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Music in Motion.

Dress code

What your child wears to class

A dress code lets teachers see a dancer's alignment and correct it safely, creates unity in class, and helps students feel like dancers. Here is everything you need for a first class, by age and by style.

Advanced ballet students in green velvet costumes posing as a group

By age and style

Dress code requirements by class

For every dancer, every class
  • Secure hair neatly away from the face in a ponytail for long hair, or with clips or a headband for short hair. Hair down or half up is not permitted in any class, for safety.
  • Ballet students in Level 1 (ages 7 and 8) and above must wear their hair in a bun to ballet class.
  • No jewelry, wristbands, bracelets, watches or necklaces in any class. Please leave these at home so they are not lost.
  • Form-fitting dance warm-ups are welcome on cold days for the first part of class.
  • No street clothes or jean shorts. Appropriate dance attire is required.
  • Remove street shoes before entering the studio to protect our floors. Bring belongings in a dance bag and change shoes at the studio.
  • Please bring a water bottle, and write your dancer's name on shoes and bag.
Dance With Me classes

Children: easy to move in cotton play clothes are perfect. Shorts, leggings or skorts for girls, sweatpants or athletic shorts for boys. Dancewear is welcome but not required. No jeans. Tennis shoes, bare feet or ballet slippers are all fine.

Adults: you will be moving along with your child, including sitting on the floor, so easy to move in athletic clothes and comfortable tennis shoes are recommended.

Where to buy dancewear

We recommend ordering everything your child needs through our online store. Online store orders are picked up at the studio rather than shipped to your home.

You can also shop locally at Jete Dance Wear, 4312 Holland Road #117, Virginia Beach, VA 23452. Mention Music in Motion to receive a 10% discount. Walmart and Target both carry suitable leotards, tights and shoes for ages 2 to 6.

Quick reference

Dress code cheat sheet

The same dress code, at a glance. Find your dancer's class and you will know exactly what to buy.

ClassTopBottomShoesHair
Baby Dance Club & My First Dance ClassComfortable play clothes or leotard, dancer's choiceComfortable play clothes or shortsBare feet or ballet shoesSecured away from face
Ages 2-6 YearsAny color leotard or dance dress, no removable skirts or tutusPink/skin tone convertible tights worn under leotardPink ballet shoes; tan mary jane tap shoes for tapNeat ponytail or secured away from face
BoysFitted t-shirt or tankAthletic shorts or joggersBallet, tap, or hip-hop shoes to match classNeat and out of face
Ballet (Level 1-5)Solid black leotard. No removable skirts or tutusPink/Skin Tone Convertible Tights, worn under leotardBallet shoes: skin tone, split sole, leather or canvasTidy ballet bun
Contemporary and Lyrical (Level 1-5)Fitted leotard or tank topLeggings, tights, or dance shortsBare feetNeat ponytail or bun
Jazz (Level 1-5)Fitted leotard or tank topLeggings or dance shortsSlip-on jazz shoesNeat ponytail or bun
Acro (Level 1-5)Fitted leotard or tank topLeggings, unitard, or dance shortsBare feetNeat ponytail or bun
Musical Theater (Level 1-5)Fitted leotard or tank topLeggings or dance shortsSlip-on jazz shoesNeat ponytail or bun
Tap (Level 1-5)Fitted leotard or tank topFitted shortsTap shoes (style depends on level, see below)Neat ponytail or bun
Hip Hop (Level 1-5)Fitted top, crop tank, or sleeveless hoodieCargo pants, joggers, or shortsHip-hop sneakers, dedicated to studio use onlyNeat ponytail or bun
Boys (Level 1-5)Sleeveless teeCargo pants or jazz pantsShoes to match class; high-top hip-hop sneaker for hip-hop/acroNeat and out of face
  • Street shoes are not allowed on studio floors.
  • All hip-hop students need a pair of sneakers kept just for class.
  • All students are always expected to follow dress code.

Hair how-to

The ballet bun, step by step

Level 1 and up ballet students wear their hair in a bun. Here is how to get a secure bun that lasts through class, even with thick or curly hair.

Shop by class

Everything for your dancer's class

Our online store is organized by class, with the exact styles and colors our teachers ask for. Orders are picked up at the studio.

First class

What to wear to a free trial

Coming to a free trial?

You do not need to buy anything first. Comfortable clothes your child can move in, hair secured away from the face, no jewelry and a water bottle are plenty for a trial class.

“What a hidden gem! You feel welcomed and appreciated from the second you walk in. Music in Motion is extremely family friendly, from the children's classes to the adult classes and all of the fun events, camps, and extras in between.”

Jacqueline

Try your first dance class for free

Registration runs September to June. Your first class is on us.

Book your free trial here

Questions? Call 855-913-2623 or write office@musicinmotionva.com.