| One of the most important pieces of dancewear | | | | element is its formfitting quality and flexibility. |
| for many styles of dance is the dance leotard. If | | | | These are qualities have been fundamental to the |
| your chosen style is ballet or jazz, then making | | | | leotard's development since it was first worn by |
| sure you have a leotard that fits you well is just | | | | Léotard during the 1800s. This formfitting |
| as important as having a comfortable pair of ballet | | | | quality requires the dance leotard to have a snug |
| shoes or jazz shoes. | | | | fit that is not too tight. The best fitting dance |
| It's quite remarkable that the dance leotard is | | | | leotards are neither tight enough to pull under the |
| considered so important because it is a relatively | | | | arms, or loose enough for the neckline to hang or |
| new creation. It was developed by French | | | | feel loose. This will allow it to keep your muscles |
| acrobatic performer Jules Léotard who lived | | | | warm during dance class but will also allow your |
| from 1842 - 1870. He developed the recognisable | | | | teacher and audience to see the placement of |
| skin-tight garment which he called his maillot to | | | | your body. Furthermore, it will allow you complete |
| allow for freedom of movement for his acrobatic | | | | freedom of movement without the restriction of |
| performances. It was several years after | | | | heavy garments made from fabrics such as |
| Léotard's death that the word leotard became | | | | denim. |
| widely used to refer to the garment. By the | | | | The modern dancer is spoilt for choice when in |
| 1950's, it's popularity had truly spread and it was | | | | comes to choosing a new dance leotard. Many |
| already appearing on professional dancers. | | | | leading dance brands such as Bloch, Capezio and |
| The dance leotard has since undergone many | | | | Roch Valley produce very high quality cheap |
| developments. Styles which have developed from | | | | leotards for dancers of all abilities. These |
| the garment include the cap sleeve, polo neck, | | | | companies have many years experience in |
| tank, camisole, long sleeve, and frilled and skirted | | | | producing very high quality dancewear. |
| leotard. One of the most popular leotards is the | | | | If you decide to buy your dance leotard online, |
| camisole. This is similar to the tank - which | | | | make sure that the website you choose to buy |
| resembles a women's bathing costume - but has | | | | from has a secure payment process. You should |
| much thinner shoulder straps to allow for intricate | | | | also check out their privacy policy, and their |
| designs such as criss-cross straps across the | | | | terms and conditions too so you know exactly |
| back. | | | | what to expect to make sure you get the best |
| You may be wondering what you need to look | | | | service possible. |
| for in a dance leotard. The most important | | | | |