Class attire policy
Dressed to dance. what to wear for every class
Proper dance attire ensures student safety, allows instructors to check alignment and technique, and fosters a focused, professional learning environment. Please review the style-specific requirements below prior to the start of classes.
Hair must be neatly secured off the face and neck for all disciplines.
No hoop or dangling earrings, necklaces, bracelets, or watches. Small stud earrings are permitted — hoop earrings are just dangerous.
Clothing must fit properly to prevent tripping or catching. Denim, street clothes, and non-stretch fabrics are strictly prohibited (except approved Hip Hop streetwear).
Outdoor street shoes are not permitted on studio floors. Tap and jazz shoes must remain indoors to protect the dance surfaces.
Requirements by dance style
Find your dancer's classes.
Dancers taking more than one style can layer — a leotard and convertible tights work as the base for almost everything except Hip Hop.
01 Combo & Trio
- Attire
- Leotard. Skirt or fitting shorts are permitted.
- Tights
- Pink, black or skin-tone tights.
- Shoes — Combo
- Leather or canvas split-sole ballet slippers
- Tan Mary Jane tap shoe
- Shoes — Trio
- Leather or canvas split-sole ballet slippers
- Tan Mary Jane tap shoe
- Tan split-sole jazz shoe
02 Ballet
- Attire
- Leotard.
- Tights
- Pink, black or skin-tone convertible tights.
- Shoes
- Leather or canvas split-sole ballet slippers (Capezio Hanami preferred).
03 Tap
- Attire
- Form-fitting top or leotard with fitted jazz pants, leggings, or bike shorts.
- Tights
- Optional — convertible tights or thin socks recommended to prevent chafing.
- Shoes
- Leather tap shoes (Oxford style preferred for intermediate/advanced dancers).
04 Jazz
- Attire
- Form-fitting tank top, crop top, or leotard paired with tights, high-waisted leggings, jazz pants, or fitted shorts.
- Shoes
- Slip-on leather jazz shoes (Bloch Pulse preferred).
05 Lyrical
- Attire
- Leotard or fitted dance top with footless/convertible tights, leggings, or spandex shorts. Flowy dance shorts or attached skirts are acceptable.
- Shoes
- Half-sole turning shoes (Hanamis preferred).
06 Hip Hop
- Attire
- Loose-fitting T-shirt, tank top, or hoodie paired with sweatpants, track pants, or joggers.
- Shoes
- Clean, dedicated indoor sneakers reserved exclusively for studio use.
Core essentials
- Base layer: convertible tights let dancers switch easily between footed styles (Ballet, Jazz) and bare feet or half-soles (Lyrical).
- A leotard and tights serve as a foundation for almost every discipline except Hip Hop.
- Int/Adv dancers may wear tights over their leotard for quick changes between class styles. Dress in layers during winter months.
- Dance shoes matter: please avoid dance footwear from retailers like Amazon or Target — it often lacks support, fits loosely, and limits foot articulation. Shop current sales at Dance World for fitted, studio-approved shoes, or check our Studio Donation Bin for complimentary, gently-used pairs.
Quick checklist
- Hair supplies in dance bag (bobby pins or clips, hair ties)
- Correct footwear for all scheduled classes
- Water bottle clearly labeled with student's name
- Extra pair of convertible tights
Thank you for helping us maintain a safe and productive environment for all dancers!
Keep a copy in the dance bag.
Download the full dress code & attire policy as a printable PDF — the same document, ready for the fridge door.