When new dancers arrive at their first dance classes or when parents look to enroll their children to dance classes, one of the most common questions dance instructors get asked all the time is whether the dress code in dance class is necessary or not.
Of course, following the dress code is vital if you want to learn in your dance classes. It’s because the appropriate dance clothing helps students be more comfortable in their classes, and wearing appropriate dance clothing can be a good habit if they decide to pursue a career in dancing. Furthermore, the appropriate attire can also influence the risk of dancing-related injuries.
In this article, you can learn about the importance of the dress code in dance classes and the dress code required for different kinds of dances.
Why a dress code is important in a dance class
In a structured dance class, a dress code isn’t just for aesthetic purposes. It serves a real and practical function. To help you, here’s why dress code is important during a dance class:
- It lets dancing class students, especially when the students are children, recognize and understand that it’s a structured class where they need to behave properly and listen to the dancing instructor to do good in dance class. Basically, it’s like wearing a uniform for regular school or your job; when you’re wearing it, you know that you have something important to give your focus.
- When there’s no strictly implemented dress code, dance class students can wear whatever they want. Not only can this be an issue in terms of comfort and ergonomics during the dance class, but this can also serve as a distraction, especially for children.
So, for parents looking to enroll their children in dance classes, there’s no need to get fairy tail dresses or other flashy costumes/clothing for your children, as it probably won’t be allowed by the dress code. It can also be a distraction for your child and other children during classes.
- Of course, since dancing requires a wide range of physical movement and positions, there’s always the risk of body parts getting exposed unintentionally, especially when students don’t wear the appropriate clothing. It’s one of the most important reasons why a dress code is important, as it’s designed to provide proper cover for the body and let you dance comfortably.
- For any dance class, baggy clothing is usually avoided. It’s because baggy clothing can hide sluggish movement and mistakes that need correcting. By following the dress code, which often includes tighter clothing, instructors can easily spot mistakes. With this, they can teach students correctly.
Dress code for ballet and tap
When it comes to ballet and tap, a dress code isn’t necessary for “Mommy and Me” types of classes, which aren’t designed for learning but lean more on the side of letting parents and children enjoy an activity together.
However, if you or your child seriously wants to learn how to dance, then you should strictly follow the dress code. Usually, a pair of leggings and a plain shirt will be good enough during classes. It’s not flashy, but it’s a very comfortable outfit that does the job. The dress code also allows students to know that when they wear this clothing, they are in a serious class.
Serious ballet and tap classes actually have a specific color requirement for the dress code, usually a black leotard and pink tights. Also, tying the hair in a ponytail is necessary for those who have long hair, as it can be a distraction when hair is moving all over the place while dancing.
Dress code for hip hop dance class
Unlike ballet and tap, the dress code for hip-hop dance classes can be a little more general and flexible. Since it’s a more energetic dance that requires more physical activity and movement, dancers need to be wearing clothing that will allow them to do these dance moves and positions with ease. Generally, a standard dress code for hip-hop dance classes is sweatpants, shirts, and tennis shoes.
Since hip hop requires many floor moves, wearing sweatpants is important, as they are flexible, easy to move with, and can cover the lower part of the body. The shirts are important to allow the students to move freely while also covering the upper body. Furthermore, a hip-hop dance requires a lot of footwork, and you can’t have your shoes sticking too much to the ground, which can make the class difficult since the footwork will be sluggish and slow.
For footwork, a pair of tennis shoes should be adequate to provide enough protection while also having the right amount of grip to support the dancers while they practice footwork. Those who have long hair also have to think about tying their hair to a ponytail, so it won’t move around and be a distraction while dancing.
The dress code helps you learn faster
A dress code puts dance class students into a mindset that they’re a part of an actual class where they need to focus on becoming better dancers. The dress code also ensures safety and protection while also ensuring that students are comfortable. Being comfortable is key for students when they practice the different dance moves.
Whether it’s a leotard, a sequin fringe dance dress, leggings, shirts, sweats, or any other clothing, dancers need to follow the dress code for success at a dance class or even during actual dance performances.
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