Purpose - The dress code is an extremely important tool for the correct development of technique and assists in preventing injuries. When the teacher can view the dancer’s body clearly, they are able to make subtle adjustments that may eliminate future problems. Students should refer to the specifics of the dress code in the Uniform Requirements. Students must not wear torn or ripped dancewear to any class and warm-up garments must be removed prior to the start of class. Students should be groomed professionally at all times. Students will be asked to leave classes in which photography is taking place or guests are expected if they are not dressed properly. Students should keep extra dancewear in their locker in case of emergencies and ensure that their dancewear is laundered on a regular basis.
Ballet - Girls must wear clean, pink ballet tights and their required body suit to all ballet, pointe, character, variations/repertoire and pas de deux classes. A short chiffon skirt may be added for variations/repertoire. Pink leather ballet slippers are required. Canvas shoes will not be allowed in performances or examinations. Holes and runs should be neatly mended. Hair should be completely off the face in a neat bun (long hair) or headband (short hair). Please note that all female students must have hair long enough for a classical bun for all performances and examinations. Students with short hair must be able attach a “fake” bun if required. Buns must be neat and the use of hairnets is mandatory for those that require it. Boys must be neatly groomed and wearing the correct uniform.
Jazz/Modern - Students may wear any solid colored body suit or approved half top with black jazz pants. Hair must be completely off the face. Black jazz pants must be tight through the waist, hips and knees to allow teachers to see the form of the body and must not be longer than ankle length. Every ESBS student must have a pair of black jazz pants (no logo). Students will be required to purchase black jazz pants for performance if needed. Students must have jazz shoes in black or beige as required for performances. Jazz boots and runners are not acceptable for performances. Jazz runners should not be worn in classes due to the increase in injuries that may be experienced. The runners overcompensate in supporting the foot, which may lead to muscle weaknesses. Students must wear tights and be able to remove jazz pants if asked.
"The split sole shoes have a tendency to have a lighter and more muffled sound that the full sole, and there have been studies done on how bad they are for the feet and ankles of dancers, especially when to work is involved in the tapping...very limited support". (Lindsay White)
Tap
Levels 1-3: Beige leather oxford
Levels 4-Adv: Capezio, Full Hard Sole, Preferably Single-Screw Tap
or Bloch full, hard sole
Boys:
Black leather oxford
For more specific requirements, please see the following (updated 2005):
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