If you have got a son starting dance and you are staring at a class list wondering what on earth to buy, take a breath. Boys' dancewear is refreshingly simple, usually cheaper than the girls' kit, and we stock the lot right here. Here is exactly what he needs for ballet, jazz and tap, explained the way I would across the counter.
What boys wear to ballet
Ballet asks for a neat, fitted outfit so the teacher can see his line and correct his posture. Nothing baggy, nothing fancy. A typical boys' ballet uniform is:
- A fitted white or black top or singlet, tucked in.
- Black shorts or black tights (your studio will tell you which they prefer).
- White or black socks, matched to the shoe colour.
- Black or white leather ballet shoes.
- For older boys, a dance belt for support (more on that below).
You will find fitted singlets and tops in our dance singlets and t-shirts range, and the full boys' selection sits under boys and mens.
What boys wear for jazz and tap
Jazz and tap are more relaxed than ballet, which most boys love. The clothing is comfy and easy to move in:
- A fitted t-shirt or singlet.
- Shorts or track pants he can bend and stretch in.
- Jazz shoes for jazz, and tap shoes for tap.
Boys' jazz and tap shoes are typically black leather. You can see the styles we carry in jazz and tap shoes. If he does both classes, he will need a pair of each, as the shoes are quite different.
The dance belt, explained plainly
Parents often ask about this one with a slightly worried face, so let me put you at ease. A dance belt is simply a supportive undergarment worn by teenage and older male dancers. It is the boys' equivalent of what girls wear under a leotard: it holds everything comfortably in place, gives support during jumps and stretches, and creates a smooth, clean line under tights. Younger boys generally do not need one, and there is no rush. When his teacher mentions it, or when he moves into tights for exams and performances, that is the time. We stock them discreetly in undergarments, and we are always happy to help quietly and without fuss.
How to get him sorted in five minutes
- Check the class list. Note whether it names ballet, jazz, tap or a combination, plus any colour rules.
- Sort the clothing. Grab a fitted top and shorts or tights in the right colours.
- Fit the shoes. This is the part worth doing in person so the size is right. Feet grow, so a proper fit matters.
- Add socks. White or black to match the shoes.
- Ask about a dance belt. Only if he is a teen or older, or heading into exams.
A note on exams
Exam uniform requirements vary from board to board (RAD, Cecchetti, ISTD and others all differ), so please check with his teacher before you buy specifically for a grading. The teacher will tell you the exact top, tights or shorts, sock and shoe colour the board expects. For a fuller rundown, our guide on dance exam uniform requirements in Australia walks through it board by board.
Browse everything for boys, or start with the shoes we can fit in store.
Shop boys and mens Shop ballet shoesFrequently asked questions
What do boys wear to ballet?
A fitted white or black top or singlet tucked in, black shorts or black tights, white or black socks, and black or white leather ballet shoes. Older boys also wear a dance belt for support. Your studio will confirm the exact colours.
What do boys wear for a ballet exam?
Exam uniforms vary by board (RAD, Cecchetti, ISTD and others), so always check with his teacher first. The teacher will specify the required top, tights or shorts, sock colour and shoe colour for that particular grading.
What is a dance belt?
A dance belt is a supportive undergarment worn by teenage and older male dancers. It is the boys' equivalent of what girls wear under a leotard: it gives support during jumps and stretches and creates a smooth line under tights. Younger boys generally do not need one.
What shoes do boys wear for dance?
For ballet, black or white leather ballet shoes. For jazz, black jazz shoes. For tap, black tap shoes. If he takes more than one class he will need a pair for each style. It is worth fitting shoes in store so the size is right.
What do boys wear for jazz and tap?
A fitted t-shirt or singlet, shorts or track pants he can move in, and the right shoes for the style: jazz shoes for jazz and tap shoes for tap. Jazz and tap are more relaxed than ballet, so comfort is the priority.
