Audition Tips - Ballet Shoes

by Lauren
(MAnhattan, New York)

Audition Tips - Ballet Shoes

What kind of ballet shoes do you recommend buying?

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Reply by Odette

Audition Tips - Ballet Shoes

Hello Lauren,

Thank you for contacting me, it is pleasure to hear from you.

For any ballet audition, I would advise you to wear new ballet shoes. You want to present yourself as best as possible, so new shoes will give you a neat and tidy look which the panel will appreciate.

l would recommend ballet flat shoes, as they are very comfortable and should fit like a glove. Although it highly depends on what type of ballet audition you are going to and what level you are at, as they may expect ballet pointe shoes or soft blocks.

Soft blocks are broken down pointe shoes. You might also know these as demi pointe ballet shoes. You can either buy them as soft blocks or make them yourself. Even though soft blocks are not as luxurious as flats, they will strengthen your feet. When you work in soft blocks they really make you work your feet.

In terms of style, you could buy ballet flat shoes which come in different kinds.You will find they come in different materials of leather, canvas and satin. I would recommend satin or canvas, as these materials look smart for an audition. You can get hold of different soles too which includes full sole or split sole. Many dancers feel the spilt sole enhances their pointe.

Before your audition, double check everything the night before in your ballet bag so there's no panicking at the last minute. Don't forget your ballet shoes, ballet tights, ballet leotards and hair equipment.

Good luck!

All the best,

Odette

ps. To become the best dancer you can be, learn the Seven Secrets ..... go to my 'Seven Secrets of Ballet' page

Audition Tips - Ballet Leotards

by Neridah mcdonald
(Sydney)

Audition Tips - Ballet Leotards

What type of leotard should i wear? I want a slimming one as i have a big bust.

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Reply by Odette

Audition Tips - Ballet Leotards

Hello Neridah,

Thank you for contacting me, it is a pleasure to hear from you.

Firstly, it is very important that the leotard fits correctly and feels comfortable. Especially for ballet auditions, you need to make sure you feel confident that it fits snug and complements your body. So I would advise you to always try the leotard on before buying it.

When choosing a leotard for auditions you want to keep your eye on the colour, the cut and the material. It is common for dancers to have a high leg cut because it is supposed to make the legs look longer. Many dancers also believe that the colour black makes them look slimmer, but often you want to stand out in auditions so it is more a case of personal opinion. Do you want to look slim? Or do you want to stand out? Perhaps go for a darker shade colour.

If you have a big bust, then be aware of the neckline in the ballet leotard. You want to make sure it fully supports you and flatters your shape. Perhaps try a on cap-sleeved leotard and see if this suits you. The useful thing about the majority of modern leotards is that they are fully lined. This reassures you that you don't need to wear a bra of any sort underneath.

Always be open-minded when buying ballet leotards, you often have to try on a dozen before you find the one that suits you best. Take your friend or family with you so you can get a second opinion on what flatters you the best.

Take a look at the following pages for more guidance -

Ballet Leotards
Dance Leotards
Ballet Leotard

Good luck!

Best Wishes,

Odette

ps. To become the best dancer you can be, learn the Seven Secrets ..... go to my 'Seven Secrets of Ballet' page