Look & Feel Your Best in Every Class
Dance Class Dress Code at J'Danse Studio Toronto
At J’Danse Studio in Scarborough, we’ve been welcoming dancers to our studio since 2010 — and proper attire is one of the first things we talk about with every new family. Our dress code is designed to keep dancers safe, help instructors see alignment and technique, and build a sense of community across all our classes. New students always get a 3-week grace period, so there’s no pressure to have everything perfect on day one.
J’Danse Studio is proud to partner with Dancewear Centre for all required attire. Use our studio link for a curated selection of approved items.
Class-Specific Dress Code Guidelines
It is mandatory that all students come to class dressed in the proper dance attire as outlined otherwise they may be asked to sit out. Hair must be pulled back in a bun and off the face (bobby pins necessary to ensure the bun doesn’t fall out – hair net optional).
Dance attire should be clean, nails groomed, and fragrances limited
PLEASE ENSURE THAT DANCE SHOES ARE SIZED TO FIT, NOT WORN OUT or TOO LARGE
Creative Dance
Girls Uniform:
- Bodysuit: Black | Capezio Short Sleeve #CC400C or Capezio Long Sleeve #CC450C
- Tights: Light Tan | Mondor Convertible Foot Ultra Soft #319 or #314
- Ballet Slippers: Ballet Pink | Capezio Daisey #205c
Boys Uniform:
- Bodysuit: White T-shirt & Black Pants or Shorts
- Shoes: Tan | Capezio Daisy #205C
Mini Classes, Level 1–4 & Elite
Girls Uniform:
- Bodysuit: Black | Capezio Short Sleeve #CC400C, Mondor #40096, or Capezio Long Sleeve #CC450C
- Tights: Light Tan | Mondor Convertible Foot Ultra Soft #319 or #314
- Elite/Senior Dancers: Black JDS tank top or crop top, black leggings or plain shorts(no writing print), black bodysuit (any style). Light Tan | Mondor Convertible Foot Ultra Soft #319 or #314
Girls Shoes by Class:
- Ballet: Canvas Split Sole Slippers, Light Pink | Capezio Hanami #2037 or So Danca Bliss #SD16
- Jazz/Musical Theatre: Tan | Capezio Jazz #EJ2 or Bloch #S0497/#S0499
- Acro/Tumbling: Nude | Capezio FootUndeez #H07C(kids) or #H07, barefoot (under size 11)
- Tap: Tan | Capezio Mary Jane Tap Shoe #3800C (kids), #3800
- Lyrical: Nude | Hanami Stretch Canvas Pirouette Turning Shoes #H064W
- Pointe: Pink pointe shoes (must be fitted; recommended: NBC Shoe Room or Dancewear Centre)
Boys Uniform:
- Bodysuit: White T-shirt & Black Pants or Shorts
- Shoes: Tan | Capezio Daisy #205C
Hip Hop & Stretch n Strength (SNS) Classes
Girls/Boys Clothing:
- Bodysuit: Comfortable Clothing or Workout wear
Girls/Boys Shoes:
- SNS Shoes: Clean indoor running shoes (no outdoor shoes allowed)
- Hip Hop Shoes: White | Nike Air Force 1
Why We Enforce a Dress Code
Having a consistent dress code benefits both students and instructors in four key ways:
- Encourages discipline and classroom focus, creating a more productive learning environment
- Allows instructors to clearly observe posture, alignment, and technique for accurate corrections
- Maintains studio hygiene and supports safety during movement
- Helps dancers feel a sense of identity and pride as part of the J'Danse community
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can dancers wear street clothes or shoes?
No. Proper dancewear and appropriate footwear are required for all classes. This ensures safety, freedom of movement, and allows instructors to observe alignment and technique. New students have a 3-week grace period — fitted activewear is acceptable during this time.
What if we can't find the exact dance attire right away?
No problem. We offer a 3-week grace period for all new students. Fitted activewear such as leggings and a fitted top is perfectly acceptable while you source the proper dancewear.
Do adult dancers follow the same dress code?
Yes. Adult dancers follow the same style-specific guidelines as younger students. See the class sections above for details on what to wear for each dance style.
Do pointe shoes need instructor approval?
Yes. Students must complete a pointe readiness assessment before beginning pointe work. Pointe shoes must also be professionally fitted — we recommend NBC Shoe Room or Dancewear Centre. Purchasing online without a fitting is strongly discouraged and can cause injury.
Can students dance barefoot in class?
Some styles such as acro and certain jazz classes may allow bare feet depending on the class level. Your instructor will advise you during or before the first class.
Is the dress code the same for recreational and competitive dancers?
Recreational and competitive students follow the same base dress code by style. Competitive dancers may have additional costume or uniform requirements for performances and competitions, communicated separately by the competitive team coordinator.
What should my child wear to their first dance class?
For a child’s very first class, fitted activewear is completely fine — leggings, a fitted top, and clean indoor shoes. We offer a 3-week grace period so there’s no rush to get the full uniform before day one. Once enrolled, our full dress code guide and recommended attire list will help you shop for the right items. You can also browse our recommended dancewear through our partner Dancewear Centre.
Where can I buy dance attire in Toronto or Scarborough?
J’Danse Studio is a proud partner of Dancewear Centre, which carries all of our required brands including Capezio, Mondor, Bloch, and So Danca. You can shop their curated J’Danse collection online using our studio link. For local shopping, Dancewear Centre also has a Toronto location. We recommend shopping early in the season as popular sizes sell out quickly.
What do boys wear to dance class at J'Danse Studio?
Boys in Creative Dance and Mini through Elite classes wear a white T-shirt with black pants or shorts, and tan Capezio Daisy shoes. Boys in Hip Hop wear comfortable workout clothing and white Nike Air Force 1 shoes. Boys in Stretch & Strength wear clean indoor running shoes — no outdoor shoes are permitted.
How should hair be styled for dance class?
Hair must be pulled back in a bun and off the face for all classes. Bobby pins are necessary to keep the bun secure throughout class — a hair net is optional but recommended. Loose hair is not permitted as it can interfere with movement, obstruct vision, and distract from technique corrections.
Are there specific shoe brands required for dance classes?
Yes. J’Danse Studio specifies approved brands to ensure proper fit, support, and safety for each style. Recommended brands include Capezio, Mondor, Bloch, and So Danca — all available through our Dancewear Centre partner link. Off-brand shoes may not provide adequate ankle support or the right sole type for the dance surface, which can affect both safety and technique development.
Can my child wear their dance shoes outside?
No. Dance shoes should only be worn inside the studio. Wearing them outdoors damages the soles, wears down the leather or canvas, and brings dirt onto our sprung floor surface. We recommend packing dance shoes separately and changing into them once inside the studio. This also helps extend the life of the shoes significantly.
