Attending dance class properly dressed is part of the discipline students develop while learning how to dance with us at Debra Collier’s School of Dance. It’s extremely important for a dancer to be able to move without being hampered by loose hair and baggy clothing.
Proper attire also allows our dance instructors to view the body line of each dancer to ensure they are dancing safely and executing positions and choreography correctly. Our studio boutique offers everything your dancer will need and a staff to ensure the perfect fit!
The Benefits of a Dress Code
- The first step in a child becoming a dancer is to truly dress the part
- Makes sure clothing isn’t a distraction during dance class
- Ensures teachers can make necessary corrections to posture and form
Dress Code Guidelines for Each Class
Note: A leotard is the garment that covers the torso, while tights are the leg coverings worn with a leotard.
Mommy & Me
- Any loose-fitting clothing that is easy to move in or a one-piece leotard and tights.
- Attached or unattached, short skirts may also be worn.
- Clean sole shoes or ballet shoes – no sandals or flip flops.
Tiny Twos, Tiny Tots & Rising Stars
- Any color of one-piece leotard and any color of full-footed or convertible tights (no biker shorts). Attached or unattached, short skirts may also be worn.
- Any color of full-footed tights.
- Light pink, leather ballet shoes for girls and black leather ballet shoes for boys.
Ballet
- Any color of one-piece leotard without an attached tutu or full skirt.
- Full-footed or convertible tights in light pink or white (no biker shorts/capri tights).
- Light-pink, leather ballet shoes for girls and black leather ballet shoes for boys (split-soles are recommended for students above beginner level).
Jazz & Tap
- Any color of one-piece leotard without an attached tutu or full skirt.
- Any color of convertible or footless tights (no biker shorts or capri tights).
- For Jazz – black leather ballet shoes or jazz boots (jazz boots are recommended for students above beginner level).
- For Tap – black matte tap shoes (if strappy taps are not worn, replace the shoestrings with elastics).
- No patent leather.
Modern & Contemporary
- Any color of one-piece leotard without an attached tutu or full skirt.
- Any color of convertible or footless tights (no biker shorts/capri tights).
- Nude dance soles.
Hip Hop
- One-piece leotard and tights OR dance pants, shorts, and shirts (no jeans or exposed midriffs).
- Clothing may be layered and worn over a leotard and tights.
- Black sequin hip hop jazz sneakers for girls and clean black Converse®.
General Dress Code for Boys
- All classes except Hip Hop: Tight-fitting t-shirt which is to be tucked in and biker shorts or shorts with an elastic waist.
- Long pants, jeans of any type, baggy shirts or loose-fitting shorts are NOT permitted.
- A dance belt for gentlemen ages 12 and above.
- For Hip Hop: Athletic shorts, athletic shirt or T-shirt, and black Converse ® high tops.
Hair
- Hair MUST be secured to the head in a bun. Short hair should be pulled out of face and eyes using small clips or hairpins.
- For Mommy & Me, Tiny Twos, Tiny Tots, Rising Stars, and Hip Hop dance classes, student’s hair must be pulled off the neck in a ponytail or bun.
- Click here to view a video with instructions on how to put your child’s hair in a bun.
Our In-Studio Dance Boutique
For your convenience, leotards, tights, dance bags and shoes in sizes toddler through adult may be purchased in our in-studio Dance Boutique.
To have consistency in style, quality, and colors, we ask that all shoes are purchased directly through our boutique.
Benefits of purchasing directly from our studio:
- Quality & Affordability – we carry a complete line of high quality leotards and shoes from top manufacturers at an affordable price.
- Proper Fit – our staff is available to help assure the best fit.
- Easy Exchange – in the event there is an issue with a shoe fit, we’ll gladly swap out for the proper size.
