What to wear?

Why we have a dress code...

Form-fitting dancewear ensures that the teacher will be able to see a dancer’s alignment and positioning. Baggy clothing can mask bad habits, making corrections impossible. Pink or light coloured tights also help to make the outline of the legs more visible.

Ballet shoes provide support and comfort for the feet. Pupils risk slipping when dancing in socks or tights only. Dancing barefoot is also not recommended as it does not allow pupils to use their feet fully when in contact with the floor, which impacts on development of technique and strength.

What is the dress code for class?

Girls should wear a leotard with pink/white tights or socks, depending on grade/level. Ballet skirts may also be worn. Boys should wear shorts, cycle shorts or leggings with a form-fitting top or loose t-shirt (depending on grade). Football shirts will not be allowed.

Appropriate ballet warm-up garments are allowed, such as wool shorts, leg warmers or cross-over cardigans/jumpers. Other forms of leisure clothing, such as t-shirts, shirts, jogging pants, hooded tops etc, which are not specifically designed for ballet, will not be allowed.

Jewellery must not be worn in class for health and safety reasons.

Hair must be tied back (where possible) and kept off the face with a band or clips.

Pupils must wear ballet shoes for class. These can be canvas, leather or satin and should be secured with elastic (ribbons are now only required for demi-pointe & pointe shoes used in the vocational classes). Character shoes are also required for the character section of the class (depending on grade) and are essential to perform certain types of steps, without causing injury to the feet.