Dress For Success

By Rhee Gold

School dress codes benefit schools, students, and parents.

Consider this a slanted introduction to a topic raised by one of our readers— school dress codes—because I believe that having a dress code in dance schools is good for everyone. The first thing that comes to mind when I see a classroom of young dancers with their hair in a bun and wearing black leotards and pink tights is, “This is a school that’s about professionalism and discipline.” To me, it signifies that proper dance education is their goal.

Some school owners believe that in 2006 a dress code is out of style, or that having one will deter students from enrolling in their classes. On the contrary! I think young people need and want the discipline that dance training can offer. Step one in the process is conforming to a dress code.

For teachers, a dress code helps to reveal how well the students are implementing the technical aspects of dance being taught, especially ballet. Body alignment, stretched feet, and extended knees cannot be seen when they’re draped in baggy sweats. “Where are those shoulders really?” you might ask yourself as a student piqués across the floor in a huge sweatshirt.

Dress codes are also a boon to teachers when they’re choreographing. When all of the dancers are dressed the same, it’s less visually distracting to choreographers. Seeing how the dancers execute the movement technically allows the teachers to make changes and corrections within the choreography session rather than when the piece lands onstage. Frantic, last-minute revisions and frayed nerves are the result when the first time the choreographer sees the dancers perform the work in dance clothes is during the dress rehearsal.

For parents, a dress code takes the hassle out of readying their child for class, and it’s often less expensive than keeping their children’s closets full of the latest dance styles. The aspect of keeping up with the Joneses disappears from the equation, unlike the way the rest of the world is today.

Does that mean that students should wear only black leotards and pink tights for all classes? No! A dress code can dictate any color of leotard and tights, with appropriate shoes, that work for the school owner. However, all students in a particular class or level should be dressed the same. Allowing skirts for ballet class is OK, but it should be at the discretion of the teacher; jazz pants or suntan tights for a jazz or tap class are fine, too. Hairstyle should be included in the dress code—hair should always be worn in a bun or French braid, for all classes.

Naturally, there are some exceptions. I wouldn’t require a dress code for hip-hop or adult classes, but I would specify that no provocative clothing is allowed at any time. The rules are up to you: no bellies, no low-cut shirts, no low-rider pants, no pant legs below mid-calf for tap (if the teacher wants to see the students’ feet), no pants that touch the ground, and so on.

Now back to that reader, Camilla, who asked for advice. When we at Goldrush received her plea, we asked our readers for their input. Apparently there’s tremendous support for dress codes in dance schools out there! Camilla’s letter and our readers’ responses follow.

Q: I’ve been teaching for 22 years without a dress code, but my students do have to wear dance clothes. In the last couple of years, I’m starting to see a lot of bike shorts, half tops, and skimpy leotards—and I don’t like it. I know that it’s the way life is now, but I don’t think it needs to be in the dance classroom, especially my ballet classes! The problem is that I’m afraid my students won’t think it’s cool to take class in a black leotard and pink tights . . . What kind of dress codes do other schools have? Do they lose students because of having [one]? Thanks, —Camilla

A: It’s likely that the parents don’t like these new skimpy styles either! When you start a new season or semester, you could send out a notice that you’re implementing a new dress code with a selection of “comfortable to dance in” leotards. Choose three or four leotard styles that come in several different colors so the kids can still look individual. Decide if you want to allow bike shorts or jazz pants to be worn over these, or if you prefer that all students wear tights. If you really want to change your school over to a unified dress code, start it with all your new classes. As new students fill your school and the old ones graduate, soon no one will remember that it was any other way. 

— Micky Powell, San Francisco, CA 

We use bodysuits and tights with a wrap skirt or jazz pant for all our classes. We offer two or three color choices for bodywear in each level, with mainly black jazz pants for jazz class. We found that we did not lose any students because of the dress code; in fact, it was a relief for the parents to be able to keep up with the dance dress trends without visiting the stores every week. We also have found that the children are more ready to learn and dance when they are dressed properly. We are able to assess body alignment and technical abilities without having to look through layers of stuff. We also like the fact that we have a basis for a costume for demonstrations at nursing homes and schools, without having to purchase another complete outfit for each child. Then the performance wear for festivals, competitions, and year-end performances becomes extra special. 

— Rhonda Gillrie, Red Deer, AB, Canada 

There is no real way to build discipline and respect for the art form of ballet without a uniform. You will need to insist on pink tights and a uniform, classical style leotard with a bun for ballet classes or your students will never give it the respect it deserves. We went to uniforms for all ballet classes approximately 5 years ago (after 20 years without), and the kids and parents have newfound respect and pride in their instruction. 

—Kristin Hernandez, Joppa, MD

I started a dress code this year and have had no problems enforcing it. Female students wear a leotard and tights of their color choice. They can wear a ballet skirt for ballet and dance shorts over their leotards for tap and jazz classes. They are not allowed to wear bra tops with biker shorts and they are not allowed to wear the baggy stuff that hip-hop dancers wear. Parents and students seem to be happy with the dress code. I have not lost any students because of it. 

—Pam Rowden, Scottsburg, IN 

All of our classes have an appropriate dress code, including ballet classes that require black leotards and pink tights. (The senior students can wear black leotards and black tights.) We went from allowing the students to wear any colors to this dress code because we feel it looks more professional, and the teachers like it better because there are no colors to distract them from correcting properly. When we made the switch, I thought we would have a ton of complaints, but surprisingly we didn’t. I suggest having a dress code and explaining to the parents and students that you want to be more professional looking. Who would argue with that? 

—Laura Monk, La Habra, CA 

We have a uniform dress code for students through age 14. After that they may begin wearing their own leotards. Our guidelines state that if a student’s clothing is unacceptable, we can request that they buy the uniform leotard. Teenagers like a little self-expression, but I agree that some of the new styles are not acceptable for the classroom. Parents of the younger children love the uniform; it saves them from being asked to buy a ton of leotards. It is also a great advertiser for my school—our logo is on ours, so when the students come and go from dance school, they are spreading our school pride. 

—Margie Blair, New Albany, IN

Are kids allowed to play soccer in anything but their uniform? Are girls allowed to cheer in anything other than their uniform? Absolutely not! I don’t see that there are any negative points to having a dress code. 

—Niki Lynn Williams, Deptford, NJ