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!