Registration.

Proper dancewear allows students to move comfortably while helping instructors see posture and body alignment. Ballet shoes are flexible and provide the appropriate grip for safely learning and articulating foot movements.

Students may wear fitted dancewear, leggings and T-shirts they already own until they grow out of them. Proper dance shoes are the priority.

Hair and Additional Layers

Long hair must be secured in a bun. Short hair should be clipped away from the face so it does not fall into the dancer’s eyes or interfere with others. Teachers can help demonstrate how to secure hair at the beginning of class.

Fitted sweaters may be worn when necessary. Please avoid wrap sweaters.

Ballet Attire

These guidelines are based on traditional classical ballet attire.

Female Students

• Pink or tan canvas/cloth split-sole ballet shoes

• Solid black spaghetti-strap or tank-style leotard

• Ballet pink tights

Other ballet shoes may be worn until they are outgrown.

Older students may wear a short black, dark or solid-coloured ballet wrap skirt in select classes. A skirt is not required.

Pointe shoes should only be purchased once a student has developed the necessary strength and ability and has received approval from their teacher.

Male Students

• Black, white or tan canvas/cloth split-sole ballet shoes

• White or solid-coloured fitted short-sleeved T-shirt or bodysuit

• Black or solid-coloured shorts, bike shorts or footless leggings

• White or black socks

Other ballet shoes may be worn until they are outgrown.

If these options do not suit a dancer’s identity or comfort, please let us know. We will be happy to help find a class-appropriate alternative.

Contemporary and Jazz Attire

• Feet: Foot undies, bare feet or turning shoes

• Top: Solid-coloured leotard, fitted T-shirt, tank or spaghetti-strap top. No crop tops.

• Bottom: Solid-coloured footless tights or dance shorts

Where to Purchase Dancewear

The following Victoria-area stores carry dance shoes and attire:

• Ellswear Dance & Activewear
  3180 Harriet Road, Victoria
  Store information

• Stretch Dancewear
  3671 Uptown Boulevard, Unit 111, Victoria
  stretch.dance

• Toes ’n’ Taps Dance Shoppe
  1733 Cook Street, Victoria
  Store information

If you need help selecting the correct shoes or clothing, let the store staff know that your dancer attends Arabesque Dance Studio. They can help you find attire that meets our class guidelines.

Store locations and hours can change, so families may wish to confirm details before visiting. The current locations were verified through Stretch Dancewear, the Dancewear Association of Canada and the Toes ’n’ Taps business listing.

Questions? Visit dancearabesque.ca or email info@dancearabesque.ca.