How to Buy Ballet Costumes for Boys

Many boys and young men are involved in ballet performances. Buying a ballet costume for boys may be a bit more challenging than for girls. Be diligent in your search, use some creativity and you'll find the perfect ballet costume to buy for a boy.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Know the theme of the ballet dance that will be performed in order to know what style of costume you will be buying. Often, the boy performing the ballet dance is a main figure in the performance. Look for ballet costuming that will depict a strong look. In addition, if he is performing with a female dancer, take into consideration the type of costuming that the other dancer is wearing. It may look best if they are coordinated.

2. Take measurements of the ballet dancer. These should include his height, waist, hips and chest area. Measure the circumference of his head if a headpiece or hat is a part of the costume to be purchased.

3. Check the obvious purchase options first. The dance instructor may have dance costuming catalogs for you to view and order from. Often a dancewear catalog may have what you are looking for.

4. Ask the dance studio director if they have a ballet costume inventory. Many studios actually buy costumes and keep them for future performances. There may be a ballet costume for a boy that is perfect there and can be purchased from the inventory or even rented for the performance.

5. Visit local dancewear stores. Many of these stores carry some costumes or performance wear in their regular merchandise. Ask if you can view their catalogs for ballet costuming ideas, and if you find what you want, order directly through the store.

6. Shop at local party and costume stores. If the boy ballet dancer is performing a part that is a character-type role, such as a pirate, prince, sailor or even an evil type villain, a party-type costume may be a wonderful buy. Alter it to personalize the costume and make it wearable for a ballet dance performance.

7. Browse the online sites or Internet sites for ballet-costuming retailers. There are many of these out there, so your options will be good. Be sure to check all the little details ordering this way such as availability, shipping time frames, shipping costs and how their sizing works.

8. Talk to other parents of boys involved in ballet performances. Many dance companies and studios have an excellent parent network. If you are looking for only one or two costumes, you may be able to buy one from an older student. There are even websites that dance parents set up to sell their ballet dancers costumes and accessories. These are excellent ways to save money.

Tips & Warnings

• When you buy the ballet costume, examine it closely and be sure to try it on the dancer. You will want as much time as possible to either exchange the costume or make the appropriate alterations.
• Often the boy ballet costume will consist of dance pants that are very tight and revealing. Consider this when purchasing as you may need to purchase proper linings.