Uniform

Uniform

Ballet Dress Code

Ballet has a strict dress code that enables the teacher to best see and evaluate each student. Teachers must be able to see the ankles, knees, hips, ribcage, neck, face, shoulders and elbows clearly.

The RAD approved skirt helps train the demi-bras position of the arms. Jewellery and other items are a distraction to both student and teacher and are not permitted in any class.

It is fine to wear t-shirt and shorts or leggings for your first lesson. It is important to see students’ feet working so dancing the first lesson barefoot is perfect.

Online Dance Shop

You can now purchase RAD approved ballet uniforms at our online shop.

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Ballet Bun Instructions

You will need…

  • Hairspray or hair gel
  • Hair pins (Thicker type with plastic tips.)
  • Bobby pinshair
  • Elastic band
  • Comb & brush (Fine tooth comb preferable)
  • Hair net (Fine net with elastic edges. Should be same color as hair.)

Instructions

  • To start the process, wet your hands and the hair with water. This will give you better control over the hair.
  • Gather the hair and pull it back. Apply hair gel if you need more control over the hair.
  • Use a hair brush to smooth out rough or uneven areas.
  • Form a pony tail by brushing the hair up from the jaw line to the top part of the back of the head. This will form a high bun.
  • The placement of the pony tail determines the placement of the bun. Mid and low buns are sometimes used with short hair. Very short hair can be done in two low side buns, or use hair clips to fasten the hair down without a bun.
  • Use an elastic hair band to secure the pony tail. A tidy pony tail with hair drawn snugly back is the key to making a good ballet bun.
  • Apply more water or gel to keep the hair neat, and twist the pony tail.
  • Coil the pony tail into a tight circle.
  • Use hair pins all around the coil to secure it to the rest of the hair. Slide each pin through the outer part of the coil, then into the base of the bun.
  • Wrap a fine hair net around the bun. Keep twisting and wrapping so that the hair net tightly secures the bun.
  • Add a few more pins.
  • With long thick hair, you may end up with a bun that will protrude too much. A flatter bun is preferable. To flatten, remove all pins; the hair net will hold the bun. Then flatten the bun and re-pin all around the bun.
  • For extra hold, when the bun and hair are all secure, use hairspray.

How to sew elastic on to ballet shoes

You will need…

  • 2 pieces of elastic
  • A needle
  • Matching coloured thread
Novaes Ballet School - ballet shoes

Instructions

Step 1. Press down on the end of a shoe to make a flat triangular shape. The arrows show where you need to attach the ribbon.

Step 2. Sew one side first.

Step 3. Get the wearer to put the shoe on and guide the elastic over their foot to fit comfortably.

Step 4. Inside the band that runs around the opening of the shoe is a drawstring so that the wearer can adjust the fit. Avoid sewing through it when you attach the elastic. Sew the other side, remembering the position shown in the first drawing above.

Now repeat the entire process for the other shoe and you’re done!