More Than Hair
In few other disciplines does a hairstyle carry as much meaning as in ballet. The bun isn't decorative. It's functional, traditional, and deeply personal. And experienced dancers can read yours like a book.
The Classic High Bun
Smooth, centered, secured with a fine hairnet and approximately forty pins. This is the bun of the serious student, the one who arrived fifteen minutes early, who has a dedicated bun-making kit, who considers a flyaway a personal failing.
This bun says: I respect the tradition. I'm here to work.
The Low Bun
Sitting at the nape of the neck, slightly softer, perhaps with a few tendrils escaping. This is the bun of the contemporary ballet dancer, someone who respects classical training but isn't bound by its strictest conventions.
This bun says: I know the rules well enough to bend them.
The Messy Bun
Hastily assembled, possibly with a scrunchie (gasp), wisps everywhere. This is the bun of the dancer who overslept, or the one who simply doesn't care about hair because they're too focused on what their feet are doing.
This bun says: I'm here for the dancing, not the aesthetics.
The Perfect Instagram Bun
Sleek, shiny, not a hair out of place, possibly with a decorative pin or fresh flowers. Beautiful to look at, but suspiciously pristine. Has this person actually danced in this bun, or was it assembled for the photo?
This bun says: I might love ballet culture more than ballet class.
"Show me your bun, and I'll tell you where you trained."
The Adult Beginner Bun
Slightly lopsided, held together with determination and hope, slowly improving week by week. This is the bun that makes ballet teachers smile, because it represents someone who chose this discipline freely, out of love, and is learning not just the steps but the rituals.
This bun says: I'm brave enough to start something new.
How to Make a Proper Ballet Bun
Brush hair into a high ponytail. Twist the ponytail until it coils naturally around the base. Pin in a clockwise pattern, pushing each pin toward the center. Cover with a fine hairnet in your hair color. Finish with hairspray. Total time: three minutes (with practice). (Hint: the closer your bun is to your head, the easier it is to spot and turn.)
The Edit's Selection
Capezio
Hanami Canvas Split-Sole
A perennial favourite among adult beginners and intermediate dancers for its lightness and beautiful arch profile.
- Lightweight
- Flattering line
- Breathable
Bloch
Dansoft Full-Sole Ballet Slipper
The go-to recommendation for first-time ballet shoe buyers: forgiving, classic, and built to last a solid first year of classes.
- Supportive full sole
- Molds to the foot
- Classic leather
Sansha
Pro 1 Canvas Split-Sole
Quality at an honest price. Sansha's Pro 1 is a reliable first slipper that won't punish you for not yet knowing your preferences.
- Excellent value
- Durable
- Wide size range
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About
The Ballet Edit
The Ballet Edit is a publication dedicated to ballet culture, adult beginner dance education, movement, alignment, and the enduring style of the ballet world.
Written and edited by practitioners with professional dance experience on stage, film, and television, The Ballet Edit exists to inform, inspire, and welcome adults into the art form at every stage of their journey.
