dress code

WHY IS DRESS CODE IMPORTANT?

Just like other activities such as hockey, football, soccer, or volleyball, ballet requires specific gear and a uniform. You wouldn’t step onto the ice without your skates or the field without your cleats - think of your dance attire the same way.

Proper dance attire allows the instructor to clearly see technique, lines, alignment, and movement in order to safely and correctly instruct dancers. A uniform appearance from all dancers also allows for complete focus by the instructor and dancer on technique and movement, and eliminates distraction that may be caused by loose clothing and loud graphics.

Additionally, dance attire enforcement also teaches dancers valuable life skills such as discipline, responsibility, and arriving prepared. If a dancer would like to pursue dance professionally, a polished and professional appearance will assist in successful auditions, and taking this appearance seriously will help a dancer get in the right mindset for classes, auditions, shows, and more.

As said above, taking pride in a polished and professional appearance as a dancer will help immensely with mindset. A dancer should ideally approach class as an opportunity to learn, improve, and refine, and arrive with focused and ready to work hard. If a dancer arrives prepared, in their proper dance attire, feeling polished and poised, and in the right mindset, it is very likely that they will have an enjoyable class. Focused and enjoyable classes lead to significantly faster technique development, and it feels really good to work hard and do your best!

The purpose of our dress code is to help instil a sense of responsibility and discipline into the leaders of tomorrow. While we have dress codes in place, our dress code is flexible in terms of colours and styles to help dancers feel comfortable and express themselves creatively!

The following items are not considered proper dance attire. Dancers will be asked to change if they are wearing any of the following:

  • Sweat pants (except Hip-Hop)

  • Jeans or jean shorts

  • Dresses

  • T-shirts

  • Jewelry

  • Street shoes

 
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BALLET AND POINTE CLASSES:

  • Any colour/style leotard (girls)

  • White fitted t-shirt (boys)

  • Pink ballet tights (girls) *convertible tights recommended*

  • Athletic pants/shorts (boys)

  • SO DANCA OR CAPEZIO soft canvas split sole pink ballet slippers (girls)

  • Black canvas ballet slippers (boys)

  • Hair must be slicked back into a neat classical ballet bun with a hairnet. No flyaways.

  • All undergarment straps must be hidden.

ACRO, TUMBLING, CONDITIONING, LYRICAL, & CONTEMPORARY/MODERN CLASSES:

  • Any colour/style leotard (girls)

  • Athletic top (boys)

  • Tights, leggings, or athletic pants/shorts

  • Bare feet OR dance socks (NO SOCKS FOR ACRO)

  • Hair must be slicked back into a neat bun, braids, or low ponytail

HIP HOP CLASSES:

  • Loose fitting, stretchy clothing

  • Clean sneakers for class.

  • Closer to the showcase, we will email out shoe specifics (i.e. all white, all black, specific brand, etc.)

JAZZ & MUSICAL THEATRE CLASSES:

  • Any colour/style leotard (girls)

  • Athletic top (boys)

  • Tights, leggings, or athletic pants/shorts

  • Tan or black leather slip on jazz shoes. Staff will specify if you need bare feet, black, or tan jazz shoes for the showcase. Please be prepared to purchase as needed.

  • Hair must be slicked back into a neat bun, braids, or low ponytail

TAP CLASSES:

  • Any colour/style leotard (girls)

  • Athletic top (boys)

  • Tights, leggings, or athletic pants/shorts

  • Black lace up tap shoes

  • Hair must be slicked back into a neat bun, braids, or low ponytail

 

VISIT OUR LOCAL DANCE STORE (SILHOUETTE) FOR ALL OF YOUR DANCE WEAR NEEDS!

Silhouette Theatre & Dance Shop

123 5th Street
Courtenay, BC V9N 1J3
250.334.9219

danceshop@shaw.ca