- Hair should be worn in a ballet bun. If hair is too short for a bun, it should be pulled back off of the face and neck.
- Boys should wear black athletic shorts or pants with a solid white t-shirt and black ballet slippers.
- Please do not wear pull-on or wrap skirts (skirts are only allowed in Ballet V and up and Advanced Basic Ballet I and II)
New BALLET Dress Code Update Effective September 2024:
We're implementing a ballet uniform that includes required leotards and tights purchased from the Nimbly online store. Leotards and tights not purchased from Nimbly will not be permitted. (Leotards and tights for non-ballet genres have not changed from previous years).
In an effort to streamline our dress code, elevate our ballet look, and provide more convenience for our dance families, we now have an online uniform store through Nimbly by Revolution Dancewear! The store is currently for ballet classes only. We will be integrating other genres in the coming years. Here, you'll be able to view and purchase required leotards and tights based on your ballet level. You'll also see options for shoes, bags, and other optional accessories! All of these items will be purchased online and shipped directly to you.
Each ballet level has been assigned a leotard color with one or more style options for dancers to choose from. You will notice that if there are multiple leotard style options, all the styles show as "required." This does not mean you need to purchase all style options. We require that you purchase a minimum of one leotard, along with the required tights. Use the sizing chart on the website as a guide. We also have a leotard sizing kit available in the lobby if you're still not sure which size to purchase.
Continue reading below for more details!
Pink tights and pink slippers are required for ballet classes and performances this year for all levels, a change from last year.
A note for boys, your dress code has not changed. Boys should wear black athletic shorts or pants with a solid white t-shirt and black ballet slippers. These items can be purchased at Ellman's Dancewear or another dance store of your choosing.
We are excited for this upgrade to our dress code and are hopeful that you will find the options affordable and the ordering process seamless! Any questions, email us at info@westendacademy.com
Non-ballet genres, see below for dress code requirements. You may purchase these items at Ellman's Dancewear or another dance store of your choosing! No change to how you purchase your pointe shoes, if applicable.
General reminders for all genres!
- No jewelry or watches (minimal earrings are okay)
- No claw clips. Hair must be secured in a bun for ballet or a ponytail for other genres.
- No booty shorts or crop tops. Bike shorts (for non-ballet genres only) must have at least a 4 inch inseam and should be worn over a leotard and tights.
All Ballet and Pre-Ballet Classes
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Contemporary
Please wear:
• Bare feet for Contemporary I. Bare feet or socks for Contemporary II and III (socks must be high cotton content for traction)
• Leotard (any color)
• Skin tone, convertible tights or black leggings. Bike shorts with a minimum 4 inch inseam may be worn over the leotard and tights.
• Hair neat (up and out of face). No claw clips!
Boys should wear athletic shorts or pants with a solid color t-shirt.
Please do not wear:
• Sweatpants
• Sweatshirts
• Shirts that show the belly
• Oversized t-shirts
• Trendy tops
• Booty shorts without tights
• Fuzzy socks
• Foot thongs
• Jewelry (small earrings ok)
Matching skin tone stirrup tights and shoes/socks/or bare feet will be required for recital.
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Jazz and Musical Theatre Dance
Please wear:
• Solid color leotard (no embellishments). No gymnastics leotards.
• Skin tone tights, leggings, or jazz pants
• Hair neat (up and out of face). No claw clips!
• Black jazz shoes
Boys should wear athletic shorts or pants with a solid color t-shirt and black jazz shoes.
Note: Character shoes may be worn sometimes in Musical Theatre Dance. If a dancer does not have character shoes, jazz shoes are fine!
Please do not wear:
• Sweatpants
• Sweatshirts
• Shirts that show the belly
• Oversized t-shirts
• Trendy tops
• Booty shorts without tights
• Socks
• Foot thongs
• Jewelry (small earrings ok)
*Matching skin tone tights will be required for recital.
____
Modern
Please wear:
• Leotard
• Skin tone tights, leggings, or jazz pants. Bike shorts with at least a 4 inch inseam may be worn over the leotard and tights.
• Hair neat (up and out of face). No claw clips!
• Bare feet
Please do not wear:
• Sweatpants
• Sweatshirts
• Shirts that show the belly
• Oversized t-shirts
• Trendy tops
• Booty shorts without tights
• Socks
• Foot thongs
• Jewelry (small earrings ok)
Boys should wear athletic shorts or pants with a solid color t-shirt.
*Matching skin tone stirrup tights will be required for recital.
____
Hip Hop
Please wear:
• Loose, comfortable clothing such as gym or yoga clothes, sweatpants, t-shirts. Bike shorts must have at least a 4 inch inseam.
• Hair neat (up and out of face)
• Clean tennis shoes designated for wear ONLY in the dance studio and socks.
Please do not wear:
• Shirts that show the belly or short shorts.
• Dirty tennis shoes
• Bare feet
• Jewelry - minimal earrings are okay.
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Tap
Please wear tap shoes with a full wooden bottom, no split sole shoes. Any style Oxford tap shoe is acceptable. No patent leather. Hair pulled back out of face. No claw clips!
Tap I, II, and III Dress Code:
- For girls, a leotard (solid color) with skin tone tights or black leggings
- For boys, a solid colored t-shirt with black, exercise shorts or pants.
- Please avoid baggy clothing and anything with pockets
Please do not wear:
• Baggy clothings
• Sweatpants
____
WEAD Ensemble
Please see your contract for dress code information.
Shop Local: Ellman's Dancewear
Ellman’s Dancewear is Richmond's largest dance retailer. Located in the Beverly Hills Shopping Center, Ellman’s offers an extensive selection of dance shoes - over 7,000 pair in stock - for dancers of all ages. Ellman’s meets the dancers’ footwear and apparel needs for all styles of dance.
