A proper warmup is one of the most important parts of a dancer’s routine. Before technique, turns, or jumps begin, muscles need time and warmth to become responsive and safe. Warmup layers help increase circulation, prevent injury, and allow dancers to ease into class or rehearsal with confidence.
Below are some of our most popular and effective warmup pieces that dancers rely on in the studio and backstage:
Legwarmers
Knitted and soft, legwarmers are a studio classic. They are especially helpful at the beginning of class, when muscles are still cold, and during rehearsals with frequent stops and starts.
Why dancers love them:
• Keep calves, ankles, and Achilles tendons warm
• Easy to remove as the body heats up
• Ideal for barre work and center warmups
Legwarmers come in a variety of lengths and thicknesses, allowing dancers to customize warmth based on their needs.
Sweaters
Warmup sweaters - whether fabric or knit - are another ballet staple. Wrap sweaters in particular have long been favored for their ability to keep the upper body warm without restricting movement.
Benefits:
• Maintain warmth through the shoulders, back, and arms
• Perfect for barre and early center work
• Add comfort during long rehearsals
• A well-fitted sweater keeps the core warm, helping the entire body stay ready to move.
Trashbag Pants and Shorts
"Trashbag-style" warmup pants and shorts are designed with one main purpose - heat retention. Made from thin, lightweight materials, these pants or shorts are worn over tights to trap warmth and speed up muscle readiness.
Key advantages:
• Quickly warms large muscle groups
• Lightweight and easy to layer
• Especially effective for jumps and allegro-heavy classes
Modern Alternatives to Traditional Trashbag Warmups
Nikolay now offers a newer approach to heat-retention technology. Their warmup pants and shorts are made with a high-tech membrane material that traps body heat under the fabric, allowing muscles to warm more efficiently without excess bulk.
Another popular option is the Barre Trash Sauna line. These feature a thicker lining that retains heat and encourages sweating. Dancers appreciate this collection because the fabric stretches with movement, unlike traditional trashbag pants that can feel stiff or noisy.
Warmup Booties
Warmup booties are outstanding at keeping feet and ankles warm between classes, during rehearsals, or backstage before performances. Most booties are made from nylon or polyester with a plush filling for softness and insulation.
Why they’re a must-have:
• Protect feet and ankles from cooling down
• Ideal for transitions between warm-up and performance
• Can be worn with or without ballet slippers or pointe shoes
Fit tip: If you plan to wear ballet slippers or pointe shoes inside your booties, sizing up is recommended for comfort.
Warmup layers are more than just cozy accessories. They are functional tools that support muscle health, flexibility, and injury prevention. Whether it’s legwarmers at barre, trashbag pants before jumps, or booties backstage, choosing the right warmups helps dancers move safely and confidently from the very first plié.