Opus Performing Arts - Ballet School in Bellingham WA
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Dress Requirements for Dance Classes

(does not apply to Music Playground or Adult classes)

Ballet Levels Pre-Ballet, Primary & Ballet I-VII Dress Code
​Dress Codes are in place to promote unity and encourage professionalism and discipline among our students. A neat and tidy appearance sets an atmosphere of attentiveness and respect for students, teachers and the art of dance. Instructors are aided by the dress code in their dedication to the development and training of students. Instructors must be able to see the dancer’s body outline clearly to make proper corrections on posture, alignment, etc.

Opus Performing Arts welcomes a diverse and inclusive community that strives to provide a safe learning environment for all students including those who don't fall within preconceived gender roles. Opus supports our dancers' gender identities and gender expressions in the ways of costuming and dress code. Students may use the dress code with which they identify.

Girls
  • Pink and flesh colored tights are welcomed. Tights should be matte (not shiny or Lycra), with no holes and worn without underwear
  • Ballet slippers should align with the color of the tights, elastics sewn properly into shoe & drawstrings adjusted for comfort, tied into a knot, trimmed and tucked into shoe.
  • Leotard 
  • Hair must be pulled back in a neat bun, secured with pins & hair net. Short hair needs to be fastened away from face.  Students/parents must be responsible for the necessary supplies to have hair done before class time. 
  • No shirts, warm ups, shorts, legwarmers, etc.
  • Pre-ballet and primary ballet students are permitted to wear ballet skirts
  • Pointe shoes upon examination, to align with the color of the tights

Boys
  • Short-sleeved white leotard (clean, snug-fitting white t-shirts acceptable for Level III+)
  • Boys/Mens Black Dance Tights or Black Shorts
  • Dance Belt are required for Ballet I+
  • Thin White Mid-Calf Crew Socks
  • Black or White Ballet Slippers (White preferred)
  • Hair should be combed and fastened away from face if long

A note about proper ballet shoe fitting:
The golden rule is that a dance shoe must “fit like a glove.”  Avoid allowing for “room to grow” as excess material/puckering conceals the foot in form and presentation.  Also, important is that the shoe must have sufficient space for the foot to stand comfortably when feet are flat. Toes should lie flat and never feel squeezed. Adjust the drawstrings while standing in the shoe and bearing full weight.

Additional Dress Code Guidelines
  • No baggy clothing
  • Small earrings may be worn; no other jewelry permitted for safety reasons
  • Shoes should be neatly sewn; no safety pins or tying elastics together
  • Underwear should not be worn underneath leotards beyond Primary Level
  • Dancewear should be kept clean and in good condition
  • Students are expected to observe good personal hygiene habits
  • Please mark dance & footwear with student’s name


Pilates, Jazz, Contemporary, Conditioning, Hip Hop
  • Hair must be pulled back at all times
  • Form fitting clothing, no baggy clothing permitted
  • Nude dance paws for jazz
  • Bare feet for contemporary classes
  • Athletic tennis shoes for Hip Hop (please no Converse or flat footed sneakers)

Ballet/Tap Combo Class & Adult Ballet Classes
  • No formal dress code
  • Proper foot attire
  • Ballet/Tap Combo - ballet shoes & tap Shoes
  • Adult Ballet - ballet shoes
  • Hair must be pulled back at all times

We are fortunate to have an excellent dance store in Bellingham, just a few blocks down Holly Street from the Opus studio.  Check out Creative Dancewear or visit their store at 705 W Holly.
Picture
Opus Performing Arts
207 Prospect Street Suite 201, Bellingham WA 98225
​360-734-5300
[email protected]
images by Juliette Machado, Kevin and Katie Hulett, Nolan Alan McNally,
  • Home
  • Classes
    • Opus 2024-2025 Schedule of Classes
    • Opus Summer 2025
    • Opus Covid Policies
    • Registration & Tuition
    • Class Descriptions
    • 7 and Under
    • Adult Drop In Dance Classes
    • Dress Code
    • Pointe Policy
  • Staff
    • Management
    • Teachers
  • About
    • Opus Statement of Principles
  • Past Performances
  • Reviews
  • Contact
  • Opus Store
  • How to find Opus
  • Tuition Payments
  • Blog
  • Videos
  • Hair/Makeup Tutorial Videos
  • Dance Studio Photos
  • Nutcracker 2024 Virtual Programs