Dress The Part!!

"You can have anything you want... if you dress for it."
​                          -Edith Head

Now that you know what classes you are going to take, prepare to dress the part!!

There is value and importance in coming to class in the right attire.  Many classes give freedom for expression in dress, but have some kind of guidelines.  Other classes like ballet, have a stricter code due to the teacher needing to visually see the placement of the body without any bulky or distracting clothing.  
​
There is value and importance in following dress code during a structured dance class. However, there are situations and classes that the code is less structured and more relaxed. Here are a few guidelines and reasons why coming to dance in the right attire is the first step to a great class!
 
Dress code helps dancers come ready for class by helping them to:
1. Understand that class has a structure, as compared to an unstructured playtime.
2. Ensures that clothing is not a distraction during class (when a dancer arrives wearing dress-up clothes like a large party dress or fairy wings this can be too much and take away focus).
3. Makes sure that your dancer is appropriately dressed for movement. 
 
A strict dress code is not as necessary for a creative movement or Mommy and Me type classes. Dance leotards, tights, and tutus can add to the fun however, they are not required for the educational development in any introductory class. If you are a parent watching the budget, a beginning dancer can be equally successful and have has much fun during class wearing a basic pair of leggings and a t-shirt. In this case, one should set aside specific legging(s) and t-shirt(s) for dance class only.  Again, the dancer is learning that these clothes are affiliated with a structured class and not just playtime.

Dress code becomes stricter and more important as the dancer gets older, especially in ballet, modern, and jazz classes. Proper attire allows the instructor to see the dancers’ alignment, positions, and movement in order to give necessary corrections that benefit the dancer’s training and education. Dress code teaches discipline, which is necessary for an art form as demanding as dance. In a traditional ballet class students will usually wear a black (or solid color) leotard and pink tights. Patterned leotards can be a distraction to the teacher. Dress code in dance classes may include shoes and your hair to be pulled back in a bun or at the least, a ponytail. Both are important for the dancer and should be adhered to.

 No matter the class or style of dance your garment should be breathable, lightweight, and stretchy allowing you freedom to move while providing comfort.  You can find great dance clothes at great prices at www.discountdance.com.

Thanks to  www.vanitystudios.co.uk for their amazing photo!  Check them out!