The right dance accessories can make a real difference to how you feel, how you perform, and how polished you look on stage. Whether you are preparing for a first ballet exam or gearing up for an eisteddfod, this dance accessories buying guide covers what to look for across shoes, ribbons, jewellery and hair accessories so you can shop with confidence.
Ballet Shoe Ribbons: Width, Material and Length
Ribbons are one of those small purchases that dancers and dance parents often underestimate. The wrong ribbon can slip, fray quickly, or sit bulky around the ankle. Here is what to look for.
Width
Standard ballet ribbon width is 22mm. This suits most students from beginner level through to exam work. Wider ribbons, around 25mm, can look more substantial on stage but may feel stiff on younger dancers with narrow ankles. Stick with 22mm unless your teacher specifies otherwise.
Material
Satin ribbon is the traditional choice and still the most widely used. It lies flat, knots neatly, and photographs well under stage lighting. Grosgrain ribbon has a ribbed texture that grips the ankle more firmly, which some dancers prefer for character or jazz work. For pointe shoes specifically, a firm satin with some structure holds its shape across a full class or performance without stretching out.
Length
Most dancers need approximately 1 metre of ribbon per shoe, so buy at least 2 metres per pair. Cut each piece at an angle and seal the ends with a lighter or clear nail polish to prevent fraying. If your dancer has longer legs or a higher ankle, allow a little extra length before you cut.
If you are also sourcing accessories for pointe work, our guide on pointe shoe essentials and foot care products covers toe pads, spacers and related items worth knowing about before your first fitting.
Dance Jewellery: What Works on Stage
Not all jewellery is appropriate for every style or venue. Here is a practical breakdown by discipline.
Ballet and Contemporary
Keep it minimal. Small stud earrings in gold or pearl tones are the standard for exams and concerts. Avoid anything that dangles or catches the light in a way that distracts from the line of the body. Many exam syllabi, including RAD and CSTD, specify stud earrings only, so check your requirements before purchasing.
Jazz, Tap and Musical Theatre
There is more flexibility here. Drop earrings, simple necklaces and rhinestone pieces can complement a costume effectively. The key is proportion. Large statement pieces can overwhelm a young dancer's frame. Choose jewellery scaled to the costume and the dancer's age.
Eisteddfod and Concert Work
Ask your teacher or costumer before buying jewellery for performance. Many studios have specific requirements about colour, size and placement. Clip-on styles are a practical option for younger dancers whose ears are not pierced.
For concert and eisteddfod preparation, stage makeup choices matter just as much as accessories. Our guide to age-appropriate stage makeup for young dancers is worth reading alongside this one.
Hair Accessories: Practical Choices That Last the Whole Class
Hair accessories fail in one of two ways. They either slip out mid-performance or they cause discomfort over a long rehearsal. Here is how to choose well.
Bobby Pins and Kirby Grips
Match the pin colour to the dancer's hair colour. Black pins in blonde hair, or blonde pins in dark hair, both show under stage lighting. Buy in bulk because they disappear. Look for pins with a textured grip on the underside rather than smooth metal, which holds far better in fine hair.
Hairnets
Buy nets that match the hair colour as closely as possible. A tight mesh is more secure than a loose weave. Double-layer nets work well for thick hair. For buns specifically, use a net slightly smaller in diameter than the finished bun so it sits snugly without bunching.
Bun Covers and Snood Nets
Fabric bun covers with an elasticated edge are popular for exams and concerts. Choose a colour that matches the dancer's hair or complements the costume. Avoid decorative bun covers for RAD or CSTD graded exams as many syllabi specify plain nets only.
Headbands and Scrunchies
Velvet headbands are a practical choice for jazz and contemporary styles. They grip without slipping and do not leave a dent in the hair the way elastic bands can. For younger dancers in recreational classes, a well-fitted scrunchie in the class colour is usually all that is needed.
Getting Ready for a Pointe Shoe Fitting
If ribbons and elastic are on your list because your dancer is moving into pointe work, preparation matters. Knowing what to bring, what to wear and what questions to ask makes the fitting process much smoother. Our article on what to expect at your first pointe shoe fitting covers all of that in detail.
Shop Dance Accessories
Once you know what you need, finding it in one place saves time. Browse our full range of dance accessories for students and performers including ribbons, elastics, hair products, jewellery and more. Everything is selected with Australian dance syllabi and performance standards in mind.
