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.

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.
| Class | Top | Bottom | Shoes | Hair |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baby Dance Club & My First Dance Class | Comfortable play clothes or leotard, dancer's choice | Comfortable play clothes or shorts | Bare feet or ballet shoes | Secured away from face |
| Ages 2-6 Years | Any color leotard or dance dress, no removable skirts or tutus | Pink/skin tone convertible tights worn under leotard | Pink ballet shoes; tan mary jane tap shoes for tap | Neat ponytail or secured away from face |
| Boys | Fitted t-shirt or tank | Athletic shorts or joggers | Ballet, tap, or hip-hop shoes to match class | Neat and out of face |
| Ballet (Level 1-5) | Solid black leotard. No removable skirts or tutus | Pink/Skin Tone Convertible Tights, worn under leotard | Ballet shoes: skin tone, split sole, leather or canvas | Tidy ballet bun |
| Contemporary and Lyrical (Level 1-5) | Fitted leotard or tank top | Leggings, tights, or dance shorts | Bare feet | Neat ponytail or bun |
| Jazz (Level 1-5) | Fitted leotard or tank top | Leggings or dance shorts | Slip-on jazz shoes | Neat ponytail or bun |
| Acro (Level 1-5) | Fitted leotard or tank top | Leggings, unitard, or dance shorts | Bare feet | Neat ponytail or bun |
| Musical Theater (Level 1-5) | Fitted leotard or tank top | Leggings or dance shorts | Slip-on jazz shoes | Neat ponytail or bun |
| Tap (Level 1-5) | Fitted leotard or tank top | Fitted shorts | Tap shoes (style depends on level, see below) | Neat ponytail or bun |
| Hip Hop (Level 1-5) | Fitted top, crop tank, or sleeveless hoodie | Cargo pants, joggers, or shorts | Hip-hop sneakers, dedicated to studio use only | Neat ponytail or bun |
| Boys (Level 1-5) | Sleeveless tee | Cargo pants or jazz pants | Shoes to match class; high-top hip-hop sneaker for hip-hop/acro | Neat 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.

Kids Short Sleeve Dress
$25.95
Pink, Lavender, Black
View in store
Kids Long Sleeve Dress
$25.95
Pink, Lavender, Black
View in store
Floral Ruffle Dress
$35.95
Princess Pink, Yellow
View in store
Fantasy Print Leotard
$35.95
5 patterns
View in store
Kids Metallic Biketard
$32.95
8 colors
View in store
Open Back Biketard
$30.95
View in storeFirst 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 hereQuestions? Call 855-913-2623 or write office@musicinmotionva.com.