by Stacey Smith
Dance Teacher Magazine, February 1999

     From California to New Hampshire, teachers I spoke with agree that a dress code works.  Your child can't play soccer without a uniform - they shouldn't dance without one.  Dress codes eliminate singularity.  "Students are more focused," says Danielle Martel, from the Carroll County Dance Center in Sykesville, Maryland.  "The kids aren't worried about who has the coolest new leotard or warm up, and the teacher can focus on the body, not the leotard."
     Michelle Ackermann, owner of The Dance Studio, Tallahassee, Florida, says, "A dress code creates an aura that dance school is special, and it is!"

Ballet
     Most teachers agree that ballet needs a dress code.  As one teacher says, "Discipline is the foundation for ballet - a dress code is discipline."  Dress codes vary from basic black leotards and pink tights to color coded leotards based on the student's level, as is used in the Royal Academy of Dancing examination training.  Common colors are navy, maroon, hunter green, pink and white.  Shoes are pink and pointe shoes can be either pink or european pink.  Boys wear black dance or sweat pants, a white tee shirt and black ballet slippers.  Some allow skirts to be worn in center, while others allow warm ups during barre.  Most request all jewelry be removed. 

Jazz
     Reflecting the free spirit of Jazz, many teachers allow dancers to wear any color or style of leotard or unitard.  However, many do prefer a dress code similar to ballet.  Some choose all black leotards for jazz, any style, while others require the same uniform in jazz as in ballet.  When it comes to shoes, some like the oxford style in tan, black or white, others prefer dance sneakers.  For advanced students, many allow or require of combination of shoes. 

Tap
     For tap class, the dress code is often similar to jazz.  Most agree to students wearing a leotard and tights, any color.  The style of the tap shoe depends on the style of tap you are teaching.  Broadway style needs a heeled shoe for 10 to 12 year olds and up.   Hoofer / street style of tap should be in a flat oxford tap shoe.  "Babies" all usually wear the white or black patent leather bow tie tap shoes.

     Overall, teachers want a clean, professional look in class.  A dress code becomes the studio's reflection.  As Kathie Nejman of Cleveland, Ohio, puts it, "Dress code goes in hand with the seriousness of the students and the studio."