As with anything, having the appropriate tools, and wearing the correct garments are essential to learning and staying safe in dance class.  Just as cleats and shin pads are important for soccer, dance shoes and attire are essential for proper movement and safety while learning how to dance. 

Here at the Ballard Academy we require all of our dancers to be attired in the proper footwear and dance wear.  Our focus is that everyone is safe, and able to move and stretch correctly.  We are less concerned about colors and styles, as long as everyone is wearing the appropriate attire.

The following items are what we require for dance class.  Foot wear is REQUIRED, and dance wear is highly recommended.  For your convenience, all our required and recommended items are available at Center Stage Dance Wear, located here:

Dance types and wear:

Jazz and Hip-Hop (all levels):

Black Jazz pants, Black Leotard (or t-shirt for boys), black jazz shoes.

Tap (level 1 and above, pre dance classes see ballet wear):

Black Jazz pants, Black Leotard (or t-shirt for boys), black tap shoes.

Pre-Ballet:

Pink cap sleeve Leotard, pink tights, short wrap or slightly embellished pink skirt, pink ballet shoes in either leather or canvas (pre tap/ballet classes wear ballet attire with footed tights, and also have black tap shoes).

Ballet (level 1 and above):

Pink ballet shoes, white or pink sleeveless leotard, tights, and short wrap skirt.

Modern:

Black Jazz pants or footless tights, leotard.

Toddler Class:

Pink cap sleeve Leotard, pink tights, short wrap or slightly embellished pink skirt, pink ballet shoes in either leather or canvas (and also have black tap shoes).

ALL LONG HAIR MUST BE PULLED BACK, AND NO JEWELERY PLEASE.