While we encourage each of our students to express their own unique style and individual personality, there are some guidelines regarding dress and footwear that we must require. Instructors must be able to observe the student’s body position and alignment while teaching, to insure that the student is learning proper techniques. And since we are a co-ed studio, distracting or revealing clothing that takes attention away from the instructor and/or class cannot be allowed. While some classes do have specific requirements for dress, these general guidelines should be followed:
Dancewear:
For the ladies: a leotard with tights (with a skirt, if you’d like), a unitard, a dance skirt (with attached briefs), fitted dance shorts, capris or pants, with a fitted dance shirt, etc.
For the gentlemen: fitted dance or athletic type shorts or pants, with a fitted t-shirt or tank style dance shirt.
Warm-up clothes may be worn for the first 10 minutes of each class.
All students must wear clothing that is appropriate for dance class. No street or gym clothes will be allowed for class. This includes loose fitting t-shirts, sweat shirts or pants, jeans, cargo pants, denim or twill shorts, etc. All skirts, shorts, pants, etc. must be worn at the waistline. This applies to both male and female students. Dance shirts/tops must be full length. No crop or bra style tops, or exposed tummies will be allowed. Tights are recommended with leotards, skirts & shorts, to protect the legs during floor work. If a body tight is worn, the straps must be on the shoulders or tucked into a waistband, not folded down at the waist. Hanging straps pose a safety hazard to your fellow dancers. Dance shoes are required for all classes.
Absolutely NO STREET SHOES are allowed on the dance floors.
Hair should be pulled up & secured away from the face and neck. And, for safety’s sake, no long, dangling jewelry is allowed in class (this includes necklaces, bracelets, earrings, anklets, etc.).
Any student who is not dressed appropriately for class will be asked to change. If a change of clothing is not available, the student will be asked to sit out the class.
Required Dress for Ballet:
Female ballet students: a solid black leotard with tan, white or pink tights. A short black skirt is also acceptable.
Male ballet students: solid black fitted dance shorts or pants and a fitted black or white t-shirt or tank style shirt.
Warm-up clothes may be worn for the first 10 minutes of each class.
Footwear:
Appropriate footwear varies according to the class and style of dance. Some suggestions follow, however, your instructor will discuss appropriate footwear for your class at the beginning of the season. Appropriate footwear will be required for all classes. Absolutely NO STREET SHOES are allowed on the dance floors. You may order your footwear through Sequins & Sweats immediately after registration.
Children dancing in preschool, primary or elementary combination classes will need both full-soled ballet shoes and tap shoes for class.
Jazz:
Black split-sole jazz oxford or slip on gore boot.
All students taking jazz class must have jazz shoes for their first class. You may order you shoes through Sequins & Sweats immediately after registration & they should be in by your first class.
Tap:
Black oxford style leather tap shoes. Capezio Premier or Xtreme model shoes are the preferred shoe for all students ages 10 & up.
Female preschool students may wear black patent leather, ribbon tie, tap shoes.
Female primary or elementary combo students may wear black buckle Mary Jane style tap shoes.
All students taking tap class must have tap shoes for their first class. You may order you shoes through Sequins & Sweats immediately after registration & they should be in by your first class.
Hip Hop:
Black split-sole dance sneakers, with non-marking soles.
Ballet:
Female – pink (leather or canvas), split-sole ballet shoes.
Male – black (leather or canvas), split-sole ballet shoes.
Shoes should fit securely and adjustment strings should be knotted securely, trimmed and tucked into the shoe.
Preschool, primary and elementary combo students may wear white full-soled ballet shoes.
Lyrical:
Since there are so many styles of shoe used for lyrical dance, please check with your instructor regarding what shoe you will need for class. You may start lyrical classes with the shoe of your choice, but you will need to have your instructor’s preferred shoe no later than November 1st. Instructors will be choosing from shoes such as; slip-on gore boots, pedinis, half-soles, dance paws, etc.
Competition & Performance Dancers:
Competition dancers & students performing in our yearly productions will need to have a variety of shoes. Your instructors will notify you if you will need a shoe other than those being worn for class to compliment your costume. Please order them as early as possible.
Teachers will discuss appropriate dress and footwear for class at the beginning of the season. It is a students’ responsibility to come dressed properly and prepared for class, but parents can help by being familiar with what your child should be wearing, including appropriate shoes, for each of their classes. Please also be sure that your child’s hair is secured up and away from their face and neck for class.
Thank you for your cooperation!