What to Wear to Your First Ballet Class (And What to Expect)

For a toddler or preschooler’s first ballet class, your child should wear a fitted leotard, ballet slippers with suede soles, and hair tied back neatly. Expect a structured but joyful class that includes repetition, real ballet technique, and gentle encouragement, especially at Tiny Tutus, where parents stay in the room to support their ballerina.

New to Ballet? Here’s Exactly What to Bring, and What to Expect.

Starting ballet is exciting, but for many parents, it also raises questions.

• “Do we need a costume?”
• “What kind of shoes should they wear?”
• “Will they know what to do?”
• “Can I stay and watch?”

At Tiny Tutus, we know the first class can feel like a big moment, so we’ve made it as smooth, structured, and sparkly as possible.

Here’s everything you need to know.

What Should My Child Wear to Ballet Class?

Your child doesn’t need an expensive costume or anything elaborate.

They need comfort, safety, and freedom of movement.

For Girls:

• A fitted ballet leotard (Tiny Tutus has approved styles in-studio or online)
• Ballet slippers with suede soles
• Tights (optional in warm weather)
• Hair neatly tied back, bun, ponytail, or braid

For Boys:

• A plain t-shirt or leotard
• Black or navy shorts or leggings
• Ballet slippers

No tutus that slip down. No socks that slide.

Proper ballet slippers (not dress-up ones) help with grip, balance, and real technique.

What Should We Bring?

• A labelled water bottle
• A positive attitude
• No toys or distractions, our classes are engaging, structured, and age-appropriate
• No need for props, we provide everything your ballerina needs in class

What to Expect in Your First Class

You can expect a class that is:

• Warm and welcoming
• Structured, but flexible
• Rooted in real ballet technique
• Designed to meet your child where they are

We use repetition, familiar music, and predictable routines to help your child settle. They may:

• Watch more than they move at first
• Stay close to you (parents stay in class at Tiny Tutus)
• Surprise you with their confidence or their caution

All of it is normal. We’ve seen it all, and we’ll support your child no matter what day one looks like.

Do I Stay in the Room?

Yes.

At Tiny Tutus, you’ll sit on a chair at the back of the studio and watch your ballerina take their first ballet steps.

Why this matters:

• Your child feels safer knowing you’re there
• You get to witness their learning, their wins, and their confidence grow
• It creates a beautiful shared moment that many parents treasure

The First Class Isn’t a Test. It’s a Beginning.

Your child doesn’t have to be perfect.

They don’t have to know what to do.

They just have to arrive, and we’ll take care of the rest.

Whether they leap in or take a few weeks to warm up, your Tiny Tutus teacher will support them with patience, kindness, and early childhood expertise.

We'd love to welcome you to Tiny Tutus! Book a Class That Celebrates Every Personality today or Learn More About Our Child-Led, Confidence-Building Approach here