Dress Code
At Thrive School of Dance, our dress code supports our commitment to providing high-quality dance training in a focused, respectful, and professional environment. Proper attire helps instructors give clear corrections, prevents injury, and promotes discipline and unity among dancers. We ask that all students arrive dressed and prepared in accordance with the guidelines below.
Our youngest dancers are encouraged to wear attire that promotes freedom of movement and helps build good habits for the future.
Tip: Label all shoes and dancewear with your child’s name with a permanent marker.
Base Dress Code (Ages 3-9)
-
Any solid-color leotard (this is a great option)
Tights (pink or skin-tone preferred - this is a great option)
Hair pulled back away from the face (bun, ponytail, or braid)
-
Ballet skirt
Black shorts or pants
-
Ballet: Pink or flesh-tone ballet shoes (this is a great option)
Tap: Black tap shoes (this is a great option)
Jazz (for 7 to 9’s class dancers): Tan or flesh-tone jazz shoes (this is a great option)
-
Bare tummies or legs
Baggy clothing
Distracting or unsafe accessories
Jewelry
Watches
Mid-Level Dress Code (Intermediate + Advanced Intermediate)
As students grow, so does our expectation for consistency and discipline in dancewear.
-
Any solid-color leotard (here are a few great options but fabric and style are totally up to you) and pink or flesh-tone tights (these are some great options - look for convertible tights that allow feet some breathing room)
Hair in a bun for ballet (click here for a quick tutorial); bun or ponytail for all other classes. We’re mainly looking for your hair to be secured away from your face so it’s not distracting during class, so if your hair isn’t compatible with a bun, make sure it’s secure a way from your face.
-
Ballet skirt (please make sure it’s either sheer like this, or short like this. Please no opaque fabric/skorts like this - we need to be able to see your body to ensure proper alignment and movement safety)
Dance shorts (something like these - as long as we can see your body)
Solid-color leggings or pants for styles outside of ballet at the teacher’s discretion.
Form-fitting tops for styles outside of ballet at the teacher’s discretion.
-
We do not have any preferred brands, but are happy to chat if you have any questions!
Ballet: Pink or flesh-tone ballet shoes (like this - look for canvas, split-sole shoes)
Tap: Black lace-up tap shoes (like these - we ask for dancers to not wear patent-leather shoes like this once they reach these levels)
Jazz: Tan or flesh-tone jazz shoes (like these)
-
Bare tummies or legs
Baggy clothing
Jewelry
Watches
In some cases, a teacher may ask a dancer to remove a layer to ensure safe and visible movement. These requests are always communicated with kindness and respect.
(Junior Company, Senior Prep, Apprentice, Senior Company)
Company dancers are held to the highest dress code standards, reflecting the leadership and professionalism we expect from our most advanced students.
Company Level Dress Code
-
Any solid-color leotard (here are a few great options but fabric and style are totally up to you) and pink or flesh-tone tights (these are some great options - look for convertible tights that allow feet some breathing room)
Hair in a bun for ballet (click here for a quick tutorial); bun or ponytail for all other classes. We’re mainly looking for your hair to be secured away from your face so it’s not distracting during class, so if your hair isn’t compatible with a bun, make sure it’s secure a way from your face.
At times, a teacher may kindly ask a dancer to remove a layer (such as a skirt, t-shirt, or oversized top) if they feel it’s preventing them from seeing proper alignment or assessing movement safety. These requests are always made with care and professionalism, with the dancer’s comfort and well being in mind.
-
Ballet skirts allowed (please make sure it’s either sheer like this, or short like this. Please no opaque fabric/skorts like this - we need to be able to see your body to ensure proper alignment and movement safety)
Pink or flesh-tone ballet shoes (like this - look for canvas, split-sole shoes)
Hair in a bun (click here for a quick tutorial). We’re mainly looking for your hair to be secured away from your face so it’s not distracting during class, so if your hair isn’t compatible with a bun, make sure it’s secure a way from your face.
Pointe students will be individually fitted for pointe shoes if/when they reach that point in their training.
-
Tan or flesh-tone split-sole jazz shoes (like these)
Bun or ponytail for hair. We’re mainly looking for your hair to be secured away from your face so it’s not distracting during class, so if your hair isn’t compatible with a bun or ponytail, make sure it’s secure a way from your face.
Solid-color tights, leggings, or pants allowed
Form-fitting tops allowed
-
Black lace-up tap shoes (like these - we ask for dancers to not wear patent-leather shoes like this once they reach these levels)
Bun or ponytail for hair. We’re mainly looking for your hair to be secured away from your face so it’s not distracting during class, so if your hair isn’t compatible with a bun or ponytail, make sure it’s secure a way from your face.
Solid-color tights, leggings, or pants allowed
Form-fitting tops allowed
-
No shoes required. We go barefoot for this style.
Bun or ponytail for hair. We’re mainly looking for your hair to be secured away from your face so it’s not distracting during class, so if your hair isn’t compatible with a bun or ponytail, make sure it’s secure a way from your face.
Solid-color tights, leggings, or pants allowed
Form-fitting tops allowed
-
Sneakers or jazz shoes (please either wear your hip hop shoes only in the dance studio OR clean the bottom of your shoes prior to each class)
Leggings, shorts or pants allowed
Form-fitting tops allowed
Additional layers (hoodies, etc.) allowed at teacher’s discretion
-
Bare midriffs or bare legs
Loose or oversized clothing
Jewelry or accessories that may cause injury or distraction - including bracelets, necklaces, watches and smart watches
Phones, tablets or any other electronics.
Still Have Questions?
Still Have Questions?
Our front desk is always happy to help! If you’re unsure whether a piece of clothing or pair of shoes meets the dress code, please don’t hesitate to ask. Adhering to the dress code allows our dancers to focus on what matters most—growing in confidence, character, and community. Thank you for helping us create an environment where every dancer can thrive.