Ballet Tights Revealed

Pink ballet tights....... OMG the horror! Actually ballet tights serve a purpose. First, they are a soft pink colour which goes well with almost every outfit.......




Seriously, pink tights are chosen for women in ballet for a few reasons.





(I am not a professional - I am simply blogging about my own personal experiences in relation to the topic discussed )



Pink Ballet Tights do what now?    Well....

• They extend the line of the leg. Pink tights that extend into a pink pair of ballet slippers, look longer and doesn't break up the line as much as ......let's say a pair of black tights and pink ballet flats does.
• The muscles of the leg show through well enough  that teachers can correct  dancers, as well as, slim the legs and muscles while on stage so legs look lean and long.
• There are a variety of pink tights available which highlight the dancer on stage. Semi-shimmer, semi-opaque, seamed... etc. etc..
• Pink seamed tights ( A line stitched up the back of the legs) seem to provide a visual esthetic which enhances the dancers lines.

Kinds of Tights:

• Nylon Tights = A stronger and more durable fabric. These heavier-dense thread counts are best for young children (they can be rough on clothing.) Nylon tights look more "matte" on the skin., and, they are also much cheaper then their Microfiber cousin.

• Microfiber Tights = semi-opaque ( I can't remember to which degree) fit the body with a slight sheen.Work well for class, highlight and slightly hold the leg, and can be suitable for "some" performances. (Studio's preference will dictate suitability for performances )

• Other - Professional performance tights. They fit, feel, and look VERY different from standard class attire. ( a style I have no experience with )

TIGHTS and STYLES

• FOOTED :  Closed seamed foot (think socks) Works best in classes WITHOUT  pointe class after. Can work in other dance forms (like jazz maybe) Probably cheapest version of tights.

 CONVERTIBLE :  Has the option of both a seam-closed toe, yet has a maneuverable hole at the bottom of the foot ( cant be felt while wearing ) which can be pulled over the toes and then become a capri style tight.  These are great for classes and BEST for pointe class. They can also work well in Musical Theatre, Modern, or other. They do cost more, but their versatility makes up for it.





 FOOTLESS : Much like the other tights mentioned... these come without any foot closure. Best for other styles of dance (can be worn in ballet - if you're comfortable skipping the extra fabric in pointe shoes) Works well with other types of foot wear  ( I.E.  foot undeez    or during jazz / gymnastics etc..) Cost = Should be just slightly below price of convertible.






BODY TIGHTS :  These tights are great because you can get them full foot, convertible or footless (as well as stirrup - not covered yet ) What makes them different is that they have an extended torso length which is secured with clear  adjustable straps over the shoulders. These work well in class, or in performances where extra coverage under leotards is needed. Avoid unsightly lumps and bumps created from "too-tight" waist bands which cut into the torso midsection.  Price is usually highest amongst Body Tights.






 TORSO RISES: You can get tights in 2 different torso heights... This is most often up to the dancer on which they prefer or if certain costumes require a shorter or longer length.





LOW RISE TIGHTS : Comes in a low-rise style of tights. These usually sit very low on the dancer along the hip line. Great for costumes with low back styles, or very thin dancers so that it doesn't create unsightly bumps. ( NOT my favourite ever! )








 REGULAR RISE TIGHTS :  These I love, because they tend to have a generous torso length which allows me to pull them up over my unsightly tummy bulges and secure the bands beneath my sports bras. I find that for ME this creates the best long line in my torso and doesn't break up my body in awkward places.







There is alot more I'd like to cover about the many choices available for ballet tights.. but I'll stop here for now.  Finding the best tights can be challenge, but with experience you'll find what works best for you and your body.