5 MISTAKES TO AVOID BEFORE BUYING YOUR DANCE EQUIPMENT

Choosing your slippers, leotard or tights is never a detail.

At All That Dance, we see dancers and parents every week looking for the right equipment — and we often see the same small mistakes, which end up costing a lot: in money, in comfort, and sometimes even in technical progress.

Here are the 5 most common pitfalls, and above all, how to avoid them, whether you are starting out in classical or contemporary dance.

1. Buying without trying

This is probably the most common mistake, especially for online purchases made in a hurry before a class. Yet, every foot has its own unique shape: width, arch, toe length… Two dancers wearing the same shoe size may need two completely different models of ballet slippers.

A poorly fitted leotard, on the other hand, can restrict the range of motion or, conversely, lack support during a lift or a pirouette.

THE RIGHT REFLEX

Always try things on in store before buying, especially for slippers and leotards.

Our team is trained to check the fit according to your dance style (classical, jazz, contemporary, urban) and your level — a beginner and an experienced dancer do not have the same support or flexibility needs.

2. Prioritizing price over quality

A budget leotard at €15 is tempting, especially when you're outfitting a child who's growing fast. But in reality, this type of garment loses its shape, color, and elasticity after just a few weeks of intensive use—the fabric stretches, the seams come undone, and it already needs replacing.

Conversely, a quality leotard or tights, made of technical material adapted to dance, retains its support and comfort over a full season, or even several years for some pieces.

THE RIGHT REFLEX

Think about cost over use rather than purchase price. A good leotard for the year is often cheaper than three low-end models bought mid-season — not to mention the added comfort during classes.

3. Forgetting the basics: tights and socks

We often focus on the ballet slipper or leotard, the "visible" piece, and neglect tights and socks. Yet these are the items that wear out the fastest: they are used in every class, subjected to friction, perspiration, and frequent washing.

THE RIGHT HYPOTHESIS

Include this item in your budget from the start, planning for several spare pairs rather than discovering it during the season, often at the worst possible time — just before a show or an exam.

4. Buying too big "for growth"

The reflex is natural, especially for growing children and teenagers: to buy a size up to "make the equipment last." The problem is that in dance, an incorrect size or shoe size is never just a minor comfort issue.

A shoe that is too big does not allow you to feel the ground properly or to place your foot correctly; a leotard that is too loose can hinder the teacher's ability to read the movement, and therefore technical corrections.

THE RIGHT REFLEX

Check the size every 3 to 4 months, especially for children and pre-teens. This requires a little more attention, but ensures consistently effective gear for growth — and often more comfortable for everyday wear.

5. Ignoring the professor's opinion

Each discipline, each school, each teacher has its own requirements: type of slipper required, color of leotard, material required for tights… Buying without researching beforehand means taking the risk of having to start all over again.

THE RIGHT REFLEX

Your dance teacher knows exactly what their class needs. Don't hesitate to ask them for advice before buying—or come directly to the store with their recommendations; our team will be happy to guide you to the right products.

In summary

• Always try before you buy, especially slippers and leotards.

• Invest in quality: good equipment lasts a whole season, or even longer.

• Don't forget the basics (tights, socks) in your budget.

• Check the size every 3 to 4 months rather than buying too big.

• Consult your teacher before making any major purchase.

Need personalized advice?

At All That Dance, we support each dancer — beginner or experienced, in classical, jazz, contemporary or urban dance — towards the equipment best suited to their practice, level and morphology.

Come see us in store for a fitting, or contact us with any questions: our expertise is here to save you time, comfort, and money in the long run.