Portland Metro Arts
Dance Uniform Requirements
Dance Class Uniform Attire
Students should wear their uniform in class. Dancers need to be comfortable and have unrestricted movement. Please do not dress children in costumes such as tutus, jeans, or baggy clothing. These are distracting, compromise dancer safety, and prevent the instructor from seeing the line of the body to give adequate correction.
Every June, our students are invited to perform in our Spring Dance Showcase. In lieu of expensive costumes, participants wear their class uniform.
If you already have dancewear that is of a different color or style than the class uniform, you may wear that to class, however, when you purchase new dancewear, please purchase the class uniform. If your student does not identify as a specific gender, they should select the uniform for their class that makes them most comfortable.
It is the responsibility of families to see that their students arrive at class with the proper dance equipment. PMA cannot provide your student with dancewear.
Pre-Dance, Ballet 1 & 2
Class Uniform
Girls: plain black tank leotard (sleeveless, no frills) ballet pink tights & ballet slippers or skin tone tights & ballet slippers
Boys: black tank leotard, black boys tights or leggings, black ballet slippers
Ballet 3 Class Uniform
Girls: royal blue Mirella 207 camisole leotard, pink tights & ballet slippers or skin tone tights & ballet slippers
Boys: black tank leotard or solid color slim t-shirt with black boys tights or leggings, black ballet slippers
Hip Hop 1, 2, & 3
Girls & Boys—black pants, solid color t-shirt without images, sports or jazz shoe
Tap 1 & 2
Girls: plain black tank leotard (sleeveless, no frills), black tights and black tap shoes
Boys: black tank leotard or solid color slim t-shirt, black boys tights, leggings or black slacks, black tap shoes
Ballet 4 and 5 Class Uniform
Girls: royal blue Mirella 207 camisole leotard, pink tights, pink ballet slippers/pointe or skin tone tights, ballet slippers/pointe
Boys: black tank leotard or solid color slim t-shirt with black boys tights or leggings, black ballet slippers
FYI: When dressing girls for dance please remember: Tights go on directly next to the skin, without underpants, just like a swimsuit. Also, undershirts are not worn under leotards. Not only is underwear visible to everyone, which is embarrassing, it creates a lumpy appearance and is uncomfortable for the dancers. 1. first the tights 2. then the leotard 3 then the dance shoes 4. then secure the hair.
FYI: When dressing boys for dance please remember: Boys wear their leotard directly next to the skin. For young boys the black tank leotard should provide adequate support. Their leggings or tights then go over their leotard. There are several methods of securing tights, so they do not slip down during class. Check with your instructor for additional information. Older boys and men will need to wear a men’s dance belt (available at dancewear shops) under their leotard. As with younger boys, tights or leggings are worn over their leotard.
Adult Dance Classes
Adult classes have no specific class uniform, however standard solid color leotards, tights and ballet slippers are recommended. Bulky or lumpy warm-up gear such as sweat-suits will interfere with movement and body line. We suggest standard solid color leotards, tights/leggings and ballet slippers.
Hair Styles for Dance Students
For all dancers, hair should be pulled back away from the face. Long hair needs to be secured neatly in a bun and net or with a barrette. Short hair should be kept off the face with a headband or barrettes. Jewelry such as watches, bracelets, dangling earrings and rings should be left at home and not worn in class. Flying hair or jewelry can cause injury and interferes with class work. Staff will assist as needed.
Where to get Dancewear
We maintain a limited stock of uniform leotards and tights in our student store. We recommend The Leotard dancewear store for shoes and other supplies. We also have an exchange program for dancewear and shoes. When your dancer outgrows still usable items they may exchange them for a like item in another size. We also gladly accept donations of dancewear and shoes in good repair.
hours
M-F: 1pm – 7pm
Sat: 9am – 1pm
Address
9003 SE Stark Street
Portland, OR 97216
Phone
(503)-408-0604
