Uniform & Etiquette
With the right uniform, you are ready to perform
Dance, the Uniform and dress code
It is important to dress neat and tidy
for class
Character
Shoes are very important. Low heel canvas for G1 and G2, Cuban heel from G3. It is a different style of dance so ballet shoes should not be worn. The skirts are expensive but must be worn for exams and class so please do check the swap shop to see if you can buy a second hand one.
Hair
Please check that your children have hair kits in their ballet bags and encourage them to help each other with buns before class. Ideally in a bun from Grade 1.
Baby Ballet to Primary – A neat ponytail, if you can do a bun you get extra brownie points!
G3 and above – a BUN is a must!! Girls are more than able enough to do their own hair before class.
Wearing hair down and / or moving around obstructs the line of the head and neck and can be off putting when turning or moving quickly! It is safer that it is out of the way. From G3 and above students will be given two warnings about their hair and asked to come the following week with correct hair. A student may be asked to watch their class if they are not dressed correctly.
Shoes
Shoes should be snug, especially when taking exams. Toes should be straight and touching the end of the shoe. A ballet shoe that is too big encourages the dancer to curl the toes to keep the shoe on and we want to keep the toes extended. Elastics need to be sewn on at the ankle so they keep the shoe in place. There should be no space between elastic and foot.
Leotards
Please ensure your leotard is well fitting, it should not be baggy. A belt should also be worn from Grade 1 – this usually comes with your leotard. This is an important part of the uniform, helping the dancer know where their waist is when working on weight placement. Bras should not be worn under your leotard unless it is a support bra. Leotards have a shelf lining which is your ‘ballet bra’, extra straps look untidy and spoil the look of your leotard!
Extra Layers
Cotton lycra cross–over cardigans in the same colour as your leotard can be worn for class. This is the only layer that will be allowed. Baggy jumpers and fashion tops are a no no!
Ballet Uniform through the grades
Our ballet classes follow the RAD syllabus and
we follow the RAD uniform
Baby to Primary - Girls
Pink R.A.D. Short Sleeve Leotard (‘Chloe’). Pink R.A.D. Wrap Voile Skirt. Pink Wrap Cardigan. Pink Ballet socks or Tights. Pink Leather Ballet shoes
Grade 1 & 2 - Girls
Mulberry R.A.D. Sleeveless Leotard (‘Aimee’). Pink or Mulberry Wrap over cardigan. Pink Ballet socks or Tights. Pink Leather Ballet shoes. Character Skirts with 3 pink ribbons and low heel Character Shoes
Grade 3 & 4 - Girls
Navy R.A.D. Sleeveless Leotard (‘Faith’). Navy or Black Wrap over cardigan. Pink Ballet Tights. Pink Leather Ballet shoes. Black Character skirt with 3 pink ribbons and Cuban black Character shoes
Grade 5 and above - Girls
Navy R.A.D. Sleeveless Leotard (‘Faith’). Navy or Black Wrap over cardigan. Pink Ballet Tights. Pink Leather Ballet shoes. Black Character skirt with 3 pink ribbons and Cuban black Character shoes. With the option to wear own black leotard, and Black Wrap over cardigan
All grades - Boys
White T-shirt or leotard. Blue shorts or leggings. White Ballet socks & shoes
Intermediate & Advanced
Black classical leotard of dancers own choice with black Wrap over cardigan. Pink Ballet Tights. Pink Leather Ballet shoes & pointe shoes.
Modern Tap & Commercial Jazz
What to wear to dance class
Modern & Tap Uniform
Girls – Sleeveless Cotton-Lycra ISTD leotard – plum or purple (Students choice)
Tap – Black Jazz pants (Well fitted for exams) Black Tap shoes
Modern – Black calf length leggings. Bare feet
Boys – Black plain T-shirt or Dance Factory T-shirt. Black Jazz pants. Bare feet / Tap shoes
(Adult Tap – No leotard needed!!!! Just casual clothing)
Commercial Jazz
Black Jazz Pants
Own T-Shirt or leotard/ Dance Factory T-Shirt or hoody
(Order through Miss Katy)
Where to buy the dance uniform
There is a lovely dance shop called 'Gandolfi'
on Mill Rd in Wellingborough (who make uniform
and shoes to size) or the fantastic 'A Dancers World' shop in Northampton and their shop online. You can also order and check all DF uniform on our online shop. Links for all are below
Examples of the uniforms
