classroom ATTIRE
The ritual of preparing and dressing for dance class creates a level of professionalism and focus that is essential for proper dance training. We have included links to show helpful examples, but do not require you to wear any particular brands.
Dancers are welcome to wear classroom attire that feels best for their gender identity as well as their skin color. Ballet is a historically European art form. The traditional attire of pink tights and pink ballet shoes are in reference to white skin, but they have also become associated with ballet more generally. All dancers at BDC can choose if they would prefer pink or if they would like to wear tights and shoes that best match their skin color.
Adult students should refer to the Adult Program page for adult classroom attire requirements.
Hair
Ballet: long hair should be in a ballet bun. Short hair should be securely pinned back or trimmed to not fall across the eyes. If a ballet bun is not achievable for your hair type, find a style that is secure enough that the student does not touch their hair for the duration of class.
Contemporary, Composition, Hip Hop, Flamenco, Modern, Tap: long hair should be in a secure ponytail or braid. Short hair should be securely pinned back or trimmed to not fall across the eyes.
WARM-UPS
Warm-ups need to be form fitting so that teachers can still see the student’s body and need to be removed after the first 10 minutes of class. We recommend checking out this site for appropriate ideas for dance sweaters, leg warmers, and slim fitting puffies.
Undergarments
Female identifying dancers: Please do not wear underwear underneath leotards and tights. Leotards are like bathing suits, they are the underwear. Students who may feel more comfortable with a bra under their leotard should take a look at these options for dance bras.
Male identifying dancers aged 10 and up: Dancers may feel more comfortable wearing a dance belt which is similar to a jock strap.
clothing sensitive dancers
A BDC family alerted me to Kickee Leotards. The fabric is a bamboo/cotton mix that kids who are sensitive to clothing sometimes find more comfortable. If tights are too much for your dancer, I would check out their leggings too.
Recommended Classroom Attire by Class
Dance With Me (ages 4 and under with an adult)
Dance with Me students should wear something special and fantastic. They should just feel awesome about coming to dance class.
Tumble & Dance (ages 4 and under with an adult)
For Tumble & Dance, dancers should wear a tighter fitting t-shirt or leotard with leggings.
Music & Dance (ages 3-6)
Female identifying dancers: Light blue, long-sleeved leotard, ballet shoes and footed tights of your skin tone or in ballet pink. Ballet shoes should have elastics tied, cut and tucked into the shoe. Ballet shoes should never be worn outside. Please have dancers arrive in their street shoes and change into their ballet shoes outside the classroom.
Male identifying dancers: T-shirt (light blue, white, or black) and black tights or black leggings with black ballet shoes. Ballet shoes should have elastics tied, cut and tucked into the shoe. Ballet shoes should never be worn outside. Please have dancers arrive in their street shoes and change into their ballet shoes outside the classroom.
Ballet
Female-identifying dancers: Black leotard* (camisole, tank, short-sleeved, or long-sleeved), ballet shoes (leather or canvas) with footed tights of your skin tone or in ballet pink. Ballet shoes should have elastics tied, cut and tucked into the shoe. Ballet shoes should never be worn outside. Please have dancers arrive in their street shoes and change into their ballet shoes outside the classroom. *Advanced dancers in Levels 6-8 may wear colored leotards for Saturday classes.
Male-identifying dancers: Form fitting t-shirt (white, gray or black) with black tights or black athletic pants and black ballet shoes. Ballet shoes should have elastics tied, cut and tucked into the shoe. Ballet shoes should never be worn outside. Please have dancers arrive in their street shoes and change into their ballet shoes outside the classroom.
Contemporary & Modern
Black leotard (camisole, tank, short-sleeved, or long-sleeved) or black, form-fitting t-shirt with black footless tights, black leggings or athletic pants. Dancers should be barefoot for class or wear black socks.
Flamenco
Female-identifying dancers: Calf-length, full skirt; i.e. character / flamenco skirts and black or other dark color leotard and black footless tights. There is no color, pattern or ruffle requirement for skirts. Women's flamenco shoes with nails. "Basic" height not "high" height. No elastic straps, just buckle straps. Character shoes with a 2" heel are a back up option if getting flamenco shoes proves to be too difficult/expensive. No elastic straps, just buckle straps. No tap shoes and no soft soled shoes.
Male-identifying dancers: Men's flamenco boots with nails, black or other dark color long pants / dance pants and dance top.
Hip Hop
Clothing you can comfortably move in (no skirts or jeans), socks or bare feet. Dancers in levels
Tap
Black split-sole oxford tap shoes. Tap shoes must have screw-in taps. No jeans, dresses, or skirts. Older, advanced students who are looking for a professional shoe can check out Jason Samuels Smith shoes from Bloch.
Yoga, Stretch and Core; Strength Training
Leggings or form-fitting tracksuit bottoms, form-fitting shirt (camisole, tank, short or long sleeved) and layers to put on for relaxation - socks, sweatshirt, fleece top, sweater etc. For strength training please be barefoot, no socks.
Where to shop
Centerstage (Seattle)
We have a large selection of gently-used, dance clothing and footwear in the lobby of the dance center in the donation cabinet (to the left when you walk in the door). Feel free to drop by and see if there is anything in your size.