What clothing or footwear is needed for dance class?

Students are required to have proper dance attire, including the correct shoes and hairstyle for all classes. Dancers with back-to-back classes can, when appropriate, wear the same dance attire for both classes but should be sure to have the correct footwear for each class.

Our full dress code by class and style is listed below. This includes two options for most classes and dancers are encouraged to choose whichever option they will be most comfortable in. If there are any specific concerns or sensitivities around dance attire please reach out to the studio to discuss.

Why do dancers need to follow a dress code?

Proper attire and hair reduces distractions for the dancer during class and makes it easier for the instructor to assess and correct technique both on the individual and on the class as a whole. As well, part of dance training is the discipline and preparedness learned from arriving to class on time and with proper hair and attire.

General Guidelines

  • Outdoor footwear should never be worn in the studio (and dance footwear should never be worn outside).
  • Hair is to be pulled cleanly and securely off the face for all dance classes. Not sure how to make a proper ballet bun? Watch this tutorial video for tips.
  • Undergarments should not be visible under dance attire. Underwear is not typically worn under tights and a leotard. If required please wear skin-tone undergarments. Pre-teen and teenage male dancers may require a dance belt.
  • Jewelry and watches are not to be worn in class. Earrings can stay on only if they are studs or small hoops (less than a pinky finger).
  • No hoodies or clothing items with large or loose pockets (for safety reasons).
  • For adult classes, students should use the below as a guideline and ensure that any clothing is relatively form-fitting and will allow a full range of movement.

Where to Purchase?

DanceWorks Kenora has some dancewear basics – leotards, tights, ballet shoes, shorts, skirts, hair accessories, and more – available at the studio or through our DWK online store. There is also a “DWK – Buy & Sell” group on Facebook for gently used items. As well, there are a few options for purchasing dancewear in Winnipeg.

  • Harlequin: The Dance Store is the largest location and has a full selection of dancewear, including pointe shoes. They are located on Hargrave St. in downtown Winnipeg. They also have an online store and typically have provided quick shipping of in-stock items.
  • Mallabar has a St. Matthews Ave location close to the airport.
  • Dance Plus is another option with all the dance essentials and is located on McLeod Ave in East Kildonan/Transcona.

There are also many other online shopping options. Pay attention to sizing charts for conversion from “street” sizes, particularly for footwear. If ordering from outside Canada be aware of duties and taxes. We do not recommend ordering “off-brand” dance footwear as it often does not fit or function as well as the established dance brands.

DanceWorks Kenora 2025-2026 Dress Code

Adult & Tot:

  • No dress code. Please wear clothing that is not too baggy or restrictive and which allows a full range of movement.
  • Bare feet, thin socks, or ballet slippers depending on your preference.
  • Indoor runners may be worn by adults as needed (no outdoor shoes).

Creative Movement:

  • Bare feet preferred (or ballet slippers if wearing footed tights)
  • Hair must be secured off the face (ponytail for long hair).
  • Option A:
    • Leotard (any colour) and footless dance tights, leggings or mid-thigh shorts.
    • Optional to also wear a pull-on chiffon skirt.
  • Option B:
    • Solid colour fitted t-shirt and mid-thigh shorts or fitted pants.

Creative Movement & Tap / Ballet:

  • Creative Movement & Tap – Black tap shoes and bare feet, thin socks, or ballet slippers for creative movement portion of class
  • Creative Movement & Ballet – Ballet slippers (matching colour to dance tights)
  • Hair must be secured off the face (ponytail for long hair).
  • Option A:
    • Black tank leotard and ballet pink or skin colour dance tights.
    • Optional to also wear a pull-on chiffon skirt or shorts.
  • Option B:
    • Solid black or white fitted t-shirt. Black fitted mid-thigh shorts. Thin black socks (above ankle to mid-calf)

Dance Foundations – Ballet + Jazz:

  • Hair secured off the face for all dancers. Ballet bun required for shoulder length or longer hair.
  • Option A:
    • Black tank leotard and ballet pink or skin colour dance tights.
    • Optional to also wear a pull-on chiffon skirt or form-fitting shorts.
    • Ballet slippers (matching colour to dance tights)
  • Option B:
    • Solid black or white fitted t-shirt. Black fitted mid-thigh shorts.
    • Thin black socks (above ankle to mid-calf)
    • Black ballet slippers

Dance Foundations – Tap + Ballet:

  • Hair secured off the face for all dancers. Ballet bun required for shoulder length or longer hair.
  • Option A:
    • Black tank leotard and ballet pink or skin colour dance tights.
    • Optional to also wear a pull-on chiffon skirt or form-fitting shorts.
    • Ballet slippers (matching colour to dance tights)
    • Black tap shoes
  • Option B:
    • Solid black or white fitted t-shirt. Black fitted mid-thigh shorts.
    • Thin black socks (above ankle to mid-calf)
    • Black ballet slippers
    • Black tap shoes

Dance Foundations – Hip Hop + Tap:

  • Hair secured off the face for all dancers. Ponytail recommended for shoulder length or longer hair.
  • Comfortable clothing that students can move freely in (no denim or restrictive fabric, no hoodies or items with large/loose pockets).
  • Indoor only white runners with non-marking soles.
  • Black tap shoes.

Primary Ballet & Musical Theatre:

  • Hair must be secured off the face with long hair in a ballet bun.
  • Option A:
    • Black tank leotard and ballet pink or skin colour dance tights (convertible tights preferred).
    • Canvas split sole ballet slippers (matching colour to dance tights)
    • Optional: Black split sole jazz shoes.
    • Optional: Black dance shorts, black leggings, or chiffon skirt.
  • Option B:
    • Solid black or white t-shirt/tank top. Black fitted mid-thigh shorts or black dance leggings.
    • Thin black socks (above ankle to mid-calf).
    • Black canvas split sole ballet slippers
    • Optional: Black split sole jazz shoes

Primary Jazz & Contemporary:

  • Hair must be secured off the face with long hair in a ballet bun.
  • Option A:
    • Black tank leotard and black convertible dance tights.
    • Black split sole jazz shoes
    • Optional: Skin colour socks or half soles for contemporary. Bare feet preferred.
    • Optional: Black dance shorts or black leggings.
  • Option B:
    • Solid black t-shirt/tank top and black jazz pants, leggings or mid-thigh shorts.
    • Thin black socks (above ankle to mid-calf).
    • Black split sole jazz shoes
    • Optional: Skin colour socks or half soles for contemporary. Bare feet preferred.

Primary Hip Hop & Tap:

  • Hair secured off the face for all dancers. Ponytail recommended for shoulder length or longer hair.
  • Comfortable clothing that students can move freely in (no denim or restrictive fabric, no hoodies or items with large/loose pockets).
  • Indoor only white runners with non-marking soles.
  • Black tap shoes.

Hip Hop – Primary through Senior:

  • Hair must be secured off the face. Ponytail recommended for shoulder length or longer hair.
  • Comfortable clothing that students can move freely in (no denim or restrictive fabric, no hoodies or items with large/loose pockets).
  • Indoor only white runners with non-marking soles.

Ballet – Junior through Senior:

  • Hair must be secured off the face with shoulder length or longer hair in a ballet bun.
  • Option A:
    • Black tank leotard and ballet pink or skin colour dance tights (convertible tights preferred).
    • Canvas split sole ballet slippers (matching colour to dance tights)
  • Option B:
    • Solid black or white t-shirt/tank top. Black fitted mid-thigh shorts or black dance leggings.
    • Thin black socks (above ankle to mid-calf).
    • Black canvas split sole ballet slippers
  • Dancers that have progressed to Pre-Pointe or Pointe will be given specific guidance on how and when to purchase pre-pointe or pointe shoes.

Jazz – Junior Through Senior:

  • Hair must be secured off the face. Dancers may wear long hair in a ballet bun or a well secured ponytail.
  • Option A:
    • Black tank leotard and black dance tights (convertible tights preferred).
    • Black split sole jazz shoes.
    • Optional: Black mid-thigh dance shorts or black leggings.
  • Option B:
    • Solid black t-shirt/tank top and black jazz pants, leggings, or mid-thigh shorts.
    • Thin black socks (above ankle to mid-calf).
    • Black split sole jazz shoes.

Tap – Junior through Senior:

  • Hair must be secured off the face. Dancers may wear long hair in a ballet bun or a well secured ponytail.
  • Option A:
    • Black tank leotard and black dance tights (convertible tights preferred).
    • Black full-sole tap shoes.
    • Optional: Black dance shorts or black leggings.
  • Option B:
    • Solid black t-shirt/tank top and black jazz pants, leggings or mid-thigh shorts.
    • Thin black socks (above ankle to mid-calf).
    • Black full-sole tap shoes.

Contemporary/Modern/Lyrical – Junior through Senior:

  • Hair must be secured off the face. Shoulder length or longer hair in a low ponytail/bun.
  • Option A:
    • Black tank leotard and black footless tights or black leggings.
    • Bare feet or skin-coloured dance socks or half soles.
  • Option B:
    • Solid black t-shirt/tank top and black fitted jazz pants or black leggings.
    • Bare feet or skin-coloured dance socks or half soles.

Dance Conditioning:

  • No dress code. Please wear clothing that is not too baggy or restrictive and which allows a full range of movement. No hoodies or items with large or loose pockets.
  • Bare feet, thin socks, or indoor runners may be worn depending on your preference (no outdoor shoes).