Dress Code

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. For ballet classes, hair must be in a ballet bun, with long bangs and fly-away pieces clipped back. Not sure how to make a proper ballet bun? Watch this tutorial video for tips.
• 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).
• 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 typically has a stock of dance tights available for purchase at the studio or through our DWK online store. There are no local dancewear specific stores but there is 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.

DanceWorks Kenora 2022-2023 Dress Code

Parent & Tot / Pilates / Dance Conditioning:

• No dress code. Please wear clothing that is not too baggy or restrictive.
• Bare feet or thin socks depending on your preference.

Creative Movement:

• Bare feet preferred (no ballet slippers).
• 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:

• 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.
  • Ballet slippers (matching colour to dance tights).
  • Black patent tap shoes.
• Option B:
  • Solid white fitted t-shirt. Black fitted mid-thigh shorts.
  • Thin black socks (above ankle to mid-calf)
  • Black ballet slippers or black jazz shoes.
  • Black patent tap shoes.

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 white fitted t-shirt. Black fitted mid-thigh shorts.
    • Thin black socks (above ankle to mid-calf)
    • Black ballet slippers
• 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 patent tap shoes
  • Option B:
    • Solid white fitted t-shirt. Black fitted mid-thigh shorts.
    • Thin black socks (above ankle to mid-calf)
    • Black ballet slippers
    • Black patent tap shoes
• Jazz + Tap
  • Hair secured off the face for all dancers. Ballet bun required for shoulder length or longer hair.
  • Option A:
    • Black tank leotard and black dance tights.
    • Optional to also wear form-fitting shorts.
    • Black jazz shoes
    • Black patent tap shoes
  • Option B:
    • Solid white fitted t-shirt. Black fitted mid-thigh shorts.
    • Thin black socks (above ankle to mid-calf)
    • Black jazz shoes
    • Black patent tap shoes
• Hip Hop + Jazz
  • Hair secured off the face.
  • Comfortable clothing that students can move freely in (no denim or restrictive fabric).
  • Clean indoor white or black runners with non-marking soles.

Ballet:

• Hair must be secured off the face with long hair in a ballet bun
  • (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 will require a dance belt.
• Option A:
  • Black tank leotard (pinch front preferred) and ballet pink or skin colour dance tights (convertible tights preferred).
  • Canvas split sole ballet slippers (matching colour to dance tights)
• Option B:
  • Solid white fitted t-shirt. 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:

• Hair must be secured off the face. Primary dancers must wear shoulder length or longer hair in a ballet bun. Junior and Senior dancers may wear long hair in a ballet bun or a well secured ponytail.
  • (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 will require a dance belt.
• Option A:
  • Black tank leotard, black dance tights.
  • Black split sole jazz shoes.
  • Optional: Black mid-thigh dance shorts or leggings.
• Option B:
  • Solid black fitted t-shirt and black jazz pants, leggings, or mid-thigh shorts.
  • Thin black socks (above ankle to mid-calf).
  • Black split sole jazz shoes.

Tap:

• Hair must be secured off the face. Primary dancers must wear shoulder length or longer hair in a ballet bun. Junior and Senior dancers may wear long hair in a ballet bun or a well secured ponytail.
  • (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 will require a dance belt.
• Option A:
  • Black tank leotard, black dance tights.
  • Black full-sole tap shoes.
  • Optional: Black mid-thigh dance shorts or leggings.
• Option B:
  • Solid black fitted t-shirt and black jazz pants or black mid-thigh shorts.
  • Thin black socks (above ankle to mid-calf).
  • Black full-sole tap shoes.

Modern/Lyrical:

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

Hip Hop:

• Hair must be secured off the face.
• Comfortable clothing that students can move freely in (ie: t-shirt and sweatpants – no denim or restrictive fabric)
• Clean indoor white or black runners with non-marking soles.