| When beginning a dance class the dancer must | | | | to feel comfortable. Often a studio will allow a skirt |
| purchase the proper attire. Many newcomers to the | | | | to be worn upon entrance and exit of the studio, |
| dance scene are confused as to why dance studios | | | | some even allow dancers to wear their warm up |
| enforce such strict dress codes. The dress codes | | | | while stretching and during barre exercises. Street |
| that studios implement are really for the benefit of | | | | clothes are never allowed on the dance floor, as well |
| the dancer. | | | | as shoes that have been worn off the studio floor. |
| Dress codes ensure that the instructor can see the | | | | Ballet has the strictest dress code. Studios usually |
| dancer's body and verify that they have the correct | | | | require the standard black leotard with pink tights. |
| alignment and posture. The pink tights make the lines | | | | The shoes are pink. Male ballet dancers wear black |
| of the legs visible. Loose and baggy clothing hide | | | | dance or sweat pants, a white tee shirt, and black |
| mistakes and bad posture. | | | | slippers. During performances female dancers may be |
| When all the dancers are following dress code they | | | | required to wear a tutu. The type of tutu can vary |
| can be more focused. Dancing is a discipline and must | | | | depending on which piece is being performed. |
| be respected as such. Following a dress code teaches | | | | Jazz dancers may have a little more freedom. The |
| focus and discipline. For many dancers putting on the | | | | dress code will still usually call for a leotard and pair of |
| leotard helps them get into the mind frame needed | | | | tights, but the colors may be negotiable. Often jazz |
| to practice. The dancers are effectively "dressing the | | | | dancers are permitted to wear other colors as long |
| part." | | | | as the leotard and tights are one solid color, not a |
| Dress codes create unity among the dancers. No one | | | | distracting pattern. It is not uncommon however for |
| dancer can stand out more than another. Many | | | | some studios to require their jazz dancers to wear |
| beginners take comfort in knowing that there is no | | | | black leotards. Jazz shoes are usually permitted in tan, |
| stress about what to wear to class. Every dancer | | | | black, or white in the oxford style. Some jazz classes |
| has a chance to sparkle because of their skill not | | | | will use dance sneakers instead. |
| their attire. | | | | Tap dancers have a dress code similar to jazz. The |
| Studios also benefit from a dress code. The | | | | type of shoe they will wear depends on the type of |
| appearance of the dancers is a direct reflection of | | | | tap being taught. "Babies" will wear white or black |
| the studio and the quality and discipline that goes into | | | | patent leather bow tie tap shoes. For those ten and |
| it. When dancing in competitions studios strive to look | | | | up learning Broadway style a pair of heeled tap shoes |
| well dressed and uniform. One dancer sticking out like | | | | will be needed. Street style tap or hoofer style |
| a sore thumb reflects poorly on the dancers and the | | | | requires the traditional flat oxford taps. |
| studio they represent. | | | | Many other types of dance will also have specific |
| The specifics of the dress code will depend on the | | | | items and dress codes. It's important for the student |
| type of dance being preformed and the level the | | | | to check with the studio before the first class. Often |
| dancer is at. In general most studios will require | | | | teachers will make those not following dress code sit |
| jewelry to be removed and hair to be pulled back | | | | out during the lesson. It's important to understand |
| into a bun. Short hair should be securely fastened | | | | that studios don't enforce dress codes simply to |
| away from the face. | | | | make their students spend money. They are just |
| Within each dress code it's important for the dancer | | | | being true to the disciplined beauty that is dance. |