The Peabody Preparatory Dance Dress Code and Appearance Guidelines are intended to allow dancers to work free of distracting or inhibiting clothing or accessories, to help teachers see and correct the students’ bodies, and to train students in how to present themselves in dance in a professional manner. Please read the following information carefully, and contact the Preparatory Dance office at 667-208-6648 or prepdance@jhu.edu if you have questions.

Preparatory Dance Dress Code

GENERAL GUIDELINES

• Students must provide their own dance clothing and shoes.
• Dress Code regulations are strictly enforced. Students who come to class out of dress code will not be permitted to take class. 
• Students should take online classes in dress code (with the possible exception of ballet shoes on certain floors).
• No jewelry, elaborate hair accessories, acrylic nails, or warm-up clothing may be worn in class.
• NO eyeglasses may be worn in performances.                         

ADDITIONAL GUIDELINES

• Leotards are like bathing suits – in general, NO undergarments should be worn underneath tights or leotards. Older students should buy leotards with a built-in shelf lining or built-in bra as appropriate. Students may wear a dance bra designed to be worn under leotards or an over/under nude leotard (straps should not be visible). Sports or training bras are NOT allowed under leotards. Any underwear should not be visible.
• Leotards may be cotton or nylon but must be in plain, traditional styles only, with no decorations or attached skirts. See Dress Code for style and color requirements specific to each level.
• Young male students should wear briefs underneath shorts or tights for privacy. Beginning around age 11, they should wear a dance belt for athletic support. Full seat dance belt permitted.
• A quilted dance belt is recommended for male students ages 16 and older. There may be additional guidelines regarding the color and style of dance belts for advanced dancers in performances.
• Tights should be transition or convertible so they can be worn footed or footless. Footed tights are permitted for young children, and footless tights are permitted for students taking contemporary dance.
• Tights worn underneath the dress code leotard should be in a shade that matches the dancer’s skin or a color that makes them feel most comfortable, including pink.
• Opaque black tights should be worn with close-fitting t-shirts. These tights should be secured with an elastic belt or elastic suspenders. Suspenders must be worn underneath the t-shirt so they are not visible. Tights should not appear “loose” or “baggy” at the hips.
• Ballet slipper information:
  • Young Children’s Program – either leather or canvas shoes permitted; one or two elastic straps permitted; full-sole or split-sole permitted. Shoes should be in a shade that matches the dancer’s tights or socks.
  • Primary Ballet Program (Levels 1-4) – Either leather or canvas shoes permitted; one or two elastic straps permitted. Full-sole permitted, but split-sole is preferred. Shoes should be in a shade that matches the dancer’s tights or socks. A specific style of shoe may be required for the year-end performance.
  • Pre-Professional Program (Levels 5-10) – split-sole ballet slippers with two straps. Either leather or canvas permitted. Shoes should be in a shade that matches the dancer’s tights or socks. Pointe shoes (for students who have demonstrated readiness in Levels 6 and higher) may be pink, peach, ivory, or in a shade that matches the dancer’s tights. Elastic and ribbons should match the pointe shoes and tights.
  • Teen and Adult Open Program – leather or canvas ballet slippers of the student’s choice.
• Long hair should be worn in a classical ballet bun or similar style.  Hair should be gathered together at the center of the crown and secured with hair and/or bobby pins. Bangs should be pulled back and secured with a barrette or bobby pins.
• Short hair should be neatly combed back, off the face and secured with hairspray, bobby pins, or a headband.