I just signed my daughter up for dance lessons at a local dance school. I bought her a few nice leotards at a dance supply shop, but she was told today that she must only wear pink tights and a black leotard. This seems so boring...why do some dance instructors require a dress code?
A dress code ensures that a teacher will be able to see a dancer’s alignment and positioning. The teacher needs to be able to see a dancer's mistakes. Baggy clothing can mask bad habits, making corrections impossible. Most dance studios require students to wear a leotard and tights for ballet, sometimes requiring pink or light-colored tights in order to make the lines of the legs visible. Form-fitting dancewear is also a requirement in many jazz or modern classes.
A dress code will also teach students discipline, helping with overall focus and energy. By "dressing the part," dancers feel like dancers. Dress codes can also create unity among the dancers instead of causing a few dancers to stand out, much like a school uniform policy. Dress codes go a long way in minimizing distractions, and help give classes a unified look.
