Why do we expect well-groomed dancers in our studio?

You’re in a rush, grabbing the dance bag on the way out the door as you go to pick one kid up from a school activity, the other from sport, and get the third to dancing. There’s no time now to do hair or double-check we have everything, so we bundle them out the car and off we go to do our weekly shop. It’s a common theme in juggling family life and we dance teachers understand this. So why then does my dancer keep coming home and telling me about their uniform and hairstyle from their teacher?!?

There are many benefits to incorporating uniform guidelines within an organisation and there is much students can learn in the process of following them. Here’s some of ourreasons why we pride ourselves on our presentation standards:

It is useful – Having the correct equipment to do a job makes it much easier and safer! Having the correct shoes for class ensure we protect our feet and joints for the movements that are required of us. Removing loose clothing and jewellery protects us from getting caught and hurting ourselves or others. Wearing the correct clothes allows us to have full range of movement for the dance steps and allows teachers to see if the body is moving safely. Keeping hair tidily back allows us to see where we are going and protect our face when we spin.

It provides equity and belonging – everyone comes in on a level playing field. Students are welcomed as part of a team and instantly focus on the similarities with their peers, instead of the differences. It develops confidence – when we look good, we feel good. We love seeing dancers feelingproud and confident in their dancing. How we dress ourselves often influences this. Knowing your leotard is too big/small, being aware that your hair isn’t tightly secure, or not having the correct equipment can make a dancer feel uncomfortable in their own skin which will impact their dancing.

It limits distractions – as a dancer, there is not much more distracting than knowing your hair is about to fall out as you try to execute a move! Worrying about tights being too loose, constantly pulling your knickers up under your leotard, wondering if your straps will stay up, picking at a hole in your stockings all distract from the learning and moving taking place in the studio.

It teaches us to care and have respect for our activities (and into adulthood) – a little preparation beforehand means we are thinking about the activity ahead of time and sets us up for success. We are mentally and physically prepared for class. This preparation beforehand and consideration of presentation is often mirrored in adult life when preparing for professional work environments, interviews and events. As students grow, they can take on more ownership for their belongings and appearance. They are taught to look after their things and organise themselves.

It’s good practice – as dance is a visual art form, all our performance opportunities (e.g.exams and shows) require us to present ourselves appropriately. By practicing hairstyles ahead of time, you know what works and what doesn’t. By practicing in correct attire, dancers know what to expect on the day.

So where are the opportunities for self-expression?

• Hair styles – if hair is neat, secure, and appropriate for the task ahead, we welcome you to mix up your hair styles. Maybe incorporate a braid or a twist? Maybe try two buns instead of one? If you are unsure if it is appropriate for class, ask your teacher. Students are also welcome to wear a scrunchie or ribbon around their ballet buns.

• Senior students – are welcome to incorporate different colour or style leotards into their practice sessions, providing they also have the correct uniform ready for events and exams. They may also wear shorts instead of leggings in the hot summer months.

• Non-syllabus classes – allow students the chance to wear either their set uniform or own dance attire, however, this should still be tidy, respectable, and appropriate for the dance style being practiced.

Top Tips:

• Some parents choose to send their kids to school with their dance hair already done. Providing you have used gel/hairspray and it is secure, it should last until class with a few touch-ups as necessary.

• Ask for help – other parents and students are often in the changing room and will be able to assist, providing you bring your hair belongings with you. Just ask :)

• Have a hair kit box/bag to keep everything together within your dance bag. When you get home, put everything straight back into it again.

• Create a checklist for your student to allow them to ensure they have everything they need in their dance bag.

• Ensure you have appropriate underwear on dance days or keep a spare “dance” pair in your dancing bag. (Spare socks/stockings often come in handy too).

• NAME EVERYTHING! Belts, shoes, skirts, tops, jackets…. Name it all!

Ballet

Twinkle Tots &

Mini-Movement

Girls:

• Any ballet dress up outfit

• Ballet shoes - full sole leather shoes are recommended as they will require these in upper levels

• Ballet socks

Boys:

• To be updated, please contact office

Hair to be pulled back tidily off the face

*Ballet socks will be needed for the end of year show

Beginner Ballet

& Pre-Primary

Girls:

• Lilac cap-sleeved leotard

• Lilac ballet skirt

• Full sole leather ballet shoes with elastics

• Ballet socks

• Lilac cross over and ballet tights for winter (optional)

• Hair to be pulled back into a tidy ballet bun

Boys:

• To be updated, please contact office

• Hair to be off the face

*Ballet tights may be needed for end of year show for girls

All uniform is regulation and can be purchased from That's A Wrap.

Primary &

Grade 1

Girls:

• Baby blue cap-sleeved leotard

• Baby blue wrap skirt (Primary only)

• Full sole leather ballet shoes with elastics

• Ballet socks

• Baby blue cross over and ballet tights for winter (optional)

• Hair to be pulled back into a tidy ballet bun

Boys:

• To be updated, please contact office

• Hair to be slick back off the face

Ballet - Vocational Levels

Jazz

Contemporary

Lyrical

Tracksuits

Now What?

Our official supplier is That's A Wrap, 8 Clyde Street, Hamilton East; Ph: 07-838 2102

All of our uniform, and additional dance wear, is available to purchase.

OR

second hand through our 'LDA Second Hand Dance Wear' Facebook group.