Why is Dress Code Important?

It’s a common question to hear from parents and students alike: What purpose does the dress code actually serve? We’re glad you asked!

The number one factor in establishing a dress code is for all students’ safety in class. A basic leotard and tights, along with hair pulled back and the appropriate shoes, ensures that there are no extraneous clothes or jewelry that can become hazardous. The dress code also helps teachers see that students are using the right muscles and alignment in order to learn the correct movements in class. Even the slightest adjustment in arm positions or shoulder placement can transform a single pirouette to a double.

Correct alignment is something every dancer is striving for and is the key to being able to progress and succeed in dance. This is not an easy task to complete and it takes time to determine where your sweet spot is so you can balance, turn, and use your full body with every movement. Dance teachers play a big part in helping their dancers figure this out. The proper dancewear makes it easy for teachers to see alignment that is off and then correct it. Baggy clothing just covers up the incorrect shifts in a dancer.

Just like any other sport where the appropriate uniform and protective gear is necessary, dance requires certain clothing, shoes and accessory rules in order for dancers to learn to their best capacity.

A dress code is one way students show respect for their peers and their teachers. It demonstrates an understanding of how a dance class operates, with minimal distractions and the ability to move easily for any combination of steps or choreography. It shows that the students are prepared to learn.

Because leotards and tights also often serve as a versatile base layer for costuming, it makes sense that students become accustomed to them during class time. Just as swimmers wear swimsuits and basketball players wear jerseys, dancers wear leotards and tights to have the freedom of movement required to practice correctly and efficiently.

Everyone benefits with the dress code in place: dancers can learn comfortably and instructors can teach efficiently!

Ballet/Tap Combo

  • Ages 5-6: any style white leotard

  • 'Bodywrappers' brand footed tights in theatrical pink: Child C30

  • 'Bloch' brand style leather ballet slippers in pink. Child Sizes Style #SO203G

  • 'Bloch' brand style SO302G 'tap-on' buckle tap shoe in tan. Child Sizes Style #S0302G

  • Optional ballet skirt of choice.

  • Hair pulled back please.

Ballet/Tap/Jazz Combo

  • Ages 7-9

  • Any style solid black leotard.

  • 'Bodywrappers' brand footed tights in theatrical pink: Child C30

  • 'Bloch' brand 'Neo Flex' slip-on jazz shoes style in tan. Child Sizes

  • 'Bloch' brand style SO302G 'tap-on' buckle tap shoe in tan. Child Sizes Style #S0302G

  • 'Bloch' brand style leather ballet slippers in pink. Child Sizes Style #SO203G

  • Solid black dance shorts.

  • Dance skirts of choice are optional

  • Hair pulled back please.

Jazz/Tap Combo

  • Ages 10-12

  • Any style solid black leotard.

  • 'Bodywrappers' brand footed tights in 'jazzy tan': Child C30

  • 'Bloch' brand 'Neo Flex' slip-on jazz shoes style in tan. Child Sizes

  • 'Bloch' brand style SO302G 'tap-on' buckle tap shoe in tan. Child Sizes Style #S0302G

  • Solid black dance shorts.

  • Dance skirts of choice are optional

  • Hair pulled back please.

Kinderdance

  • Girls attire:

    • Any style light pink leotard.

    • 'Bodywrappers' brand footed tights in theatrical pink: Child C30

    • Pink leather ballet slippers Capezio brand, style: 'Daisy' or equivalent.Child Sizes

    • Hair pulled back please.

  • Boys attire:

    • black leggings

    • white t-shirt

    • black ballet shoes

    • white socks

Ballet

  • Ages 10+

  • Any style solid black leotard.

  • 'Bodywrappers' brand footed tights in theatrical pink: Child C30 or Adult A30

  • Note: if a bra is needed please wear a BLACK sports bra underneath black leotards

  • 'Bloch' brand style leather ballet slippers in pink. Child Sizes Style #SO203G or Adult Sizes Style #SO203L

  • [NEW] Dance skirts are required. No shorts are to be worn in ballet classes.

  • Hair pulled back in a bun please.

Contemporary

Dancer Conditioning (Non-Recital)

  • Dancers can wear their dress code from their previous class if taking back to back classes or any tasteful workout attire.

  • Please BRING a clean pair of sneakers (dedicated to be worn on the dance floor, not outside) and change into them once inside the studio.

  • Hair pulled back.

Hip Hop

  • Solid black leggings solid black tank or tee shirt.

  • Black low top Converse sneaker or look-alike with white sole.

  • Note: if a bra is needed please wear a BLACK sports bra

  • Note: The sneakers worn for this class must be dedicated solely to use in the dance studio. They must be different from the sneakers worn on the street to and from dance class to help keep the dance floor clean.

Jazz

  • Ages 13+

  • Any style solid black leotard.

  • Solid black dance shorts or solid black leggings (no colors or words on shorts).

  • 'Bodywrappers' brand footed tights in 'jazzy tan': Child C30 or Adult A30

  • Note: if a bra is needed please wear a BLACK sports bra underneath black leotards

  • 'Bloch' brand 'Neo Flex' slip-on jazz shoes style in tan. Child Sizes or Adult Sizes

  • Hair pulled back please.

Musical Theater

  • Any style solid black leotard.

  • Solid black dance shorts or solid black leggings (no colors or words on shorts).

  • 'Bodywrappers' brand footed tights in 'jazzy tan': Child C30 or Adult A30

  • Note: if a bra is needed please wear a BLACK sports bra underneath black leotards

  • 'Bloch' brand 'Neo Flex' slip-on jazz shoes style in tan. Child Sizes or Adult Sizes

  • Hair pulled back please.

Tap

Technique

  • This is your chance to wear any style and color dance or workout wear you want! Provided it is appropriate and tasteful at all times.

  • Please wear any color tights and bring your ballet, jazz & contemporary shoes each week.

  • Hair pulled back.