Whether you are preparing for your first ballet exam or gearing up for a big eisteddfod, the right dance accessories can make a real difference to how you feel, how you perform, and how polished you look on stage. At Total Dance, we stock a carefully curated range of essentials for ballet, jazz, contemporary, lyrical and tap dancers right across Australia. This buying guide walks you through the key categories, what to look for in each, and which products suit different styles and needs.
Ballet Shoe Ribbons: What to Look For and Which to Choose
Ballet shoe ribbons are one of those small purchases that dancers and dance parents quickly realise matter more than expected. The right ribbon stays tied, holds the shoe securely, and looks clean and professional from the front row of the auditorium.
Material Matters
Ribbons come in satin and elastic varieties. Satin ribbons give the traditional look required for most ballet examinations and performances. They lie flat against the ankle, create elegant lines, and are the standard choice for classical ballet. The Satin Ballet Shoe Ribbon is a reliable option here, offering that smooth, lustrous finish that photographs and presents beautifully under stage lighting.
The broader Ballet Shoe Ribbon range also includes options suited to different shoe types and foot widths. When selecting width, consider the dancer's shoe size and the width of the existing ribbon channel on the shoe. A ribbon that is too narrow may dig in; one that is too wide can bunch and look untidy.
Buying Criteria for Ballet Ribbons
- Length: Most ribbons are sold by the metre. Allow roughly 1 to 1.2 metres per pair of shoes.
- Colour: Pale pink is standard for classical ballet. Check your dance school's requirements before purchasing.
- Edge finish: Heat-sealed or stitched edges prevent fraying far better than cut ribbon.
- Durability: Satin wears with use. Buy slightly more than you think you need so you can replace ribbons mid-season without a trip to the shops.
Hair Accessories: Bun Nets, Pins, Scrunchies and Headpieces
A secure, neat bun is practically a rite of passage in dance. Getting there requires the right combination of products, and the options can feel overwhelming the first time you are standing in a dance store aisle. Here is how to navigate each category with confidence.
Bun Nets
A good bun net keeps flyaways in place without adding bulk. The key factors are colour match and mesh size. Fine mesh nets are less visible and better suited to performance, while slightly coarser nets offer more grip for very thick or slippery hair.
For dancers with auburn or red tones in their hair, the Bunheads Hair Nets Auburn are an excellent choice. Always buy nets that match the dancer's hair colour as closely as possible so they blend seamlessly into the bun.
Ripple Pins and Bobby Pins
No bun is complete without the right pins. Ripple pins, also called wave pins or crimped pins, grip far better than straight pins and are much less likely to slide out during a performance or class. Total Dance stocks several colour options to suit different hair tones:
- Ripple Pins 50 Pack 4.5cm Black for dark hair
- Ripple Pins 50 Pack 4.5cm Brown for medium to dark brown hair
- Ripple Pins 50 Pack 4.5cm Light Brown for lighter brown or dirty blonde hair
- Ripple Pins 50 Pack 4.5cm Gold for blonde hair or gold-toned styles
- Ripple Pins 100 Pack 4.5cm for studios, competition seasons, or families with multiple dancers
Bobby pins work well for securing pinned curls, decorative pieces, or keeping the edges of a bun smooth. The 5cm Black and White Bobby Pins, 5cm Gold & Bronze Bobby Pins, and 5cm White, Silver & Black Bobby Pins each serve a specific styling purpose. Keep a small assortment in your dance bag so you are prepared regardless of costume colour.
Scrunchies: More Than Just Practicality
Scrunchies are a staple in any dancer's kit. They are gentle on hair, versatile, and come in an enormous variety of colours and patterns. For class use, choose a scrunchie that matches your hair colour or your dancewear. For casual wear and rehearsals, have some fun with it.
Total Dance offers a beautiful range of scrunchies to suit every taste. The Sprinkle Paint Scrunchie brings a playful, artistic energy, while the Sky Leopard Scrunchie is bold and contemporary. For something elegant, the Purple Diamond Scrunchie adds a touch of sophistication. The Coral Coast Scrunchie and Florida Floral Scrunchie are perfect for warmer seasons, and the Luna Scrunchie suits dancers who prefer a softer, more muted aesthetic.
When choosing a scrunchie, consider the hair type. Satin or silk-feel scrunchies are gentler on fine or colour-treated hair. Elasticated fabric scrunchies with more stretch suit thick or curly hair that needs a stronger hold.
Headbands, Bows and Decorative Pieces
For younger dancers, a Flower Headband with Ribbon or a classic Headband can keep hair off the face during class without requiring a full bun. These are ideal for pre-primary and primary students still developing their hair skills.
For performances and special occasions, the Rebecca Satin Hair Bow adds a polished finish to a bun or ponytail. The Hair Blossom and Wrap Around Head Scarf offer creative options for contemporary and lyrical performances where a more expressive aesthetic is encouraged.
For competition or concert use, the Alyssa Rose Gold Tiara, Willow Rose Gold Tiara, and Faux Pearl & Rhinestone Tiara are stunning choices that elevate a stage look instantly. The Flat Diamante Headpiece and Flower Diamante Headpiece are particularly popular for ballet and jazz solos where sparkle is part of the performance.
Performance Jewellery: Choosing Safe, Stage-Ready Pieces
Jewellery for dance performances needs to meet a specific set of criteria that everyday jewellery simply does not. It must stay in place, catch the light at a distance, and, most importantly, be safe for the dancer's skin.
Earrings for Dancers
Many young dancers have sensitive ears, particularly after a recent piercing. For these dancers, hypoallergenic options are essential. The Round Cubic Zirconia Diamante Earrings - Hypoallergenic Stainless Steel are an outstanding choice. Stainless steel is well-tolerated by most skin types, and the cubic zirconia stones catch stage lighting beautifully, reading as bright and sparkly even from the back of the auditorium.
For dancers who prefer or require clip-on styles, the Diamante Round Magnetic Earrings offer a secure, comfortable fit without piercing. These are ideal for younger students or for dancers who simply prefer not to wear pierced jewellery on stage.
When selecting performance earrings, consider:
- Size: Larger stones read better under stage lighting but should not be so heavy they pull on the ear lobe.
- Fastening security: Butterfly backs can come loose. Push-back or screw-back settings are more secure for active movement.
- Colour temperature: Clear or white stones suit most costume colours. Check whether your costume calls for gold or silver tones.
Stick-On Gems and Finishing Touches
For costume embellishment or creative expression, the Rainbow Stick on Gems are endlessly versatile. Use them on costumes, accessories, or even directly on the skin as a temporary stage decoration. The Jet™ Glue is the professional-grade adhesive used for securing rhinestones and gems to costumes and headpieces. If you are finishing a costume at home, this is the product dance teachers and costumiers rely on.
Jazz Socks and Other Dance Essentials
Jazz socks might seem like a minor detail, but the right pair contributes to comfort, foot hygiene, and the overall look of a jazz or tap outfit. Look for socks that are low-cut enough not to show above the shoe line, with a snug fit that does not slip or bunch during class. Moisture-wicking fabric is a practical advantage for dancers who train frequently.
Beyond socks, a well-organised dance kit makes every class and performance run more smoothly. Explore our dance accessories range to find everything from bun-making essentials to performance jewellery and stage makeup tools including the 20 Piece Diamond Make-up Brush Set for dancers who do their own stage makeup. Keeping your kit stocked and organised means no last-minute scrambles before a concert or competition.
For dancers working on pointe, the Lambswool is a classic toe protection option. It moulds to the foot with warmth and provides cushioning without adding excessive bulk inside the shoe.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of ribbon is best for ballet shoes?
Satin ribbon is the standard choice for ballet examinations and performances. It lies flat, creates clean lines, and meets the requirements of most dance syllabuses including RAD and CSTD. The Satin Ballet Shoe Ribbon is a reliable, widely used option. Elastic ribbon is sometimes used for very young dancers or for soft ballet slippers where flexibility is prioritised over aesthetics.
How do I choose the right bun net colour?
Always match the bun net as closely as possible to the dancer's natural hair colour. Nets that contrast with the hair become very visible under stage lighting and can detract from the overall presentation. Total Dance stocks nets in a range of shades, including the Bunheads Hair Nets Auburn for dancers with red or auburn tones.
Are magnetic or clip-on earrings secure enough for dance performances?
Yes, provided they fit well. The Diamante Round Magnetic Earrings use a strong magnet to hold the earring in place, which is generally sufficient for most dance styles. For high-energy styles like tap or hip-hop with rapid head movements, check the fit before performance day and consider using a small piece of medical tape behind the ear as extra security.
What should I keep in my dance accessories kit as a minimum?
A well-stocked basic kit should include: ballet shoe ribbon or elastic (appropriate to your discipline), ripple pins and bobby pins in your hair colour, a bun net, at least two scrunchies, performance earrings, and any style-specific items like jazz socks or toe pads. Storing everything together in a dedicated dance bag or pouch saves significant time and stress on class and competition days.
Choosing the right accessories is as much about knowing your discipline's requirements as it is about personal preference. Whether you are a dance parent building a kit from scratch or a seasoned dancer refreshing your essentials, the team at Total Dance is here to help. Browse our full range of performance and studio accessories to find everything you need, all in one place.
