Modest Costuming
What to Wear to Class
The official TDC Dress Code for the 2026–2027 season, class by class. Simple, modest attire helps every dancer focus, move safely and feel confident, while letting teachers see alignment and guide proper technique.
Dress code by class
| Class | Leotard / Top | Tights / Bottoms | Shoes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Creative Movement (Ages 2–3) | Any color leotard Attached ballet skirts and sweaters allowed | Pink tights | Pink leather (no-tie) ballet shoes |
| Ballet/Tap/Tumble (Ages 3–5) | Any color leotard Attached ballet skirts and sweaters allowed | Pink tights | Ballet/Tumble: pink leather (no-tie) ballet shoes Tap: black, velcro, patent leather tap shoes |
| Level 1 Ballet | Any color leotard Ballet skirts/sweaters allowed (no attached skirts) | Pink tights | Pink leather ballet shoes |
| Level 1 Jazz/Tumble | Any color leotard (NO gymnastics biketards or skirts) | Pink, black, or flesh tone footless or convertible tights are allowed Black dance shorts or leggings are allowed | Jazz: flesh tone jazz shoes Tumble: bare feet |
| Level 2 Ballet | Any color leotard Ballet skirts/sweaters allowed (no attached skirts) | Pink convertible tights | Pink leather ballet shoes |
| Jazz & Musical Theatre | Any color leotard Fitted tanks or tops allowed (no T-shirts) | Black jazz pants or leggings Black dance shorts allowed if wearing pink, black, or flesh tone convertible tights underneath | Jazz: flesh tone jazz shoes Musical Theatre: nude T-strap character shoes |
| Lyrical | Any color leotard Fitted tanks or tops allowed (no T-shirts) | Black jazz pants or leggings Black dance shorts allowed if wearing pink, black, or flesh tone convertible tights underneath | Flesh tone jazz shoes |
| Tap | Any color leotard Fitted tanks or tops allowed (no T-shirts) | Black jazz pants or leggings Black dance shorts allowed if wearing pink, black, or flesh tone convertible tights underneath | Black, lace-up tap shoes (Level 1 dancers should have patent leather velcro tap shoes) |
| Acrobatics | Any color leotard Fitted tanks or tops allowed (no T-shirts) | Black jazz pants or leggings Black dance shorts allowed if wearing pink, black, or flesh tone convertible tights underneath | Bare feet |
| Hip Hop | Any color athletic top, tank or T-shirt | Any color athletic pants, joggers, or leggings Athletic shorts may be worn if they have a brief attached | Black and/or white tennis shoes with white soles (shoes should be for indoor use only) |
| Level 3 & 4 Ballet/Pointe | Any color leotard Ballet skirts/sweaters allowed | Pink or black tights | Ballet: pink canvas ballet shoes Pointe: please speak to the Ballet Director before purchasing |
Good to know
-
Hair
Ballet dancers and Acro/Tumble dancers must wear their hair in a slicked back bun. Very short hair must be pinned back. All other dancers must wear their hair in a slicked back bun or ponytail.
-
Jewelry
No jewelry or watches allowed.
-
Undergarments
Undergarments should not be seen underneath any dancewear.
-
Where to buy shoes
Please purchase your shoes from a reputable dance store. Shoes from stores like Walmart or Target are not allowed. A local dancewear store option: Dance Etc in North Raleigh.
-
Flesh tone jazz shoe options
You may purchase your shoes from any dance store. For your convenience, here are some options that include darker skin tones: Capezio EJ2 E-Series Jazz Slip On, Blendz Apparel Legacy Pro, and Balera Dancewear B80 Slip On Jazz Shoe.
If you have any questions about the TDC Dress Code, please email info@thedancecollectivewf.org.
Come see if we're the right fit
The easiest way to meet our teachers and feel the studio is to visit. Book a trial class and we'll help your dancer get ready and answer any dress-code questions.