I am a ballet and jazz teacher at a dance studio and I am also a mother of a fast-growing 10 year-old girl who is in ballet.  I have bought many leotards and dance shoes for myself and my daughter over the years, and I would like to share the knowledge I've gained from trial-and-error shopping to save you a bit of trouble.

     First, dance moms need to be aware that dancewear sizing is not the same as the street clothes sizing,  even when compared to similar exercise clothing.  Many dancewear manufacturers such as Capezio, Bloch, Sansha, etc. have their own detailed size chart and almost all of them are smaller than standard US clothing sizing.  With that in mind, take a closer look at the numbers.  Reputable manufacturers always have size charts readily available (whether in printed catalogs or as an online chart) that would clearly state the bust/waist/hip measurements (sometimes in ranges) and height and/or weight ranges as well within a given size range.  Being honest with your tape measure is a good start for a great fit.  Don't just pick the smallest size you can fit yourself into.  Often, it is more flattering to go up a size if something is pinching and distorting the natural line of your body.  And when you have things pinching, you look like you're about to burst at the seams and that is not the way to create the "slimming" look we are all after.

     One measurement that we normally don't see with street clothes sizing is the thing called "girth" (the measurement of the torso from top of the shoulder, through between your legs and back up to the same shoulder where you started).  This measurement is helpful in finding the perfectly fit leotard.  Here's why.  Let's say that there were two people standing at 5 ft. 6 in.  and weighing the same.  Bust/waist/hip measurements are also in the same range.  One has a long torso, the other has long legs and short torso.  If they both chose size M for their leotards, the same leotard will fit quite differently between these two hypothetical individuals.  This is where the "girth" number comes into play.  You can buy a leotard that fit your body so that the common "riding up the buttocks" situation will not be an issue.  In the example above, the longer-torsoed dancer will have a nicer fit if she goes up to size L, for example, considering the girth measurement. 

     Another thing to keep in mind is the type of material used in dancewear.  In my general observation, I have noticed that exercise wear you can find at most retail stores have thick, supportive, cotton/lycra blend.  They give you breathability as well as some degree of support.  Specialty dancewear can be found in many materials from supportive cotton/lycra blend to barely-there and hand-wash-only microfiber.  Generally speaking, if you have a body that's a little "pudgy" and the waist band of the tights leaves a roll of flesh hanging out (i.e., "the muffin top"), you'd be better off with supportive and stretchy cotton/lycra blend of fair thickness.  If you're lean throughout and the waist band of the tights never leaves any rolls of flesh hanging, then you can opt for thin microfiber leotard and other materials with minimum stretch.  

     Another consideration for busty dancers is the issue of support.  Generally speaking, most leotards (for dance, figure skating and gymnastics) would have shelf bra made in stretchy and breathable Cool-Max type material.  Some leotards would have a full front panel ( in many girls' size leotards as well).  Yet, great number of others on the market have no lining whatsoever.  A strappy camisole made of milliskin microfiber with no shelf bra lining may look simply gorgeous on a professional ballet dancer, but it may not be the perfect choice for anyone with a cup size larger than B/C.  If you're heavy chested and need more support, opt for the tank style leotard with wider shoulder straps.  Layering another leotard under is another clever amd stylish way to add support. 

     Chest is not the only place some of us need support.  Many older female dancers notice the extra weight creeping up on the upper arms.  When this happens, the skimpy camisole type leotard may not be the most flattering choice.  Leotard with 3/4 sleeves is great for slimming the upper arms by having the leotard material supporting the flesh, giving them much firmer appearance.

     If you find any helpful information on this guide, please take a moment to vote "yes" at the end of the article where they ask the question, "Was this guide helpful?"  It only takes a single click and you don't have to do anything else.  I'd appreciate your vote very much.  Have a great time shopping and dancing!