WHAT TO WEAR
Dance dress code
The right fit lets every dancer move freely, feel confident, and stay ready to learn. Find your class below, then use the simple hair, attire, and shoe guide to arrive prepared.
Need shoes or tights?
SHOES and TIGHTS: Dance shoes and tights for class and for recital can be purchased in our studio store. Stop by to be fitted for dance shoes or you can use this link Life Dance Academy - Shoes and Tights Order Form if you know what size/type you need.
EARLY YEARS
16 MONTHS - 6 YEARS
Parent & Me
/Tiny Tots
Hair
Neatly pulled back and away from the face.
Attire
Fitted, comfortable clothing that is easy to move in. No jeans or glitter costumes
Shoes
Ballet shoes, bare feet, grippy socks, or clean tennis shoes.
CLASSICAL LINE
AGES 3 & UP
Ballet
Hair
Must be in a neat bun.
Attire
Girls: leotard with ballet skirt or ballet shirt, leggings, or fitted shorts. Pink tights for ages 7 and up.
Boys: white top with fitted black pants or shorts.
Shoes
Pink leather ballet shoes for girls and black leather ballet shoes for boys. No satin or canvas.
JAZZ + HIP HOP
AGES 4 & UP
Jazz & Hip Hop
Hair
Secured back in a neat ponytail, bun, or braids.
Attire
Fitted clothing such as leggings, spandex shorts, leotards, tanks, T-shirts, or comfortable sweatpants. No jeans.
Shoes
Jazz: Dancers are generally in caramel slip-on jazz shoes through age 7, then move to the Capezio leather Pirouette II from age 8. It depends on the class and the teacher, so please check with your dancer's teacher before you buy.
Hip hop: clean tennis shoes only.
TAP, STRETCH, MUSICAL THEATRE, ADULTS
Tap, Stretch & More
Hair
Secured from the face in a ponytail, bun, or braids.
Attire
Fitted, comfortable clothing that is easy to move in. No jeans or glitter costumes.
Shoes
Tap varies by age.
Dancers ages 7 and under: caramel Mary Jane tap shoes.
Dancers ages 8 and up: black lace-up tap shoes.
Advanced Tap dancers: black Bloch Respect tap shoes.
Stretch may be barefoot or use clean tennis shoes. Theater uses slip-on jazz shoes or Pirouette II. Adults may wear ballet, jazz, lyrical, or clean tennis shoes.
TECHNIQUE + EXPRESSION
Acro & Lyrical
Hair
Secured from the face in a ponytail, bun, or braids.
Attire
Fitted clothing such as sports bras, leggings, spandex shorts, leotards, or tanks. No loose clothing, jeans, or glitter costumes.
Shoes
Acro is barefoot. Lyrical uses Capezio leather Pirouette II. No socks.
A HELPFUL STUDIO NOTE
Dress code supports safe movement, clear instruction, and the integrity of each class. If a dancer does not follow the dress code, they will receive an OOPS Card as a warning. The dancer must come to the next class in proper attire and hair. If the dress code is still not met, they will not be able to participate and will need to watch class.
If you are unsure about a shoe, outfit, or hairstyle, please contact the studio before class.