{"id":1397,"date":"2026-03-30T20:51:05","date_gmt":"2026-03-30T20:51:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tutuschool.com\/newportbeach\/?p=1397"},"modified":"2026-03-30T20:51:06","modified_gmt":"2026-03-30T20:51:06","slug":"your-guide-to-ballet-slippers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tutuschool.com\/newportbeach\/blog\/2026\/03\/30\/your-guide-to-ballet-slippers\/","title":{"rendered":"Your Guide to Ballet Slippers!"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Brands, Sizing, + More ~ All you need to know!<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Ballet Slippers \u2013 the core of your Tutu Schooler\u2019s attire in ballet class! They seem so simple: classically pink and impossibly tiny, but why do they all fit different and what are the benefits of drawstrings and what are you supposed to do with all of them once your dancer has grown out of 3 pairs?!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A Quick History of the Ballet Slipper<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Let\u2019s start at the very beginning! Did you know the very first ballet dancers actually wore a heeled shoe? Famous French Principal Dancer Marie Camargo first popularized a non-heel ballet shoe all the way back in the mid-1700s during her time at the Paris Opera Ballet (about a hundred years after the first ballet school was founded by the King of France!). By the start of the 1800s, everyone on stage was wearing a flat ballet slipper, much like what we wear today! Flash forward to the 21st century and you can find slippers in leather, canvas, etc, etc, but don\u2019t worry. We\u2019ll get to that part!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Ballet slippers are preferred during ballet class over just grip socks. However, if your dancer will only take the floor in their favorite grippy socks, you won\u2019t hear an argument from us! But the ballet slipper will support your dancers arch + allow your dancer to easily glide along the dance floor during their twirls. They\u2019re essential to any ballet class!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So What Type of Ballet Slipper Do I Need?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When it comes to color, traditionally, ballet slippers come in pink, white, and black. Obviously at Tutu School Newport Beach, we are partial to the sparkly variety. Your dancer can wear whatever color their heart desires! Ballet slippers can also come in canvas, leather, or satin. So what\u2019s the difference? Typically leather shoes will last longer, canvas are more budget-friendly, and satin are mainly reserved for performances, but wear out rather quickly. At this age, any material is fine for your dancer, since they might grow out of their slippers before they fully wear out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For the same reason, it is entirely up to you which brand you would like to purchase. The most popular and trusted ballet slipper brands are Capezio, Bloch, and So Danca. You can find these online, at your local dancewear store, or at your Tutu School Newport Beach! No matter where you decide to purchase from, either be sure to try them on your little one first or double check the sizing on the website! Many retailers have you size up at least 1 size from your dancer\u2019s street shoe size to ensure a snug, sock-like fit. If your dancer is growing fast, it\u2019s totally okay to have a little bit of space at the end of their shoe! If you\u2019re unsure of sizing, be sure to grab your teacher before or after class to try some on at Tutu School Newport Beach!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If your dancer\u2019s twinkle toes are growing REALLY fast, you may want to find a ballet slipper with drawstring ties. These ties allow you to tighten a slightly bigger size to fit your dancer\u2019s foot when you pull them. Just make sure they are double tied and the strings are tucked in during class\u2026otherwise you may be tying their shoes a few times throughout the lesson!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Adult ballet slippers may come without the elastic bands sewn on, as older dancers prefer to do this themselves and have the bands in the most comfortable spot. But most kiddo sizes already have the elastic attached!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another thing you may notice about ballet slippers is that they don\u2019t have a right or a left side. After the first wear, the shoe will already start to form to your dancer\u2019s foot! If you\u2019re not able to tell yet, don\u2019t worry \u2013 it won\u2019t hurt anything if you put them on a different side. They\u2019ll be able to tip toe like a butterfly just as sweetly as ever!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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What To Do With Old Ballet Slippers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

So you\u2019ve been at Tutu School Newport Beach for a few years now and you\u2019ve accumulated a few pairs of ballet slippers! So what should you do with them? We\u2019re so glad you asked!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  1. Donate your gently worn slippers!\n