Ballet Dress Code

Please read the dress code in its entirety and then if you ever need to reference a certain section, you can use the table of contents to jump quickly to a certain section.

purpose of dress code for ballet

Ballet is a time-honored discipline for both mind and body. Proper ballet attire during class is necessary for learning precise technique so that ballet becomes a beautiful art.

When young children put on their leotard, tights, and special shoes, it helps them realize that it is time for ballet class and time to pay attention to the teacher.

When hair is worn in a bun, students won’t need to push it out of their face and can always have their hands and arms where they’re supposed to be in the proper ballet positions for class. A secure bun is vital for leaping and turning. A bun that doesn’t fall out or lose its pins on the dance floor is our goal. A properly placed bun enhances already beautiful ballet lines.

ballet dress code helps teachers make corrections

Finally, the fitted leotard and tights worn during ballet class are necessary so that teachers can properly see the body’s lines and correct the students’ alignment when necessary. This is vital not just for aesthetics but for injury prevention. Ballet skirts hide hip alignment and turnout so that is why they are not part of our regular class dress code.

With all that said, please don’t stress. We are full of grace and here to help you. We know there is a learning curve to making ballet buns neat and secure. And we know that as girls grow, their hair changes and what used to work when they were little doesn’t work when they’re older.

By having everyone in the same ballet uniform, students feel part of a community and can concentrate on the instructional time and not be distracted by everyone else’s clothing.

dress code for girls and young ladies

  • black leotard
  • pink tights worn under leotard
  • pink technique ballet shoes (leather or canvas)
  • neat and secure ballet bun
  • no jewelry except small earrings
  • black dance (form-fitting) shorts if needed for modesty
  • black shorts are optional
  • no bracelets, watches, or hairbands worn on the wrist
  • no ballet skirts for class
  • ballet skirts should be worn for photo shoots, master classes, and performances

dress code for boys and young men

  • clean black shorts or pants
  • white shirt
  • black socks
  • black ballet technique slippers
  • hair neat, clean and off face

just for ballet and play and tots

  • skirted leotards and skirts are ok for class
  • ballet buns aren’t always possible with young ones; do your best
  • make sure your shoes are actual ballet shoes, not satin ballet slippers

more about tights

  • “ballet pink” tights should be worn
  • when tights get an obvious hole or run, please replace
  • dance tights last longer than “normal” tights
  • footed tights for ballet and play, levels I, II, III
  • convertible or transition tights for levels IV-VI
  • tights should be pulled over the feet when wearing technique and pointe shoes
  • no footless tights for ballet class
  • levels II-III might want convertible tights during summer camp because we do modern (this is not necessary)

more about hair

  • hair must be in a neat, secure ballet bun
  • no bun makers or bun builders
  • no decorative bun covers
  • use water, hairspray, or gel when necessary
  • use hairpins (not bobby pins) to secure bun
  • use bobby pins to control new hair growth and wisps around face
  • bobby pins and clips are preferred over headbands
  • pins, clips, and headbands must be hair-colored
  • no fashion, fun, delightful colors for class
  • hair nets should be used to secure buns unless your bun is smooth and stays in without them
  • bun should be worn high on the crown (higher than ears)
  • bun should be tight to the head
  • don’t stress about this! we can help you

what you need for a ballet bun

dress code for teen helpers

  • your normal dress code applies
  • you may wear a ballet skirt if desired
  • you may wear any KRDT t-shirt if desired
  • be extra neat with your hair and tights because you are an example to younger dancers

if you’re cold

  • pink leg warmers during barre
  • black ballet sweater or shrug during barre

dress code for modern

  • hair must be pulled back
  • a ponytail may be worn instead of bun if desired
  • any color leotard
  • convertible or footless tights
  • pants or shorts may be worn over leotard if desired
  • barefoot for class

dress code for level V-VI for Miss Laurie’s classes

  • any color leotard may be worn
  • skirts may be worn
  • pointe shoes
  • follow instructions above for hair and tights

dress code for adult classes

  • no jewelry except wedding set
  • small earrings
  • tattoos must be covered by clothing or concealer
  • dress comfortably
  • shoes are worn during Just Keep Moving
  • most people go barefoot in conditioning
  • shoes, socks, or ballet shoes may be worn during conditioning
  • ballet technique shoes should be worn during adult ballet
  • if you’re in a ballet class with our teens, consider following the studio dress code above

for performances

  • all girls and ladies will need an under-leotard
  • come to the venue already wearing tights and under-leotard
  • wear black leotard over under-leotard for warm-up
  • younger dancers may wear KRDT t-shirt over under-leotard for warm-up
  • if needed,  a bra should be worn for coverage and modesty in addition to under-leotard
  • bun placement may be different than what is normally worn for class depending on your costume
  • a classic ballet bun should be worn by every female dancer unless you have received other instructions
  • bun makers should not be used for performances
  • hair spray and or gel must be used even if you don’t normally need it for class
  • all nail polish should be removed
  • no earrings or jewelry unless it’s part of your costume