New to AK?
Start here.
We’ll get your dance life ready.
Packing a bag for your child's very first class, getting back to the barre as an adult, or training for your next audition — this is your step-by-step guide to dancing in AK.
Where confidence takes the stage
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Why dancers choose AK
Every piece starts with one of three AK-engineered knits — AeraKnit™, CoreKnit™ and LuxMesh™.
Founder Alina Khoo takes each design through several rounds of revisions before it goes into production.
Many styles come in kids' and adult sizes, so a dancer can stay in AK as they grow.
Annual AK Fall Dancers Events, masterclasses and a partnership with National Ballet Competition.
Guide 01 · For first-time dance parents
Your dancer's first class, sorted.
Three steps, about ten minutes. No dance background needed.
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1
Ask for the dress code
Most studios set one per level: leotard color and style, pink or skin-tone tights, hair in a bun. Get it from your studio first, then shop to match.
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2
Pack the class bag
Five pieces cover nearly every beginner ballet class. Our picks are below — each comes in colors that suit most studio dress codes.
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3
Measure, then size
Use today's measurements with our size chart. Tights can't be returned once opened, so double-check before you order.
Guide 02 · For adult & recreational dancers
Feel good at the barre — and after it.
Coverage you choose, fabric that stays put, and pieces that layer for the walk home.
Read: finding the leotard style that feels like you →-
1
Choose your coverage
Sleeves, tanks or camisoles. A short sleeve like CHLOE is a confident first pick.
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2
Add a layer
A hi-lo skirt or bike short gives coverage without hiding your lines.
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3
Finish the look
Match a scrunchie to your leotard and pack cozy socks for warm-up.
Build your class look
Swipe →
Guide 03 · For competitive & pre-professional dancers
What to look for in a training leotard — and how AK measures up.
Hours of class a day is a stress test. Here is the checklist we design against.
01Support that doesn't restrict
AeraKnit™ gives moderate compression through the core and torso, so you feel held in without losing range.
Read: what is a compressive leotard? →02Holds its shape after hundreds of classes
Every AK knit is engineered for shape retention, holding its color, shape and performance through repeated wear.
See our fabrics →03Breathes through long rehearsals
Breathable, quick-drying knits keep you cool from first plié to final bow.
Compare knits →04Necklines and backs that frame your lines
Designed by a dancer-founder. Watch Alina walk through the AVA lace-back design.
Watch: AVA — Meet the Design →05Skirts that do double duty
AK2in1™ reversible skirts give you two looks in one, so you pack one skirt, not two.
Shop AK2in1™ →06Built for danseurs, too
The Danseur collection gives boys and men performance shirts and tights made with the same care.
Shop Danseur →The training rotation
Swipe →
High stretch with a held-in feel, built for technique days.
$70
For intensives, photos and the class you want to stand out in.
$90
Reversible, so one skirt gives you two looks.
$55
For everyone · Fabric first
Find your fabric.
Three knits, one standard. All are 4-way stretch, breathable, quick-drying and built to hold their shape.
- Best for
- High-intensity training, precision technique, a held-in feel
- Feel
- Ultra-smooth, soft modern finish
- Support
- Moderate compression through core & torso
- Weight
- Lightweight
- Made of
- 92% micro-polyester, 8% spandex, with SUPPLEX®
- Best for
- Everyday class and all-day rehearsals
- Feel
- Silky-smooth
- Support
- Supportive, never heavy
- Weight
- Moderately lightweight
- Made of
- 92% micro-polyester, 8% spandex
- Best for
- Layers that flow; elegant, sculpted lines
- Feel
- Buttery soft mesh
- Support
- Sculpted support where it matters
- Weight
- Very lightweight, airy
- Made of
- 84% polyester, 16% spandex
For everyone · Fit & sizing
Get the fit right the first time.
Measure today and compare with our size chart. Growing dancers: measure each season.
Open the size chart → 30-day returnsUnworn, unwashed items with tags can be returned within 30 days. Tights, bundles and Last Call items are final sale.
Return policy → Try it on in personVisit our flagship store in Lewisville, TX, where you can also return online orders in person.
Visit the store → Ask a real personBetween sizes or unsure about a dress code? Our team will help you choose.
info@akdancewear.com →Still deciding?
Start with our most loved.
Learn with AK
More than dancewear.
AK Backstage is our journal: training tips, career stories and parent guides from AK artists, interns and partners.
Join the AK community.
Our annual weekend of masterclasses, film and photo shoots, now in its fifth year.
See events →
Meet the dancers who train, perform and create in AK, and find out how to join them.
Meet our ambassadors →
Why a dancer-founder started AK, and the commitment behind every piece.
Read our story →Good to know
New-customer FAQ
Still have a question? Email info@akdancewear.com or visit our full FAQ.
Is there free shipping?
Yes. Free shipping on US domestic orders over $150, and international orders over $300.
How long does delivery take?
We typically ship within 1–2 business days. USPS takes 4–6 business days; USPS Priority Mail takes 1–3 business days.
Do you ship internationally?
Yes, we ship worldwide. USPS Priority Mail International takes 6–8 business days.
What is your return policy?
Unused, unworn and unwashed items in original packaging with tags can be returned within 30 days. Email info@akdancewear.com with your order number first as approval is required before sending items back as exclusion apply. See more details here.
What can't be returned?
Tights and undergarments, gift cards, gift box, bundles and Last Call items are final sale.
Can I exchange for a different size?
We don't offer direct exchanges. Place a new order for the size you need and return the original under our return policy.
Ready for class one? Take 15% off.
Join the AK list for 15% off your first online order, plus new AK Backstage stories and event invites. Exclusions apply.
Commitment Uncompromised.