Shaving is a matter of preference. However, be aware that if you shave dark, coarse hair, you'll end up with "stubble" that may be more uncomfortable under tights. And if you have light hair, like me, it's really no problem under tights.
Rather than shaving coarse hair you might consider dipillatories, chemicals that "burn" away the hair. This type of treatment lasts longer than shaving.
Regarding those knots and bows on the ballet slippers...I used to have a teacher who would tie the bow and then cut everything off down to the tight knot. This eliminates the problem of the bow and how to tuck it in, but it also eliminates the ability to adjust the fit. I prefer to tie my bow, then tuck everything inside under the slipper. This way I can adjust the string as the slipper adjusts to the foot. The tucked in bow can be uncomfortable, but, hell, this is ballet, and danseurs are supposed to forego comfort for appearance!
balletboy
>Hi, I just starting ballet and I have a couple questions:>1. Should I shave my legs? I notice that sometimes my tights pull my leg hair and it gets uncomfortable. I've also noticed that alot of the guy in my class shave. Is this what male dancers are suppose to do?>2. You know that string inside ballet slippers that make it tighter on your foot when you pull on it? When you tie the string, do you tuck the bow under the flap our your slipper or do you wear it out?>Thanks! :) [/i]