What to Wear to a Rhythmic Gymnastics Trial Class in Singapore
By Bianka Panova, nine-time World Champion and co founder of Bianka Panova Academy. Updated 20 October 2026.
For a trial class at Bianka Panova Academy, your daughter wears a plain fitted T-shirt or long-sleeved top, fitted shorts or leggings, and socks. She also brings a personal water bottle. Her nails should be short, with no jewellery. She does not need a leotard or any special kit for the trial. A leotard is only worn for competitions, and daily classes use the BPA training uniform. A uniform fitting will be done on her first day. The trial class costs $65, lasts 60 minutes and is best suited to girls aged 4 to 10.
The trial day checklist at a glance
- A plain, fitted T-shirt or long-sleeved top
- Fitted shorts or leggings
- Socks (she cannot join the class without them)
- A personal water bottle with her name on it
- Hair tied back (required once she enrols, and we suggest it for the trial too)
- Short nails and no jewellery
What she should wear is usually the first practical question after a parent books a trial, and we are glad to be asked.
What should a girl wear to a rhythmic gymnastics trial class?
She should wear a plain, fitted T-shirt or long-sleeved top with fitted shorts or leggings.
Fitted is the word that matters. Our coaches look at her flexibility, coordination, apparatus handling and how she follows instruction, and they can only judge her posture and body line when her clothes sit close to the body. Loose fabric can also catch on an apparatus in mid action.
Choose clothes without pockets, drawstrings, buttons, snaps or zips. They get in the way of movement and can cause injury.
Does she wear socks, half shoes or go barefoot?
She wears socks. She cannot join the class without them. If she already owns half shoes, the soft shoes that cover the front of the foot and leave the heel bare, she is welcome to wear them instead. There is no need to buy anything before the trial. BPA makes its own half shoes for our gymnasts, and our customer service team will advise on the details once she joins.
Does her hair need to be tied back?
Her hair must be neatly tied back once she enrols, and we suggest the same for the trial so it stays out of her eyes. A simple ponytail or bun is enough.
Bianka remembers pinning up her own bun before her first international competition. She did not know how to secure the pins properly because, as she puts it, “no one had ever shown me.” The pins began flying across the carpet about ten minutes later. We would rather show a girl early than let her find out in the middle of a routine.
What should she bring besides clothes?
A personal water bottle. Water is the only thing allowed in the training area, so please leave snacks outside the studio. Our code of conduct also asks every gymnast to keep her belongings clearly labelled, and a name on the bottle is a good place to start.
When should we arrive, and can I watch the class?
Arrive about 15 minutes before the class starts. We are at 2 Bukit Merah Central, #02–03, Singapore 159835, and the nearest MRT station is Redhill (EW18). We have parking available in the building.
Parents wait in our designated waiting area, because parents do not enter the studio during class. For the trial class we provide a viewing link, so you can watch from where you sit.
What if she is nervous?
Nerves are normal, for her and for you, and they say nothing about her future. Some girls find the flexibility work uncomfortable at first. That is normal. We want to be a teacher who made her laugh and helped her through it. Clothes are the one part of the day you control, so lay them out the night before and leave the rest to us.
What changes once she enrols?
She moves into the BPA training uniform, with her hair neatly tied back. Our code of conduct asks every student to wear the BPA training uniform to daily classes and to tie her hair up securely. A leotard is only needed for competitions. Our customer service team will advise on the specifics once she joins.
Ready to book? Choose the days and times that suit you on our trial class page and we will find a 60 minute class with a free spot for her.
Frequently asked questions
What should my daughter wear to a rhythmic gymnastics trial class?
A plain, fitted T-shirt or long-sleeved top, fitted shorts or leggings, and socks. She brings a personal water bottle.
Does she need a leotard for the trial class?
No. A leotard is only needed for competitions. Once she enrols she wears the BPA training uniform. We have 2 colors available.
Can she wear leggings or a long-sleeved top?
Yes, as long as they are plain and fitted, with no pockets, strings or zips.
Can I watch the trial class?
Parents do not enter the studio during class. You can wait in our waiting area, and for the trial class we provide a viewing link so you can watch remotely.
How long is the trial class?
The trial class, also known as the Assessment Trial, lasts 60 minutes. Her written assessment report is emailed to you within one week of the class.
What is the minimum age to start rhythmic gymnastics at BPA?
The minimum age is 4, within the year of turning 4. Older girls are welcome too, though our classes for older gymnasts are not beginner friendly.
How much is the trial class?
The trial class costs $65 and lasts 60 minutes.
What ages is the trial class for?
Our trial class is best suited to girls aged 4 to 10. Older girls are welcome to try a trial too, but our classes for older gymnasts are not beginner friendly.
What about nails and jewellery?
Please keep her nails short and leave all jewellery at home.
More answers are in our full FAQ.
Originally published on Medium.