Best Dancewear for Girls
Are you a crazy dance mom? Okay, good. Me neither. However, from time to time I like to splurge and buy my little girl some new dancewear. They look so cute in their leotards and tights, why not?
Here you will find a resource as to what I have found to be the best dancewear for girls, including leotards, tights, ballet and tap shoes, tutus, and dance accessories. And you don't have to spend hundreds of dollars...that's the best part! If you're little girl is taking tap, ballet, or jazz lessons, read on!
Dance Tights - Gotta Have 'Em!
Ahhh, the dance tights. Every little dancer needs them, and many stores carry them; but, they are not always good quality. In fact, more than a dozen pairs of dance tights that I've purchased for my little girl have acquired holes, snags, and tears within the first wear. Many of these tights that tear and rip were purchased from Target. Believe it or not, the Walmart brand of dance tights for girls lasted longer than the Target ones (I believe the Walmart brand is Danskin)!
So the best brand of dance tights from what I've found is the Capezio brand. You will spend between $11 and $16 for each pair; however, they will last forever. So in the long run, you'll spend less over time because the Capezio tights will last your little girl much longer than Danskin or other brands. And they have a pretty decent selection of sizes and shades. Also, depending on your daughter's age and preference, Capezio carries different styles of tights - i.e. footed or not footed tights.
Best Dancewear: Leotards
Leotards are the next staple in a dancer's closet. They are so simple and yet so important. Leotards have been a part of the dancer's wardrobe since the 1800s when Jules Leotard decided loose clothes did no good for a dancer or gymnast! The first leotards were snug-fitting velvet-like leotards that hugged the body and made it easier for gymnasts to move and bend.
Today leotards come in a variety of fabrics, but the most common fabric is lycra. However, my daughter finds the stretchy cotton leotards to be the most comfortable and quite versatile. I bet you can guess which brand I'm going to recommend first...that's right, Capezio! American Apparel is another brand that carries similar products as Capezio, including a wide array of leotards for girls. I particularly like the variety that Capezio offers: sleeveless leotards, t-shirt sleeved leotards, and long sleeve leotards for winter. Leotards in many different colors: pale pink, bright pink, classic black, sky blue, and more. Of course you'll want to have a couple different leotards for your little girl so that she can mix and match with her dance tights.
Leotards are a little bit easier to buy, as they do not wear out as fast as tights. So try out different brands and see what your little girl likes best.
Tutus
Though they're not always practical or comfortable, some little girls enjoy wearing a cute tutu from time to time...heck, some women even like tutus! The tutu is one that has been a mainstay of the ballerina's costume for many years, until it's gradual fading away in more recent times. But even if your little girl doesn't wear a tutu with every dance lesson, perhaps she could at least use it for dress-up?
Tutus come in many different colors and styles. There are also various embellishments that decorate tutus. If you don't like the classic pink tutu, try a black one with sparkles, a fluffy purple tutu, or even a tutu with mini roses! The options are endless.
Ballet and Tap Shoes
You can't be a dancer without the right shoes. If your little girl is going into ballet or continuing ballet, it might be time for you to buy a new pair of ballet slippers. A ballerina's slippers are the butter on the bread. Ballet slippers come in a few different colors but the basics are still pink and black. Comfort and the right fit are essential in purchasing the right ballet slippers. You don't want them to be too tight or too rigid. Nor do you want them to be too loose, or they'll slip right off the feet during ballet lessons.
As for tap shoes, the best kind also goes along with the best fitting shoe. If they're too tight, they'll be uncomfortable and cause blisters. If they're too loose, they'll slide off and be as equally uncomfortable. My suggestion is to go to an actual shoe store and have your foot or your child's foot fitted by an attendant. This way you'll get the right size and fit for that perfect pair of ballet slippers or tap shoes.
Dance Accessories
So you've got the outfits, the tights, and the shoes...but what about the accessories? Yes, you can accessorize for dance class too! Check out the options for a really cute dance bag or duffle bag. You'll also want to check out the make-up options for a pink and pretty yet natural look.
Let's face it. Girls like to dance because it's in their blood. Girls also like to look pretty and feel good about themselves, so let 'em!
© 2013 Kitty Fields