| When looking for your first dance leotard or | | | | neck etc. A new style which has slightly longer |
| whether you're replacing an old one, there is a | | | | legs, called boy cut legs, is great for performers |
| wide range to choose from. There are also a | | | | who want something that will cover their bottom |
| number of factors to think about so this article | | | | a bit more. Companies such as Dance Gear |
| looks at what purpose you need your leotard for | | | | manufacture such leotards and unitards in a range |
| and how this may affect what style you choose. | | | | of different fabrics. |
| Whether you are looking for a dance leotard for | | | | In comparison, when you are performing in a |
| general dance class this will differ in comparison to | | | | general dance class, you need to concentrate on |
| whether you want a leotard for a recital or other | | | | comfort. For ballet beginners, most dance |
| dance performance. | | | | teachers will choose a ballet leotard as part of the |
| Generally, leotards as part of a performance will | | | | uniform, which is generally basic and durable in |
| involve a particular theme. Some dancers and | | | | style. This is often a basic short sleeved leotard |
| their teachers are excellent costume designers | | | | with matching skirt or a sleeveless leotard with |
| themselves, being able to produce costumes | | | | ballet tights or socks. Older students will generally |
| completely representing the dance or show that | | | | wear a black leotard sleeveless leotard with ballet |
| they are performing in. Another way of making | | | | tights. If you have no uniform restrictions then |
| your costume better reflect the music you are | | | | you have a whole host of leotards you can |
| dancing to, is to add sequins or lace to a basic | | | | choose from. |
| leotard. You can also use face and body paint to | | | | Bloch, Capezio and Roch Valley have been |
| add to the illusion that you're are trying to create. | | | | introducing more and more exciting leotards to |
| The use of colour is particularly important in | | | | try, which can be worn for a variety of different |
| costume production for a show. Nylon lycra | | | | styles. Some styles do look more balletic |
| leotards are usually a better choice due to nylon | | | | particularly if worn in soft neutral colours, but |
| lycra offering more colours than cotton lycra. | | | | more exciting colours and styles have been |
| Also, nylon lycra colours tend to be much bolder | | | | introduced for other forms of dance or |
| and brighter, and there are even fluorescent | | | | contemporary dance. If being worn for regular |
| colours available. With improvements in fabric | | | | use, remember to try these on and see if the |
| printing, you can get leotards made in Rainbow | | | | leotard stays in place by doing some simple |
| Print, Polka Dot, Harlequin, Camouflage and a | | | | movements. |
| range of Animal Prints. This better aids your ability | | | | Remember to check with your dance school |
| to help your audience depict what your | | | | whether they have a uniform list before searching |
| performance is about. | | | | for your next leotard in case you have |
| There is an even greater style of leotards which | | | | restrictions on what you can wear, but the |
| you can get made in different fabrics. Long | | | | internet is a great place for you to start your |
| sleeved, short sleeved, gathered bust lines, polo | | | | search for your next leotard. |