How to Create a Ballerina Costume

There are many different costume options here, with tutus, leotards, tights, slippers, toe shoes and more. Remember that boys can be great ballet dancers too.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Ballerina Costume
• Ballet Slippers
• Leotards
• Opaque Hosiery
• Tiaras
• Tutus
• Body Glitters
• Hair Gel

1. Pull your hair into a bun if you're female. Boys and short-haired girls should slick back the 'do with gel.

2. Buy, borrow or recycle a leotard.

3. Choose a stiff tutu, character or practice skirt made from flowing organza material. Boys can wear tights.

4. Make a skirt by wrapping materials around your waist or by basting stiff net and tulle to a wide ribbon or elastic band. Toy and costume shops are relatively inexpensive.

5. Remember that tights in different colors create moods. Thicker stockings and boy sizes are available in dance shops.

6. Buy, borrow or search thrift shops for ballet slippers, or use slip-ons from a department store.

7. Choose a character for your dancer costume.

8. Stand on your toes and then stand on one foot while saying "Trick or treat."

9. Glide about gracefully.

10. Pirouette.

Tips & Warnings

• Ballet slippers are thin. If the kids complain because it's cold and/or raining, tell them that dancers always wear appropriate footgear - but let them bundle up if they're freezing.
• Try thrift shops, where you can frequently find inexpensive items that suit your needs.
• Consider a ready-made costume if you want to save some time, and possibly money. Check the Things You'll Need list for some options.

on 11/22/2005 For boys that want to be dancers but don't like the idea of wearing tights, black leggings are fine. Boys at my ballet school wear a white, plain, cotton T-shirt, black tights or black leggings, and black ballet shoes with white socks.