Dress Code
The ballet dress code has two primary purposes. The first and most important purpose is practical: it allows the instructor and student to have a good view of the body in order to detect misalignment or other technical errors that may be covered by baggy clothing. Their second purpose is more abstract; class uniforms create a sense of discipline and professionalism as well as promote unity within classes and a sense of achievement as each level "graduates" to a new leotard/T-shirt color.
Girls
Class leotard (see colors and styles below), pink tights, pink ballet shoes (canvas preferred). Pointe students must have pointe shoes in good repair. Skirts and tutus are only to be worn on parent observation days.
Leotard Colors/Styles by Level
Creative Movement: Light pink short-sleeve
Elementary 1: Lavender short-sleeve
Elementary 2: Light blue short-sleeve
Ballet 1: Burgundy tank
Ballet 2: Plum/dark purple tank
Ballet 3: Teal any style except halters, rhinestones, and cut-outs
Ballet 4-5: Black any style except halters, rhinestones, and cut-outs
Boys
Creative Movement/Elementary:
Fitted T-shirt (see colors below), black leggings or bicycle shorts, white socks, white or black ballet shoes (canvas preferred)
Ballet 1-5:
Fitted T-shirt (see colors below), black tights, white socks, white or black ballet shoes (canvas preferred).
T-shirt Colors by Level
Creative Movement: White or light pink
Elementary 1: White or lavender
Elementary 2: White or light blue
Ballet 1: White or burgundy
Ballet 2: White or plum/dark purple
Ballet 3: White or teal
Ballet 4-5: White or black
optional Classes
Character
Girls: Class leotard, black character skirt, black character shoes.
Boys: Class T-shirt, black tights, black jazz shoes or boots.
Jazz/Contemporary
Girls: Class leotard; black jazz pants, capris, or shorts; black jazz shoes
Boys: Class T-shirt, black tights or jazz pants, black jazz shoes
Modern Improvisation
Girls: Class leotard, footless tights, bare feet
Boys: Class T-shirt and tights, or black unitard, bare feet
Hair, Jewelry, & Warm-ups
Hair should be neatly pulled back and secured with no loose strands. Use plenty of hairpins to hold the hair so it doesn't come down during class. A hairnet and hairspray or gel help to prevent flyaways. Snoods and butterfly clips should not be used. Acceptable variations of a classic bun include a French twist, crown braid, two side buns, and braided buns, as long as the hair is tight and secure.
Jewelry is not to be worn in class. Stud earrings are acceptable. Instructors reserve the right to ask students to remove articles of jewelry if they are distracting or unsafe for the dancer to wear in class.
False nails should not be worn in class.
In the winter months, dancers may bring a fitted ballet sweater (pink, black, or class color) with them to class. Also, fitted light pink leg warmers or a fitted light pink or black full body warmer may be worn during cold weather periods. Baggy cover-ups are not allowed during class.