Trying out Ballet: Do I have to wear slippers to my first classes?

Question

I've taken other kinds of dance (jazz and modern), but I want to try out ballet to get some technique. A studio I often take class at has drop in beginner adult classes that I think would be good to start with, but do I have to buy slippers before my first class while I'm still deciding? I'm used to doing barre barefoot or in socks (we've done some in other classes). I also own jazz shoes and sandasoles (half sole sandals) but don't wear them generaly to classes (except modern which requires sandasoles.

Answer 1

Nice choice in deciding to choose ballet

my friends once took me to do ballet with them to see if I wanted to join

dont go off buying shoes because you never know if you will end up liking it or not

i suggest you use your jazz shoes &

if you end up liking ballet and staying in it after your first few classes then go off and buy your shoes then :)

hope i was a bit of help for you

Answer 2

Why don't you just ask the studio/teacher if it would be okay to try a few classes barefoot or the sandasoles?  Also, if your studio has a costume shop (ours does) maybe they have some loaner shoes you could use.  Most of the dancers at our academy donate character, jazz, ballet shoes that have any life left in them for people who don't have the extra money for specialty shoes or for those who forget which bag the right shoes are in!

I agree with another poster:  don't buy cheap ballet shoes.  You really need to buy appropriate ballet shoes (you can find them online at discountdance.com if you know your approximate size.  I've had good luck buying a few and then returning the ones that don't fit.  

My daughter's favorite is the split sole canvas ballet slipper - she feels like it helps her get a better arch and more control over her foot.  BUT - some teachers don't like split sole - so you better check with the studio on that!

Answer 3

I would just go barefoot or wear jazz shoes until you know for sure. You dont want to spend the money to buy them if you might only use them once or twice

Answer 4

yeah, but if its pointe, no

your teacher will tell you what kind of shoe you need

Answer 5

if i were you i'd wear the sandasoles. we wear those in ballet sometimes

Answer 6

yes most dance studios that I know of allow you to wear socks for your first couple of classes while you're trying to decide if its something you even want to do.

Then like you said..if you end up liking it...you can always buy the slippers later on. (I recommend leather instead of canvas because they typically last longer).

Answer 7

get the slippers now, go for the split sole leather ones.

Answer 8

Very Good Decision To Try out Ballet.

It Does Really Give you good technique =]

I Wouldn't Go Rushing In To Buying Ballet Shoes If You Don't Even Know Whether You're Going To Stay With It.

I Would Wear My Jazz Shoes As They Are Quite Similar, or go barefoot.

In My Ballet Class, Many Dance In Socks or jazz shoes.  =]

Have Fun In Ballet!

=]

Answer 9

yes!

Answer 10

I wouldn't go buy a pair yet, but please, don't dance in socks! I know a lot of people do, but I did ONCE and had to get eight inside stitches and five outside on my chin for doing that! I would wear jazz shoes if I  were you, they are the most like ballet slippers.

Answer 11

Nope I wouldn't go and buy a pair of ballet shoes yet. Teachers generally expect you won't have them on your first lesson. As it is an adults class, it will be much more laid back as well.

The reason not to buy them is because it's not a good idea to buy a cheapo walmart pair. You'll need to spend a bit of money on them, which would be a waste if your not going to continue.

You can wear your jazz shoes, a pair of socks or bare feet, or maybe your sandasoles. Jazz shoes would be ebst I think.

Answer 12

No, you don't need them for the first lesson. Wait and see if you really want to stick with it. Then, if you do, invest in a nice pair of leather ones.

If you feel you really need them at first, buy canvas ones because they're really cheap, just don't last quite as long as leather ones. Just to clarify, not walmart ones, but canvas ballet flats from a dance store.

Enjoy your dancing!