Dance Academy USA Dress Code

Dress Code Notes

For the safety and health of your dancer, it is essential that their shoes fit properly. Shoes that are too large can increase the risk of accidents such as tripping, as well as cause ankle or knee problems due to added torque on joints during turns and changes of direction. Keep in mind that jazz and ballet shoes will naturally stretch with wear, and the foot shortens when a dancer points their toes. When purchasing dance shoes, it’s best to fit them similarly to socks rather than athletic shoes. Please understand that the teacher’s decision regarding the fit of your child’s dance shoes is final and made with your child’s well-being in mind. We also ask that dancers bring a change of clothing for class, as school uniforms or everyday school attire should not be worn during dance. Jeans are not permitted in any dance class. To help preserve both the shoes and our special dance floors, please have your dancer put on their dance shoes after arriving at the studio and remove them before leaving. If your dancer arrives with incorrect clothing, footwear, or hair that is not pulled back and out of their face, participation in class will be at the teacher’s discretion.

These guidelines are in place to ensure the safety and best experience for your dancer.

Dress Code By Class Type

  • Creative Movement (3 years old)

    Creative Movement consists of ballet elements and playful creative movement.

    Girls: Pink ballet shoes, pink leotard, and pink tights.

    Boys: Black ballet shoes, black sweats or shorts, and form-fitting white T-shirt.

  • Intro to Dance (4 - 6 years old)

    Intro to Dance is a Half Tap, Half Ballet Combo class. Both shoes are required.

    Girls: Pink ballet shoes, black tap shoes, lavender colored leotard, pink tights.
 Optional skirt with leotard is okay.

    Boys: Black ballet shoes, black tap shoes, black sweats or shorts, form-fitting white T-shirt.

    Absolutely no school attire or jeans of any kind.

  • Ballet/Jazz Combo (5 - 7 year olds)

    Ballet/Jazz is a Half Jazz, Half Ballet Combo class. Both shoes are required.

    Girls: Tan slip-on jazz shoes (no laces) and Pink Ballet shoes.

    Boys: Black slip-on jazz shoes (no laces) and black Ballet shoes.

    Comfortable clothing that the dancer can move freely in. Form fitting T-shirts, leotards, leggings and shorts. Absolutely no school attire or jeans of any kind.

  • Tap/Jazz Combo (5 - 7 year olds)

    Tap/Jazz is a Half Tap, Half Jazz Combo class. Both shoes are required.

    Girls: Tan slip-on jazz shoes (no laces) and Black Tap shoes.

    Boys: Black slip-on jazz shoes (no laces) and Black Tap shoes.

    Comfortable clothing that the dancer can move freely in. Form fitting T-shirts, leotards, leggings and shorts. Absolutely no school attire or jeans of any kind.

  • Acro (all levels)

    Any form-fitting dancewear of any style or color, or gymnastics attire such as leotards, tank tops, leggings, or shorts. Hair must be in a low ponytail or braids to avoid being stepped on.

    Absolutely no baggy t-shirts or sweatpants.

  • Pre Jazz and Jazz (levels 1 - 4)

    Tan slip-on jazz shoes (no laces).

    Boys: Black slip-on Jazz shoes (no laces).

    Comfortable clothing that the dancer can move freely in. Form fitting T-shirts, leotards, leggings and shorts. Absolutely no school attire or jeans of any kind.

  • Tap (levels 1 - 4)

    Black tap shoes are required.

    To avoid scratching or breaking the metal tap, please do not wear tap shoes on concrete, cement, etc.

    Comfortable clothing that the dancer can move freely in. Form fitting T-shirts, leotards, leggings and shorts. Absolutely no school attire or jeans of any kind.

  • Pre Ballet and Ballet (levels 1 - 4)

    Hair must be worn in a bun (short hair will need to be secured out of the face).


    Girls: Pink ballet shoes, black leotard, pink footed tights. Optional skirt with leotard is okay.

    Boys: Black ballet shoes, black sweats or shorts, a white t-shirt tucked in.

  • Intro to Lyrical and Lyrical/Contemporary (levels 1 - 4)

    Half soles are required. however, bare feet may also be allowed per teacher recommendation.

    Comfortable clothing that the dancer can move freely in. Form fitting T-shirts, leotards, leggings and shorts. Absolutely no school attire or jeans of any kind.

  • Hip Hop, K-Pop & Breakdance (all levels)

    Dancers must wear clean, athletic shoes that are only worn indoors for this class at the studio. Please do not wear soccer cleats or shoes with dirt, mud, or heavy wear, as they can damage our dance floors.

    Any sweats, shorts, and/or comfortable clothes. No jeans or street shoes. No illicit graphic t-shirts allowed.

Local Dancewear Stores

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  • Dance Theatre Shop

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