The Academy of Performing Arts © 2023 – All Rights Reserved
APA Dance Dress Code
To look like a dancer encourages one to conduct oneself like a dancer!
Please make sure your child is wearing dance attire in class. Our studio sells all required dancewear, but you may purchase attire from any dancewear store as well. During our school year session, shoes need to be purchased from APA to ensure uniformity because of their performances.
Standard Dance Dress Code
Grades 1st and Younger:
Ballet & Ballet/Tap Combos: Leotard, tights, pink leather ballet shoes, skirt or shorts over are optional, tan tap shoes if applicable.
Tumbling/Acro Classes: Leotard, no skirts but fitted shorts are optional, no tights, bare feet.
Hip Hop: Any gym clothes that you are able to move around in, see shoe requirement below:
-Age 3-4 Pre-Hip Hop: Clean tennis shoes (not sold at APA). And any white low-top tennis shoes if participating in a showcase.
-Grades K-5th – Silver sparkly tennis shoes, purchased at APA.
Poms: Leotard, jazz pants (similar to yoga pants) or fitted shorts, tan jazz shoes.
Boys: We ask that boys get black tennis shoes on their own for hip hop and black ballet, black tap, or black jazz shoes from APA (based upon class enrollment) for other classes.
Grades 2nd and Older:
Ballet, Jazz, Poms: Leotard, jazz pants (similar to yoga pants) or fitted shorts, pink ballet shoes, or tan jazz shoes as applicable.
Tap, Hip Hop: Any gym/athletic clothes that you are able to move around in (pants must be off dancers’ feet for tap). Tan tap shoes for Tap. APA required hip hop shoes:
-Grades 5th and younger hip hop has silver sparkly shoes.
-Grades 5th and older have white canvas low-top shoes.
Contemporary/Lyrical: Leotard, jazz pants/fitted shorts – Foot shield(click for example) for all ages. (Foot shield only required for school year session. Ballet or Jazz shoes are allowed for summer).
Ballet, Jazz, and Contemporary Combo Classes: Leotard, jazz pants/fitted shorts – Please ask the front desk or your teacher for shoe requirements.
Boys: We ask that boys get black tennis shoes on their own for hip hop and black ballet, black tap, or black jazz shoes from APA (based upon class enrollment) for other classes.
Summer Dance Dress Code
We do not have a performance for our summer session so dance shoe colors are not as important for these 6 weeks. All exceptions to our dress codes must be approved by the teacher.
Grades 1st and Younger: (Ages 7 – younger)
Ballet & Ballet/Tap Combos: Leotard, tights, pink leather ballet shoes, skirt or shorts over are optional, tan tap shoes if applicable *We do not have a summer performance so shoe colors are not as important for this session.
Poms/Hip Hop: Any gym/athletic clothes that you are able to move around in, Clean tennis shoes are acceptable for Summer, or any type of dance shoe you may already have (except tap shoes).
Grades 2nd and Older: (Ages 7 – older)
Ballet/Jazz/Jazz Sampler: Leotard, jazz pants (similar to yoga pants) or fitted shorts, pink ballet shoes, or tan jazz shoes
*We do not have a summer performance so shoe colors are not as important for this session.
Hip Hop: Any gym/athletic clothes that you are able to move around in, Clean tennis shoes are acceptable for Summer, or any type of dance shoe you may already have (except tap shoes).
Team Intensive Classes: Please ask Team Coordinator if you are unsure on attire.
Make a sizing Appointment!
Shoe Sizing Appointments at Franklin:
Shoe Sizing Appointments at Oak Creek:
Additional Dress Codes
Technique & Team Classes:
Leveled Technique Ballet Classes: Hair in a bun, solid black leotard, pink tights (can be convertible but must be pulled down over the feet), ballet shoes, and the hip alignment belt corresponding to dancer’s level.
Leveled Technique Classes and Competitive Team Rehearsals: Hair in a bun, solid black leotard, tan tights, and appropriate shoes. Fitted, solid black shorts or pants above the ankle are allowed in classes/rehearsals. Ponytails are permitted in tap and hip hop classes only. Each instructor may enforce what they feel is appropriate given the choreography, time spent each class adjusting hair, etc.
Note: If class/rehearsal is before or after dancer’s ballet class, ballet dress code must still be followed in ballet class.
Assistant Dress Code:
Black “assistant” t-shirt, hair in a bun, tights (pink or tan) pulled down over feet, and appropriate shoes. Approved long sleeve cover-ups and solid black fitted shorts or black ballet skirts (no shorts in ballet, skirts ONLY in ballet) are allowed. Hair in a ponytail may be allowed with prior approval (class-dependent).
Do not wear your dance shoes outside, please change them before and after class. Hair must be up and out of your face. No gum or eating in the classroom. No cell phones! Teens – you may wear sports bras under your leotard, no regular bras, please. Dance Costumes are not appropriate dance attire for class!
Keeping in line with our modesty promise, we do not allow midriff-baring attire during APA classes.
Other Notes
- Do not wear your dance shoes outside, please change them before and after class.
- Hair must be up and out of your face and jewelry removed if distracting.
- No cell phones!
- Teens may want to wear sports bras under their leotard, no regular bras, please.
- Dance Costumes are not appropriate dance attire for class!
- Please no midriff-baring clothing.
- No gum, food or drinks are allowed in the studio room.
- Dancers may store their belongings in the cubbies inside the studio at their own risk. APA and its staff are not responsible for lost or stolen items. Please leave valuables at home.