Dress Code

General Guidelines and Reasoning for Proper Attire:

At PAMD, we enforce a solid-colored leotard dress code so instructors can clearly see students’ technique and artistry without distractions.

Gender-neutral attire is always welcome. Dancers may wear form-fitting, solid-colored activewear as listed on our dress code.
Leggings must be snug (not loose around the ankles).
Baggy shirts and oversized clothing are not permitted.
Each dancer should have at least one black leotard available.

Hair: Must always be pulled back and secured away from the face for all classes. Loose hair can cause injury or distraction. A bun is strongly preferred for ballet.

Jewelry: Please avoid wearing jewelry in class. Hoop earrings, necklaces with pendants, and bracelets can cause injury.

Shoes: Label shoes on the inside with your dancer’s name (not on the outside or soles). Dance shoes should not be worn outside. Street shoes must be removed before entering the studio to protect the floors and extend the life of dance shoes.

Shoe Exchange Program. You may leave gently used dance shoes in good condition at any time of the year. If your child is in need of a pair of shoes, you may take a pair from the Shoe Exchange at any time. It is located in the lower level waiting area. All shoes are free of charge.

Undergarments should not be visible. Underwear or bras that show can be uncomfortable, restrictive, and distracting. Supportive undergarments are encouraged as dancers mature but should remain discreet.

Why a Dress Code Matters: A dress code prepares dancers mentally, helps them focus, and encourages professionalism in their craft. Parents, please help us enforce these standards—it is both the dancer’s and parent’s responsibility.

Older Dancers: You know the expectations. Don’t rely on parents or instructors to remind you. If an unexpected situation occurs (spilled drink, forgotten shoes, etc.), please communicate with your instructor. Dancers may not wear baggy sweatpants, t-shirts, coats, sweaters, or skirts/shorts that are not designed for dance.

Class Specific Requirements:

Dance with Me: Students are required to wear light pink leotards, pink or flesh tone tights, pink skirt (optional), and pink or flesh tone ballet shoes. Optional gender-neutral attire: white or black form fitting tank top or athletic wear t-shirt, black leggings or biker shorts, socks and dance shoes.The dancer’s ballet shoe and tights should match in color. Adults should wear comfortable clothes, go barefoot, or wear ballet shoes or grippy socks, no street shoes are permitted.

Kinder Dance: Students are required to wear light pink leotards, pink or flesh tone tights, pink skirt (optional), and pink or flesh tone ballet shoes and white tap shoes. Optional gender-neutral attire: white or black form fitting tank top or athletic wear t-shirt, black leggings or biker shorts, socks and dance shoes black ballet and tap oxfords for boys. The dancer’s ballet shoe and tights should match in color. Remove white ribbons on tap shoes and replace with white elastic.

Elementary I: Students are required to wear sky blue leotards, pink or flesh tone tights, sky blue skirt (optional), and pink or flesh tone ballet shoes and white tap shoes. Optional gender-neutral attire: white or black form fitting tank top or athletic wear t-shirt, black leggings or biker shorts, socks and dance shoes. Black ballet and tap oxfords. The dancer’s ballet shoe and tights should match in color. Remove white ribbons on tap shoes and replace with white elastic.

Elementary II: Students are required to wear sky or royal blue leotards, pink or flesh tone tights, matching blue skirt (optional), and pink or flesh tone ballet shoes, full-soled black tap oxfords, and tan slip-on jazz shoes. Optional gender-neutral attire: white or black form fitting tank top or athletic wear t-shirt, black leggings or biker shorts, socks and dance shoes. Black ballet and full-soled tap oxfords. The dancer’s ballet shoe and tights should match in color.

Elementary III: Students are required to wear solid color leotard, preferably navy blue, pink or flesh tone convertible tights, ballet skirt (optional) pink or flesh tone split-sole ballet shoes, full-soled black Oxford tap shoes and tan slip-on jazz shoes. Optional gender-neutral attire: solid colored form fitting tank top or athletic wear t-shirt, black leggings or biker shorts, socks and dance shoes. Black ballet, jazz and full-soled tap oxfords. The dancer’s ballet shoes and tights should match in color.

Level 1, 2, 3 and Adult Ballet: Students are required to wear a solid color leotard, preferably black, pink or flesh tone convertible tights, ballet skirt (optional), pink or flesh tone split-sole canvas ballet shoes and pink or flesh tone pointe shoes. Your shoe and tights should match in color. Optional gender-neutral attire: solid colored form fitting tank top or athletic wear t-shirt, black leggings or biker shorts, socks and dance shoes. Black ballet tights, dance belt and dance shoes.

Pointe: Level 1 dancers will have a meeting in September to discuss purchasing pointe shoes. Pointe shoes should not be purchased before this meeting. 2nd year Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 students may purchase their pointe shoes prior to the start of the dance year. All pointe shoes must be checked by Miss Laura prior to sewing them. It is recommended that all students get a NEW pair of pointe shoes to start the school year. Each class goes through a “breaking in” period that needs to be completed with NEW shoes. Please don’t forget to purchase stretchy ribbon and ask for enough elastic to criss-cross them! You will also need your own sewing kit with strong thread!

Level 1, 2, 3 and Adult Tap: Students are required to wear a solid color leotard, pink or flesh tone tights, black dance shorts or pants (optional) and black tap shoes (see recommendations below). Optional gender-neutral attire: solid-colored, form-fitting tank top or athletic wear t-shirt, black leggings or biker shorts.

Shoe Recommendations:

● Level 1, 2, 3, and adult students should wear a traditional, non-split-sole tap shoe with a wood heel and sole. This style provides the structure, stability, and sound quality needed for dancers to develop proper tap technique.

○ Bloch Jason Samuel Smith (J-Sam) Tap Shoe: A strong option for dancers who are developing their tap technique and need a quality, supportive show.

○ Capezio Roxy Tap Shoe: A reliable option that provides good support and a traditional tap-shoe feel for developing dancers.

○ Students should not wear split-sole tap shoes

● For Elementary Students

○ Ladies Respect Tap Shoe: A classic Oxford tap shoe with leather upper and full leather outsole; durable, comfortable and stable, Respect features a leather sole and Bloch Shockwave Taps.

Note: Students should consult Ms Tamera if they are unsure which shoe is appropriate.

Level 1, 2, 3 Jazz: Students are required to wear a solid color leotard, pink or flesh tone tights, black dance shorts or pants (optional) and tan or black slip-on jazz shoes. Shoe color for recital will be determined once costumes are selected. Optional gender-neutral attire: solid colored form fitting tank top or athletic wear t-shirt, black leggings or biker shorts, socks and dance shoes.

Level 1, 2, 3 Modern and Intro to Modern: Students are required to wear a solid color leotard, pink or flesh tone footless or convertible tights and black dance shorts or pants (optional). Students may dance barefoot or wear flesh tone Foot Undeez or Turners. Specific shoes for recital will be determined once costumes are selected. Optional gender-neutral attire: solid colored form fitting tank top or athletic wear t-shirt, black leggings or biker shorts, socks and dance shoes.

Hip Hop: Students should wear black leggings or dance shorts and a leotard or form fitted tank top or t-shirt. Flat sole sneakers dedicated for Hip Hop class only can be worn until you have the correct shoes. Children should not wear their outside sneakers for Hip Hop class. Dance shoes should never be worn outside and street shoes should be taken off before entering the dance room.

● Hip Hop Kids: Black Converse Chuck Taylor All-star low top sneakers will be required for the recital.

● Hip Hop Juniors: Nike Air Force Ones or any affordable alternative that resemble these sneakers.