Dress code is an important part of what each dancer needs prior to beginning classes. Please find a list below of what you’ll need:
Classical
Ballet
*Required
Ballet Tights
Pink Ballet Tights. Students may choose their preference of Convertible or Footed tights.
*Required
Ballet Shoes
Pink, leather or canvas style ballet slippers.
*Required
Leotard
Black leotard in any style. Younger dancers may choose leotard with sleeves.
*Optional
Ballet Skirt
Ballet wrap skirt in black or pattern of your choice.
*Required
Ballet Hair
Hair should be affixed in a neat bun with the appropriate hair pins and hair net is needed.
*Required
For Boys
Please wear a white shirt, black tights, and black ballet shoes.
Jr. Academy
Pre-School, Primary Ballet & Acro
*Required
Attire
Light Pink Leotard (Sleeved or sleeveless) with Ballet tights for Ballet or Black leggings for Acro.
*Required
Shoes
Pink Ballet Slippers
(Not required for Acro)
*Required
Attire
Pink Ballet Skirt & Tights
(Not required for Acro)
All Other Classes
*Required
Attire
Black, form-fitting dancewear is required for all other classes. This includes leggings, shorts dance top or leotard. Sweatpants are permissible for Hip Hop & Contemporary. Dancewear must be all-black for all classes and rehearsals. See below for required shoes. Acrobatics & Contemporary do not require footwear.
*Required
Hair
Hair must be in a slick ponytail or braid. For jazz or turns and leaps classes, we recommend wearing a bun to prevent hair from whipping into the eyes and hindering turning.
*Required
Musical Theatre,
Jazz & Company
Slip-on black leather/pleather Jazz Shoes. Company dancers: both Black Jazz shoes and a pair or foot undies or Lyrical half sole shoes.
*Required
Lyrical &
Contemporary
Lyrical: Half sole shoes in tan.
Contemporary: Foot undies in tan or bare feet is dancers choice.
*Required
Tap
Black lace up Tap shoes. Patent leather Tap shoes are also available for younger tappers.
Additional Info & Tutorials
Tips, Tricks, Do's and Don'ts
Dress Code
- What is the dress code or attire for my class?Every class has it's own requirement for dance attire to ensure that each dancer is comfortable and prepared for the lessons. Please find a comprehensive list of what you'll need prior to beginning your classes by reviewing our Dress Code, Hair & Make-up page.
- Where do you suggest I buy dance wear, attire or shoes?GDC is happy to provide some options for your perusal for buying or obtaining dance attire. Peggy Sue's in Lower Gibsons offers select dance attire, and they have an online storefront that you can review. In the Lower Mainland, there are a couple options including Duck Feet Dance Store located on Marine Drive, North Vancouver and The Dance Shop located on West Broadway, Vancouver. There are also affordable options available on popular online marketplaces, and you can also search locally on Facebook Marketplace. We also have a selection of donated dance attire in studio (subject to availability) that we offer on a complimentary basis for your dancer's class. Please contact us or visit us in studio to inquire about dance attire donation availability. Want to know what dance attire you need for you upcoming classes? Please visit our Dress Code, Hair and Make-up page to learn more!
- Does my dancer need to wear make-up?Make-up is not required for classes. We ask for stage make-up to be applied for our recitals (including dress rehearsals) and competitions. We understand not everyone is comfortable with make-up and should you have concerns we would be happy to discuss any considerations.
- Are there tutorials for dance hair or make-up?
Make-up For Little Ones
Make-up For Intermediate & Senior Dancers
Ballet Bun Tutorial
- Does the studio have any previously worn dance attire (donations) available?Yes! GDC does have a selection of cleaned, good condition dance attire that previous dancers have donated to our studio. Should you need dance attire for a class you are participating in, please contact us or ask in person. Items are on a first come, first serve basis and would be complimentary. We do not consign dance attire or collect payments for these items. We would be delighted to look through our repository of donated items to see if we have what you require. Please allow us enough time in advance of your class to locate any requested items. As these are donations, sizes, colours and condition can vary and are subject to availability.
- Can I donate dance attire that I no longer need to the studio?
Yes! GDC is happy to collect dance attire and shoes that are in cleaned, very good, usable condition, free of stains, holes, and disrepair that can go to support future dancers! If you are interested in dropping your donation off, please bring your items to the studio. A member of our staff will look over the item first, and let you know if the item can be accepted.
Note: We do not offer consignment for your items, they would strictly be donations.
Costumes: At this time we are unable to take costumes you no longer require. If GDC is in need of certain costumes from a prior performance, an email newsletter will be sent out specifically asking for them. Any costumes brought in to donate will be kindly refused.
What else can I do? There are online communities and websites offering services to take your costumes either via donation or for you rent out or consign. A quick internet search for businesses within B.C/Canada for donating, consigning and renting dance costumes will provide you a list of currently available businesses offering this service.
- I see some dancers wearing GDC branded jackets, how can I get one?FAQ information coming soon.
- What are appropriate hair pins and hair nets for a dance bun?
Hair nets and hair pins can be purchased together in a package, or separate. You can find they come in colours to match hair. Since hair nets can break down and rip with use, they often sell a few in a package. Larger hair pins as shown are better as they have ripples/grips on either side of the metal. Hair nets/pins are easy to find, and most stores stock a variety. Your local Dollar Store can be a great place to start if you are looking to stock up! 
- What can I do if my hair isn't long enough for a bun/ponytail?If your hair is too short for a bun, you can still achieve a polished look for your dance routines. Use clips or bobby pins: If your hair is too short for a ponytail, use clips and bobby pins to pull your hair back away from your face. Finish with a spritz of hairspray to keep everything in place when you start moving.
- Do you recommend using a bun builder?No, we do not recommend bun builders and would ask you not to use your bun builder, bun maker, or pre-made fake buns if you have one.
