Exam season brings the same question across the counter every year: what exactly does my dancer need to wear? Exam uniform requirements are set by the exam board, and they vary by grade, and sometimes by studio. Here is how it works in Australia, and how to get it right.
The main Australian exam boards
Most Australian dance students sit exams through one of a handful of boards, each with its own syllabus and uniform:
- RAD. The Royal Academy of Dance, one of the most widely examined ballet syllabuses in Australia.
- Cecchetti. Cecchetti Ballet Australia, a classical ballet method with its own grades.
- CSTD. The Commonwealth Society of Teachers of Dancing, covering ballet, jazz, tap and more.
- ATOD. The Australian Teachers of Dancing, another multi genre board.
Your studio will tell you which board your dancer is examined through, and that determines the uniform.
What a ballet exam uniform usually includes
While the details vary, a girls' ballet exam uniform generally comes down to a small set of pieces:
- A leotard in the colour set for that board and grade.
- The correct tights or socks, usually ballet pink for classical ballet.
- Leather ballet shoes in the required colour, elastics sewn on.
- Hair in a neat, secure bun with a matching hairnet and pins.
- For some grades, a specific skirt or additional pieces set by the syllabus.
A note on colours and grades
Many boards allocate leotard colours by level, so a Grade 1 dancer and a Grade 4 dancer may wear different colours under the same board. Because these details are set by the syllabus and can change, we will not list specific colours here. Your teacher will give you the exact requirement for your dancer's board and grade, and we will help you match it.
Boys' exam uniform
Boys' ballet exam uniform is typically a fitted white or black top or singlet, black shorts or tights, white socks and black ballet shoes, again depending on the board and grade. You will find these in our boys and mens range.
Hair and the finishing touches
A neat bun is part of the uniform, not an afterthought. Slick the hair back, secure the bun, cover it with a matching hairnet and pin it firmly, then leave jewellery at home. Our step by step ballet bun guide shows you how, and you will find nets, pins and gel in our hair accessories range.
Getting it right, without the stress
We fit exam students every year. Bring your studio's requirements, or your dancer's board and grade, and we will help you put together the correct uniform down to the shoe colour. It is one less thing to worry about in the lead up to an exam.
Shop the exam essentials, or visit our Clyde North store and we will help you match your syllabus exactly.
Shop exam leotards Shop ballet shoesFrequently asked questions
What do you wear to a ballet exam in Australia?
Generally a leotard in the colour set by your board and grade, the correct tights or socks, leather ballet shoes with elastics sewn on, and hair in a neat bun with a matching net. Always confirm the exact requirement with your teacher.
Do exam uniform requirements differ by board?
Yes. RAD, Cecchetti, CSTD and ATOD each set their own uniform, and requirements can also vary by grade and studio. Your teacher will tell you which board your dancer sits and what is required.
What colour leotard is needed for a ballet exam?
It depends on the board and the grade, as many syllabuses allocate colours by level. Because these are set by the board and can change, confirm the exact colour with your teacher, then we can help you match it.
What do boys wear for a ballet exam?
Typically a fitted white or black top or singlet, black shorts or tights, white socks and black ballet shoes, depending on the board and grade. Confirm the details with your studio.
Where can I buy dance exam uniform in Australia?
Total Dance stocks exam leotards, tights, shoes and hair accessories, and we fit exam students every year at our Clyde North store. Bring your syllabus requirements and we will help you match them.
