Dancewear selections must present a clean and professional appearance allowing the instructor to clearly see the dancer’s body. The Ballet Program recognizes the diversity of dancers' natural hair and has an open hair policy. For classes, we ask that hair be secured off the face and neck in order not to interfere with the execution of turns and jumps. For performances, we request and will help facilitate open conversations between choreographers and dancers to determine the best hair style. Students must also refrain from wearing heavy or sharp hair ornaments and jewelry. For any rehearsals, performances, or classes that involve partnering, all students will be expected to keep their fingernails no longer than the tips of their fingers for safety reasons.

Ballet Technique, Pointe/Variations, and Traditional Male Ballet Technique/Variations

Daily Class Dress Code

The Ballet Program supports our dancers’ gender identity and gender expression with respect to dress code. Choose from the following:

• Any solid, single-color leotard or any solid, single-color tight-fitting t-shirt

• Flesh-tone, ballet pink, white, grey, or black tights (Cut off tights or bike shorts are not permitted.)

• If socks are worn, socks and shoes must be the same color

• Leg warmers may be worn in cases of injury and must be knit, tight fitting, and not visually distracting.

• Solid color skirts may be worn for pointe classes with the permission of the instructor.

Flexible Fridays Dress Code (All Fridays except for masterclasses with guests)

• Any of the above dress code and/or the following: multi-colored or patterned leotards.

Formal Class Dress Code There are many occasions when a more formal, uniform appearance will be required such as auditions, master classes and when guests from outside the Ballet Program are expected to attend. The Instructor will notify the class in advance when the formal dress code will be required.

• Black leotards any style (no embellishment) or tight-fitting white or black t-shirts tucked in (no large graphics). With a leotard, tights will be worn under the leotard.

• Tights: flesh-tone, ballet pink, gray, or white tights

• Tights or socks should match shoes

• Leg warmers may be worn in cases of injury with instructor permission and must be knit, tight fitting, and not visually distracting.

Character Dance classes

• Any color or style of leotard or tight-fitting t-shirt and tights

• Character shoes, jazz shoes or boots

• Optional: Knee-length character skirt. Castanets are provided, but students may choose to supply their own

Classical Ballet Partnering classes

• Female identifying classical ballet roles: a solid leotard and flesh-tone or ballet pink tights. Any leotard must completely cover the waist and mid to lower back to allow for proper partnering work.

• Male identifying classical ballet roles: any solid, single-color tight-fitting t-shirt and solid, single color tights.

Contemporary Partnering classes

• Any color or style of leotard or tight-fitting t-shirt and tights, or as directed by the individual instructor.

• Any leotard or t-shirt must completely cover the waist and mid to lower back to allow for proper partnering work.

Jazz classes

• Wear clothing you can move in. You may be asked to cover the knees or wear knee pads. Footwear will be directed by the individual instructor as appropriate for each class.

Contemporary Techniques classes

• Wear clothing you can move in. You may be asked to cover the knees or wear knee pads. Footwear will be directed by the individual instructor as appropriate for each class.