KIDS DANCEWEAR

For Stelle kids dancewear, we recommend starting with our size guide, which provides size suggestions based on age. If your child is not average for their age, you can follow the steps below for a more accurate fit.

Use a soft measuring tape and measure:

Chest: Around the fullest part of the chest
Waist: Around the natural waist
Hips: Around the fullest part of the hips
Girth (Torso): From one shoulder, down through the crotch, and back up to the same shoulder
Height: From head to toe while standing straight

✅ Tips for accuracy:

1. Keep the tape snug but not tight
2. The child should stand straight with feet together
3. Wear light clothing or leotard for best results
4. Make sure the tape is not twisted

Compare these measurements with the size chart to choose the best fit. For a more detailed guide on measuring kids’ clothing sizes, please see our article.

As kids, some dancers may wear underwear under their leotard, especially when they are just starting out and getting used to dancewear. Comfort and confidence matter most, so some children may feel better with an extra layer under their girls leotards.

As teens, dancers often become more aware of fit and appearance. At this stage, many choose to skip regular underwear or switch to dance-specific underwear to avoid visible lines or bunching.

As adults, comfort and personal preference play a bigger role. Many dancers wear just a leotard and tights, while some prefer wearing tights over the leotard or choosing lined leotards for added comfort.

Overall, wearing underwear under a leotard is optional—it depends on comfort, confidence, and dress code requirements.

Ballet leotards are designed to emphasize clean lines for ballet class and often pairs with dance tights, ballet skirts, and ballet shoes. Many ballet leotards for girls have a classic studio look with a comfortable fit for stretching, turning, and everyday practice.

Gymnastics leotards, by contrast, usually feature a higher-cut leg line to allow maximum freedom at the hips. They are also designed to fit more tightly and feel more compressive, helping support the body during high-intensity tumbling, leaps, and apparatus work while preventing the leotard from shifting during movement.

If you prefer a snug fit that allows for maximum control, you might consider sizing down from your child’s regular shoe size. However, if you are buying for a young beginner and want a more comfortable fit, staying with their regular street shoe size is often the better choice.

The most reliable way to choose kids ballet shoes is to measure your child’s foot and compare the measurement with the product size chart. This is especially helpful when shopping for ballet outfits, dance clothes for kids, or beginner dance essentials online. For a more detailed guide on measuring kids’ ballet shoe size, please see our ballet shoes size guide.

Yes, every beginner should have a properly fitted leotard, dance tights in studio‑required colors, ballet slippers, and simple hair accessories to keep hair secure during class. These basics help create a clean, class-ready ballet outfit for practice, warm-ups, and weekly lessons.

A dance bag can help keep ballet practice dress, ballet shoes, tights, warm-up layers, and small accessories organized between home, school, and the studio. Depending on studio temperature, class length, and dress code, extra tights, warm-up booties, or a ballet skirt may also be helpful.

To build a complete beginner dance outfit, start with the class requirements first, then add comfort-focused pieces that help your child feel prepared for ballet class, dance practice, recitals, and school dance programs.

For recitals and performances, many young dancers wear a ballet dress or a costume-style leotard with an attached skirt. These ballerina costumes and recital looks give a dressed-up feel while still allowing comfortable movement on stage. Popular choices include classic white ballet dresses, pastel leotards, and skirted styles. For everyday class, a simple leotard and tights are usually all she needs. We recommend checking your studio's requirements first, since many have specific rules for recital costumes and colors.

The best ballet practice outfits are simple, comfortable, and easy to move in. For weekly practice, most dancers wear a leotard with tights and ballet shoes, and can add a ballet practice dress or skirt if the studio allows. Practice clothes should be soft, breathable, and secure enough to stay in place through stretching and repetition, class after class.

Yes. Our dancewear includes ballet outfits for the youngest dancers, with sizes starting from toddler and up. For toddlers just beginning to move, look for soft, easy pull-on leotards and ballerina outfits with gentle waistbands and simple designs. Comfort and easy dressing matter most at this age, so choose pieces that are soft against the skin and flexible enough for free movement.