DANCE DRESS CODE

Why We Have a Dance Dress Code

The right dancewear helps students move safely, feel prepared and get the most from every class. Fitted dancewear allows our educators to see alignment and movement clearly, while the correct footwear gives dancers the support they need to learn and practise each style safely.

A consistent dress code also helps dancers arrive ready to learn and creates a focused class environment. We know that choosing dancewear can feel a little unfamiliar, especially when your child is just getting started, so the requirements below are organized by class and dance style.

If you are ever unsure about what your dancer needs, please ask us before purchasing. We are happy to help.

Dress Code Requirements by Class Style

KinderDance

  • Fitted black tank leotard/bodysuit, with no attached skirts
  • Convertible or footless tights in the colour closest to the dancer’s skin tone
  • Bare feet

Acro

  • Fitted black tank leotard/bodysuit
  • Convertible or footless tights in the colour closest to the dancer’s skin tone
  • Optional fitted dance shorts, plain all black, with no coloured bands or decoration of any kind and an inseam no longer than 2 inches
  • Bare feet

Ballet

  • Fitted black tank leotard/bodysuit
  • Convertible or full-foot tights in the colour closest to the dancer’s skin tone
  • Capezio Hanami 2037 ballet shoes in the colour closest to the dancer’s skin tone

Jazz

  • Fitted black tank leotard/bodysuit
  • Convertible or full-foot tights in the colour closest to the dancer’s skin tone
  • Optional fitted dance shorts, plain all black, with no coloured bands or decoration of any kind and an inseam no longer than 2 inches
  • Black Capezio EJ2 jazz shoes

Tap

  • Fitted black tank leotard/bodysuit
  • Convertible or full-foot tights in the colour closest to the dancer’s skin tone
  • Optional fitted dance shorts, plain all black, with no coloured bands or decoration of any kind and an inseam no longer than 2 inches
  • Black Capezio #473 or CG19 tap shoes
  • Competitive dancers should speak with their teacher about specific shoe requirements

Contemporary / Lyrical / Modern

  • Fitted black tank leotard/bodysuit
  • Convertible or full-foot tights in the colour closest to the dancer’s skin tone
  • Optional fitted dance shorts, plain all black, with no coloured bands or decoration of any kind and an inseam no longer than 2 inches
  • Bare feet or Dance Paws

Hip Hop

  • Plain white or black T-shirt
  • Black track pants
  • Black indoor running shoes

Boys

  • Plain white or black T-shirt
  • Black jazz pants or track pants
  • Appropriate footwear for the class, as noted above

Purchasing Dancewear

Most of the required dancewear and footwear is available for purchase through Stouffville Academy, but families are always welcome to purchase items wherever they prefer.

When purchasing dance shoes, tights or fitted dancewear, we recommend visiting a dedicated dancewear store rather than a general big-box retailer. Proper fit can make a meaningful difference in a dancer’s comfort, movement and safety, and dancewear specialists can help make sure you are purchasing the correct size and style.

For families who would like to shop locally, we recommend Gabie’s Boutique in Newmarket. Gabie’s specializes in dancewear and offers professional fittings and a wide selection of dance shoes, tights, leotards and other dance essentials.

Before purchasing, please check the requirements for your dancer’s specific class, particularly where a specific shoe style or model is listed. If you are unsure about an item, contact us before purchasing and we will be happy to help.

Still have questions about dancewear?

We're here to help you find the right fit for your dancer.