Our 360 Guide to Balletcore—Clothes, Hair, and Fitness

For all of us wannabe prima ballerinas, this is our time.

Balletcore is the trend that keeps on giving, and it’s not just our closets that are feeling it. From slicked-back buns and satin bow headbands to lengthening exercises you can do on and off the barre, consider this your 360 guide to a ballet-inspired lifestyle—no pointe shoes required.

We’d be remiss not to seek the advice of some professionals, though. We tapped the queen of sleek hair, Amanda Lee (who’s nailed the look on Hailey Bieber and Kendall Jenner), for tips on how to get a pristine bun that’s ready for center stage.

We also got professional ballerina Adji Cissoko to share the best ballet moves to make you leaner and stronger at home.

To round everything out, we’ve picked our favorite ballet-inspired fashion pieces, from cozy shrugs and wrap sweaters to playful barrettes and dresses.

Below, find everything you need from rehearsal to showtime.

The Hair

For both our busy girls and lazy girls, the slicked-back bun is for you.

“Dirty hair is ideal for a slicked-back bun. The natural oils help give the hair more control for sleek looks,” Amanda tells us. “I love using Angelstick for slicking down the hairline and any flyaways. Since it’s a stick, it’s really easy to apply when doing my clients’ hair or my own. I can apply it directly to my hair, and it’s not too heavy.”

To finish the style, “Use a small barber brush to slick your hair back because it fits well in your hand and has lots of short, dense bristles,” she advises. “It makes it much easier to smooth out bumps!

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Angelstick

Price: $38

Emi Jay

The Moves

Ballerinas may spend the majority of their lives in a studio perfecting their craft, but that doesn’t mean we can’t steal a few moves for our own at-home workouts. There’s a reason the pros are lean and strong, and it all starts with the basics. Below, Adji shares her five favorite starter ballet exercises.

Swan Arms
This works to strengthen both the back and the arms. It can be done standing or seated. Add a light weight for extra resistance.

Bring your arms up to the side, leading with your wrists
Move arms in a flying motion up and down, leading with bent elbows.
Continue for 10 to 15 seconds.
Repeat four times.

Head Circles
This will loosen up any stiffness in the neck and upper body. Adding the upper body to this exercise will create bigger circles.

Circle the head slowly one way five times, making sure the circles are even and full.
Switch directions, and circle the other way five times.

Foot Circles
This strengthens and stabilizes the ankles.

Stand on one leg and circle the foot eight times in one direction and then eight times in the other direction.
Switch feet and repeat.

Side Developés
This helps to strengthen extensions and increase flexibility.

Lay on your side with your legs straight.
Draw the foot of your top leg up along your bottom leg with a bent knee (passé position).
Pull the knee toward your upper body with your knee facing the ceiling. Then straighten your leg up towards the ceiling.
Repeat five times before switching legs.

Grand Pliés in Second Position
This will strengthen the hips and quads and increase full-body awareness.

Stand with your legs shoulder-width apart with your feet turned out.
Bring your arms up and out to your sides, level with your shoulders (hands flexed).
Bend your knees gradually until you reach your lowest level.
Slowly straighten the knees while you push your hands down through your palms.
Repeat 10 times.

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Helix Weights

Price: $68

B, Half Moon

The Clothes

Looking like an off-duty ballerina is never a bad thing. And why not dress up like you’re headed to ballet class when going to pick up groceries? Here are some of our ballet-inspired favorites that work just as well in normal civilian life.