear and equipment. The best thing of all is that these tights are available in adult and children’s sizes, so all ballerinas no matter how big or small can benefit from wearing them.

Footed Tights

Footed tights might be one of the most popular types by all women whether dancers or not, but they are also quite common for ballerinas as well. Covering the entire leg and foot, these tights are great for providing ballerinas with a snug appearance. These tights can be a great choice for those times when ballerinas doesn’t have to change shoes and outfits, otherwise, they can be time-consuming and it would be best to opt for convertible tights.

Footless/Ankle Tights

As the name implies, these tights are footless and are mainly used by ballerinas who need to dance barefoot or with toe undies. Usually, the bottom part of these tights has an elastic band in order to stay in place. Even though available on the market, they are the least used types of tights, especially when performing on the scene. In the end, when on the scene everything needs to be spotless and showing skin on the legs is almost impossible since it isn’t considered professional.

Stirrup Tights

black stirrup ballet tights
Source: aliexpress.com

Stirrups tights are a mixture of all of the aforementioned types of tights. For instance, these tights go under the ankle all the way to the middle part of the feet, leaving the toes, heels and part of the ankles exposed.

Fishnet Tights

These types of ballerina tights are mainly used when performing at the scene and in front of an audience. They really don’t have any particular purpose aside from giving a nice finishing touch to a ballerina’s look. They are mainly available in black and nude colours, whereas the nudes look almost invisible.

Body Tights

body tights
Source: thedancersshop.co.uk

The last type of tights is designed to cover most of your body without the arms, neck and face of course. They are mainly used for those times when ballerinas want to achieve a seamless look with certain types of ballerina costumes. They also seem perfect for shaping the body and keeping everything in place.

All of these types of tights are available in different sizes, colours, materials and thicknesses, allowing you to choose the right pairs. One thing is certain, owning at least one pair of each won’t only keep you stocked and ready, but it’ll also help you use the right pair of tights at the right time.

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