What you actually need
Ballet slippers are the foundation. Younger dancers (under 9) typically wear soft leather full-sole slippers ($20-35). Older dancers often wear split-sole canvas slippers ($15-30) which allow more articulation of the foot. Ask your school which type they recommend before buying.
A leotard in the required color and style ($25-40) comes next. Most schools specify exactly what they want, so confirm before purchasing. Matching the school’s requirement avoids having to buy multiple leotards.
Tights are essential. Younger dancers wear footed tights in whatever color the school requires. Older dancers transition to convertible tights (cut at the foot for pointe work) once they start pointe. Budget $8-15 per pair and buy multiple since they get holes constantly.
A hair net ($3-5) and hairpins ($5-10) keep hair neat and secure. A wrap sweater ($25-40) is practical for keeping warm during class and helps with the ballet aesthetic.
Pointe shoes ($60-90) are the big purchase, but only when your teacher says so. Most students don’t start pointe until age 11 or later, and their teacher must evaluate them for readiness. Buying pointe shoes too early wastes money and can cause injury.
Sizing notes
Need to know what size? See our Ballet sizing guide.
Used gear notes
Used slippers and leotards are fine from Facebook Marketplace. Check slippers for tears or worn seams. Tights are cheap enough to buy new. Pointe shoes should always be new—used ones won’t have the structural integrity your dancer needs.
What you can skip
Skip expensive hair accessories. Simple pins work. Skip designer leotards or branded warm-up gear. Basic versions work perfectly. Skip purchasing pointe shoes until the teacher explicitly recommends it. Buying them early is expensive and unnecessary.