| For most students of ballet, the costume is | | | | needs of the routine. The tutu stands out as an |
| probably the most fun part of the routine. | | | | iconic costume associated with ballet. |
| Costumes can be for the warm-up sessions or | | | | Contemporary dance styles have introduced |
| for performances. Warm-up gear is made of | | | | leotards and tights into routines too. The tutu is a |
| heavier material and covers most of the body. | | | | skirt that often has a bodice attached to it. It |
| These pieces are no-nonsense varieties and lack | | | | comes in many varieties. The skirt may be |
| the frills and beauty of costumes used on stage. | | | | layered singly and hanging down, or in multiple |
| Most students prefer leotards and unitards while | | | | layers which stand out from the waist. |
| practicing. The leotard is usually a skin tight | | | | The romantic tutu has a long skirt made of tulle. |
| garment that covers the upper body and leaves | | | | This skirt usually reaches the calves and lends an |
| the legs free. These are usually teamed with | | | | ethereal quality to the dancer, which is often |
| tights worn below them. A variant of this is the | | | | needed in romantic ballets. The classical tutu |
| unitard, which covers the legs as well. These | | | | consists of a short bell shaped skirt and a bodice. |
| garments give dancers flexibility and unrestricted | | | | The multiple layers and length make the skirt |
| movement. Most dancers also use leg warmers | | | | extend out from the dancer's hips. The pancake |
| for their ballet routines. These are footless sock | | | | shaped tutu is another classical tutu that has |
| like accessories that are worn around the ankles, | | | | extremely stiff layers of net extending from the |
| and may extend up to the calf. The leg warmers | | | | hips. Both varieties of classical tutus come with a |
| are thought to warm the lower calf and help | | | | fitted bodice. The last variety is the Balanchine |
| stretch easily. | | | | tutu that has fewer layers of netting and gives a |
| Performance costumes vary according to the | | | | softer impression. |