At the Conservatory we always strive to have the highest standards of teaching and methodology. To aid in our teacher’s ability to train your child, a high level of etiquette and discipline must be present in the dance studio.
- A dress code ensures that your child’s teacher will be able to see their students’ alignment and positioning. The teacher needs to be able to see a dancer’s lines. Baggy clothing can mask bad habits, making improvement difficult.
- A dress code teaches students discipline, helping with overall focus and energy. Dancers with sloppy hair or ripped tights, etc, are distracted by their hair or clothing, and thus not focused and learning in class.
- By “dressing the part” dancers feel like part of the group. Our goal is to encourage class unity and the focus and respect that learning the art of dance requires.
3-6-year-olds: Pink, lavender or black leotard, pink tights, pink ballet shoes, black tap shoes. (We prefer tap shoes that have velcro or elastic closures unless your child can tie their own shoes.) Skirts are allowed but we prefer that they come pre-attached to the leotard.
7 and up: Black leotard, pink ballet tights, (Dancers with darker skin are able to choose pink tights or tights to match the color of their skin) pink canvas ballet shoes, and tan jazz shoes (foot undies are ok, but jazz shoes will most likely be needed for performances.) Those in a pointe class are allowed to wear a ballet skirt during pointe. Warm-ups are allowed during cold months but must be form-fitting, and black/pink to match the dress code.
Boys: White/grey/black form-fitting t-shirt or tank. Black form-fitting shorts, pants, or tights. Black canvas ballet shoes. Tan jazz shoes or foot undies.
All dancers' hair must be secured away from the face and neck. Shorter hair should be pinned back, and this includes male dancers with hair long enough to fall into their eyes. Hair longer than chin length must be styled in a secure ballet bun or a similar tight-to-the-head style.
For female dancers, underwear should not be visible under the leotard. Tights serve as a dancer's "underwear" and have a cotton gusset for comfort. During menstruation, we recommend black period underwear or internal products. Learning to manage menstruation discreetly during class prepares dancers for performances and helps protect costumes.
Please ensure good hygiene by washing dancewear regularly and using deodorant. This helps maintain a comfortable environment for everyone in the close quarters of a dance class.
All items (excpet tap shoes) are available for sale at the Classical Ballet Conservatory. A monthly order will be placed throughout the year. You are also welcome to purchase items through local dance-wear stores or online. Visit Classes and Pricing to find a link to some appropriate options from discountdance.com. If you use code: 102116 at checkout, you can receive a discount.
