L’Ecole de Ballet Dress Code

Please take note that, while we will have these requirements, we still strongly believe in the importance of comfort, self-expression, sensory needs, religious adherence, and other exceptions. If you / your child requires any accommodations in this area, please do let us know.

Why is there a dress code?

  • The art of ballet requires a mental shift once a dancer enters the studio. We consider it a sacred space to learn, make mistakes, refine skills, and dive into the art. The concept of attending class in uniform helps to guide our minds into that mental shift, leaving the outside worries behind, and being fully present together.

  • When dance attire is left entirely to the dancer, we have encountered many reports of child/caregiver arguments when it comes to what can and can not be worn to class. We hope to eliminate that argument and allow caregivers to tell their children that these are simply the rules.

  • Proper, fitted attire allows dance instructors to see the bodily alignment  of all students. This is the foundation of ballet, and we take that very seriously.

  • Ballet is a uniformed art. While soloists and demi soloists are important, the corps de ballet is an integral factor. Uniformity in dress helps dancers achieve uniformity in dance.

IMPORTANT NOTE:

  • Items do not need to be purchased from So Danca. The links provided are just options, and we are partnered with So Danca to streamline the process, as well as benefit from partnership discounts and other opportunities through their brand.

  • We have a lot of donated leotards from when we previously used uniforms. Mostly in black, pink, navy, and burgundy, so please let us know if you would like to explore that option. Please keep in mind that, while they would be free, they are quite old, so the quality may be lacking.

Dress Code PDF

BALLET

shoes, tights, and hair

All female-identifying

All male-identifying

Ballet - Dress code by class & level

  • Pre-Ballet & Beginner Ballet

    May wear warm-ups such as wrap sweaters, leg warmers, etc. Preferably in assigned color but can also be black or pastel.

  • Level 1 Ballet

    May wear warm-ups or accessories such as wrap skirts, ballet skirts, wrap sweaters, leg warmers, etc. Preferably in assigned color but can also be black or pastel.

  • Level 2 Ballet

    May wear warm-ups or accessories such as wrap skirts, ballet skirts, wrap sweaters, leg warmers, etc. Preferably in assigned color but can also be black or pastel.

  • Intermediate Ballet

    May wear warm-ups or accessories such as wrap skirts, ballet skirts, wrap sweaters, leg warmers, etc. Preferably in assigned color but can also be black or pastel.

  • Int/Adv Ballet

    May wear warm-ups or accessories such as wrap skirts, ballet skirts, wrap sweaters, leg warmers, etc. Preferably in assigned color but can also be black or pastel.

  • Advanced Ballet (flat)

    Leotard of choice

    May wear warm-ups such as wrap sweaters, leg warmers, etc. Can be black, white,  or pastel tones. No baggy t-shirts, sweat shirts, or sweatpants. Hair must be in a bun, up off the neck.

  • Teen Ballet 1

    Any solid color leotard

    May wear warm-ups such as wrap sweaters, leg warmers, etc. Please no baggy sweatshirts or sweatpants.

  • Teen Ballet 2

    May wear warm-ups such as wrap sweaters, leg warmers, etc. Preferably in assigned color but can also be black or light pink.

  • Pre & Beginner Pointe

    • Leotard of choice

    • Wrap skirt or ballet skirt

    Feet, ankles, and knees must be visible to the instructor during class.

    May wear warm-ups such as wrap sweaters, leg warmers, etc. No baggy t-shirts, sweat shirts, or sweatpants. 

    Not required to utilize So Danca products for pointework. While we are partnered with them, we prefer that dancers choose the best fit for their individual needs.

  • Advanced Pointe

    • Leotard of choice

    • Wrap skirt or ballet skirt

    Feet, ankles, and knees must be visible to the instructor during class.

    May wear warm-ups such as wrap sweaters, leg warmers, etc. No baggy t-shirts, sweat shirts, or sweatpants. 

    Not required to utilize So Danca products for pointework. While we are partnered with them, we prefer that dancers choose the best fit for their individual needs.

  • Preparatory (Prep) Ballet

    May wear warm-ups such as wrap sweaters, leg warmers, etc. Preferably in assigned color but can also be black, white,  or pastel tones. No baggy t-shirts, sweat shirts, or sweatpants. Hair must be in a bun, up off the neck.

  • Pre-Professional Ballet

    May wear warm-ups such as wrap sweaters, leg warmers, etc. Preferably in assigned color but can also be black, white,  or pastel tones. No baggy t-shirts, sweat shirts, or sweatpants. Hair must be in a bun, up off the neck.

Jazz, Tap, Contemporary, & Hip Hop

  • Beginner Jazz / Tap

    • Any fitted athleticwear 

    • No baggy sweats

    • Must be able to see alignment of knees, ankles, feet, shoulders, and arms

    • Hair up and off neck (pony tail or bun)

    Jazz Shoes:

    Tap shoes:

  • Intermediate Jazz

    • Any fitted athleticwear 

    • No baggy sweats

    • Must be able to see alignment of knees, ankles, feet, shoulders, and arms

    • Hair up and off neck (pony tail or bun)

    Footwear:

    • Absolutely no regular socks to be warn alone while dancing on the marley (too slippery)

    • Dance Socks with grip (black or tan, but black will be used for performances)

  • Intermediate Tap

    • Any fitted athleticwear 

    • No baggy sweats

    • Must be able to see alignment of knees, ankles, feet, shoulders, and arms

    • Hair up and off neck (pony tail or bun)

    Footwear:

  • Hip Hop

    • Any athleticwear 

    • Sweats are allowed

    • No jeans

    Footwear:

    • Sneakers that have not been worn outside

  • Contemp 1 and 2

    • Any fitted athleticwear 

    • No baggy sweats

    • Must be able to see alignment of knees, ankles, feet, shoulders, and arms

    • Hair up and off neck (pony tail or bun)

    Footwear: Bare feet, half soles, or dance socks with grip

  • Advanced Tap

    • Any fitted athleticwear 

    • No baggy sweats

    • Must be able to see alignment of knees, ankles, feet, shoulders, and arms

    • Hair up and off neck (pony tail or bun)

    Footwear:

  • Advanced Jazz

    • Any fitted athleticwear 

    • No baggy sweats

    • Must be able to see alignment of knees, ankles, feet, shoulders, and arms

    • Hair up and off neck (pony tail or bun)

    Footwear:

    • Absolutely no regular socks to be warn alone while dancing on the marley (too slippery)

    • Dance Socks with grip (any color, but black will be used for performances)