Dance moms. Help!

[EducationX2]

What do your girls wear to dance class? Specifically, around 6-7?

 

This year DD will be taking ballet, tap, jazz and hip hop. I'm not overly thrilled with her studio, as some of the routines/outfits for the older girls are a little more... grown than I'd like for my daughter. The other families are very... well. IDK. They are nice enough, but even the three year olds are in full make up, etc.etc. Just not the same choices I make. (Can you tell I'm struggling with how to describe the situation? :tongue_smilie:) BUT, the people at the studio are great. The owner is absolutely wonderful, as are all the women/girls she has assisting her as teachers. Since the issues surrounding routines, makeup, and costumes only comes up once a year (at performance time), we will be moving at the end of this year, and we've had such a great experience with the people, I'm keeping her in the same studio. (Yes- this is me, justifying my decision to myself. :lol:)

 

Anyways. My problem is what to wear to class. Through the end of last year DD was still wearing little girl leotard/skirts.

(Like this one, or this one.) Meanwhile, other little girls her age started coming in wearing booty shorts and bra tops that don't cover much more than my underclothes.

 

There's got to be a middle ground right? Where can I find some dance clothes that are cute and stylish, that will let my DD feel like she's a little grown up, but not make me feel like she's naked??

[lmrich]

Our studio as well as all others we looked at have strict uniforms. Talk to the owner about a dress code or uniform.

[Firestar Academy]

First of all, she is 6-7, YOU make the decision in what she wears. period.

 

If my daughters asked to wear booty shorts/bra, I would tell her that I believe it is inappropriate clothing to wear outside the home. And that their parent may feel differently. I am not raising that child, I am raising them and they won;t wear inappropriate clothing.

 

Doesn't the school have a dress code? most schools do. Although many parents/children didn't follow it at our last school.

 

Our new school has a strict code and all follow it: Black leotards, pink tights, pink ballet shoes.

 

RObin

[Sandragood1]

At my dd's dance studio, the young girls wear leotards and tights for ballet. For tap, jazz, hip-hop there is much more freedom to choose the outfit for classes. What is important is that the teachers be able to see the students' bodies so that they can correct mistakes in position. I have not seen any girls wearing "sports bra" type of tops without a shirt - even the teen-aged girls.

 

Your dd does not need to wear booty shorts, however, tights, leggings, or moderately tight shorts should work = no zippers, snaps, or buttons. T shirts should be fitted, not baggy - plus baggy ones will fall down when she bends over to touch her toes/floor.

 

Hope this helps,

 

Sandra

[Pegasus]

Meanwhile, other little girls her age started coming in wearing booty shorts and bra tops that don't cover much more than my underclothes.

 

This would never fly at the dance studio my DD12 attends. She still wears the inexpensive leotards and tights from Walmart/Target. Many of the girls in jazz and modern wear leotards with jazz pants. No one at this age seems to wear the cute ballet skirts anymore. I've seen NO ONE in booty shorts or skimpy tops and the girls range up through high school. I have no doubt that the director would meet them at the door and escort them into the back to borrow something appropriate to wear from the lost/found box.

[dancer67]

I have been a dance mom for about 15 years.

 

My daughter(and all of her peers) have always worn:

 

Summer or hot months: Shorts, convertible tights, and a tank top with sports bra under it(at 6 or 7 she could wear just a tank top or T-shirt)

 

Winter/cold months: Yoga pants, convertible tights, and a t-shirt. Sometimes with a wrap. Depends on the temps.

 

Some studios have very strict dress codes. Especially for ballet. Usually it is black leotard, pink tights, ballet shoes.

 

Our studios rules are. Covered, nothing hanging "out". Hair must be up if it is not already short. No earrings or jewelry.

 

Best bet is to ask the owner. Any reputable owner will hand out a package of dress codes, attendence, tuition, competitions(if a comp studio), style and color of dance shoes, behavior and schedule of times for classes(including make-up classes)

Edited July 23, 2012 by dancer67

[mom2scouts]

Our studio has a dress code and bra tops are not allowed. The preschool girls wear pink leotards and tights and all the older girls wear black leotards and tan (or pink for ballet)tights. Bootie shorts are allowed when they are worn over leotards and tights. Maybe you could try this combo. to keep your dd covered, but still looking a little more mature.

 

Makeup is required at our studio for all performances that will be on stage, so that would be the yearly recital and all competitions, for all dancers no matter how young. Dance costumes stay pretty appropriate and even the more revealing or two piece costumes are only worn by teens to adults and a body tight is always worn under costumes.

[catz]

My daughter just turned 8. Our dance studio has a uniform of black leos and pink tights. I ordered several black leotards like this ...

 

http://www.discountdance.com/dancewear/style_CL5405.html?pid=1092&Shop=Style&SID=363510681

 

Several pairs of bloch pink tights

 

A few pull on skirts.

http://www.discountdance.com/dancewear/style_N9301C.html?pid=5575&Shop=Style&SID=363511103

 

Then she has some just plain black "long" booty shorts she pulls on when it's just too hot for tights or she's doing acro. Then it just looks like she has a unitard on. I will not buy the uber short or sparkly booty shorts! Our studio is pretty good with costumes. I don't always love them, but they're pretty reasonable and age appropriate. The just have a storeroom of costumes, so we don't buy them either which helps.

 

ETA - bra tops would definitely not be acceptable at our studio either! Not for any age.

[justasque]

There's got to be a middle ground right? Where can I find some dance clothes that are cute and stylish, that will let my DD feel like she's a little grown up, but not make me feel like she's naked??

 

At competitions, I've seen kids from studios where that look is acceptable. The vendors tables at this year's competitions were well-stocked with that kind of outfit, so I think at some studios it is what's trendy. At the moment, it's a much more "sporty", "power" look than the age-inappropriate Lolita looks of past years, so there's that on the plus side. However, we can't have a Hive kid dressed like that LOL!

 

There IS a happy medium. If you have a local dance store, check them out. You can get a well-designed leo with a little bling, texture, or pattern, plus a pair of booty shorts to wear over it. Still current and fashionable, but covered. Keep the tights for even more coverage.

 

Check out this one from Natalie, paired with one of these cute shorts. The zebra waistband, or a plain black, would be cute. The inseam on the in-style shorts has gotten longer in recent years too.

Edited July 23, 2012 by askPauline

[jujsky]

Your studio doesn't have a dress code for class? The studio I left and the studio we're moving to both have dress codes. DD is supposed to wear a black leo, pink tights, and for ballet she can wear a dance skirt or dance shorts (booty shorts) over her leo. There are no bare midriffs. DD is 7.

 

Edited to add: There has only been ONE recital costume I felt was questionable and somewhat inappropriate in our 5 years at our previous studio, and it was for a routine for an older (senior level) set of girls. I went to the recital for the studio we're moving to and didn't see anything inappropriate. Both studios require make-up for recitals. Stage make up is needed because the lighting washes the girls' faces out when they're up there on stage, it's really not to make them look like trollops or anything.

Edited July 23, 2012 by jujsky

[Cera]

What about a leotard and tights with shorts rather than the skirt as a coverup?

 

If you are comfortable with it get the "booty" shorts or get some a little longer (my dd prefers the longer ones as the "booty" shorts ride up and bother her inner thighs).

[Dustybug]

My DD is 6 and this will be her 3rd year of dance. Her studio requires a black or pink leotard and tights during class. I would never permit booty shorts or sports bra style shirts.

[justasque]

Some more options:

 

Here's another cute leo, more of a fashionista look.

 

Here's one with bling and a criss-cross back.

 

This one has some color, and a lot of coverage.

 

Sometimes, all that's needed to move on from Target all-in-ones is a pretty back detail. Here's an option - still a classic black leo, but with more style than a basic short-sleeved scoop-neck version.

 

Any of them could be paired with black bootie shorts with a decent inseam.

 

We do find it useful to go to the local dance shop, as it's much easier to be sure the leo will fit well while dancing. I typically have my dd bend backwards and forwards to be sure the leo is comfortable and gives appropriate coverage. I find that she's often in three different sizes depending on brand, and even then different styles fit differently.

Edited July 23, 2012 by askPauline

[Lady Marmalade]

At competitions, I've seen kids from studios where that look is acceptable. The vendors tables at this year's competitions were well-stocked with that kind of outfit, so I think at some studios it is what's trendy. At the moment, it's a much more "sporty", "power" look than the age-inappropriate Lolita looks of past years, so there's that on the plus side. However, we can't have a Hive kid dressed like that LOL!

 

There IS a happy medium. If you have a local dance store, check them out. You can get a well-designed leo with a little bling, texture, or pattern, plus a pair of booty shorts to wear over it. Still current and fashionable, but covered. Keep the tights for even more coverage.

 

Check out this one from Natalie, paired with one of these cute shorts. The zebra waistband, or a plain black, would be cute. The inseam on the in-style shorts has gotten longer in recent years too.

 

This suggestion is excellent! We have some teachers at our school who have really grown to love the booty shorts- it allows some coverage while allowing the teacher to see the full lines of the body and make sure positioning is correct.

 

Definitely wear tights underneath. DD wears booty shorts all the time for dance, and the one time she went without tights she got a floor burn in her jazz class, so definitely still wear the tights. Our hip-hop dancers also wear sweat pants (rolled up or pulled up to the knees) with a leo and then a fun Tee over the leo.

[KungFuPanda]

I actually don't have a problem with booty shorts. The cover more 'cheek' than a leotard and, while I don't think they're appropriate for the grocery store, they do make sense in a dance studio.

 

Would your daughter like any of these styles? A little older than the princessy stuff, but still full coverage:

 

 

 

 

Edited July 23, 2012 by KungFuPanda

[EducationX2]

First of all, she is 6-7, YOU make the decision in what she wears. period.

 

If my daughters asked to wear booty shorts/bra, I would tell her that I believe it is inappropriate clothing to wear outside the home. And that their parent may feel differently. I am not raising that child, I am raising them and they won;t wear inappropriate clothing.

 

First let me clarify- I definitely make the decision here. :D My child will not be looking like she should be standing on the street corner. And she hasn't actually *asked* to wear booty shorts and a bra, she certainly knows better than that, but I know she'd love something a little more updated. :tongue_smilie:

 

There IS a happy medium. If you have a local dance store, check them out. You can get a well-designed leo with a little bling, texture, or pattern, plus a pair of booty shorts to wear over it. Still current and fashionable, but covered. Keep the tights for even more coverage.

 

Check out this one from Natalie, paired with one of these cute shorts. The zebra waistband, or a plain black, would be cute. The inseam on the in-style shorts has gotten longer in recent years too.

 

Thank you, I love that. You hit the nail right on the head. Current and fashionable but covered!! :D And I love the zebra print. Very cute.

 

Some more options:

 

Here's another cute leo, more of a fashionista look.

 

Here's one with bling and a criss-cross back.

 

This one has some color, and a lot of coverage.

 

Sometimes, all that's needed to move on from Target all-in-ones is a pretty back detail. Here's an option - still a classic black leo, but with more style than a basic short-sleeved scoop-neck version.

 

Any of them could be paired with black bootie shorts with a decent inseam.

 

We do find it useful to go to the local dance shop, as it's much easier to be sure the leo will fit well while dancing. I typically have my dd bend backwards and forwards to be sure the leo is comfortable and gives appropriate coverage. I find that she's often in three different sizes depending on brand, and even then different styles fit differently.

 

Thank you for these, all of them were cute. We don't have a dance shop close that I know of, so I'll just have to check the return policies on the online sites and order soon so we can send back if needed!

 

I actually don't have a problem with booty shorts. The cover more 'cheek' than a leotard and, while I don't think they're appropriate for the grocery store, they do make sense in a dance studio.

 

Would your daughter like any of these styles? A little older than the princessy stuff, but still full coverage:

 

 

 

You know, I don't have a problem with the shorts necessarily, if the top is covered. Sort of how I dress myself. Sometimes I show a little bit of cleavage, but I always make sure the bottom half is covered. Or if I'm wearing a shorter skirt than I'd normally wear, the top half is covered. :D I think it is just the booty shorts and bra combined on 6 year olds that really makes my eyelid twitch. :lol:

 

DD absolutely LOVES this top. I'm not sure I'd keep it off her in between dance class!! Where can I find it?

[elfgivas]

I have been a dance mom for about 15 years.

 

My daughter(and all of her peers) have always worn:

 

Summer or hot months: Shorts, convertible tights, and a tank top with sports bra under it(at 6 or 7 she could wear just a tank top or T-shirt)

 

Winter/cold months: Yoga pants, convertible tights, and a t-shirt. Sometimes with a wrap. Depends on the temps.

 

Some studios have very strict dress codes. Especially for ballet. Usually it is black leotard, pink tights, ballet shoes.

 

Our studios rules are. Covered, nothing hanging "out". Hair must be up if it is not already short. No earrings or jewelry.

 

Best bet is to ask the owner. Any reputable owner will hand out a package of dress codes, attendence, tuition, competitions(if a comp studio), style and color of dance shoes, behavior and schedule of times for classes(including make-up classes)

 

:iagree: but will add that dds dance two places. at one place, where they do ballet and pointe only, they wear black leotards, pink convertible tights, black legwarmers, hair in a bun. at the other place, they wear the black leotards and pink convertible tights, but then add on over top jazz shorts and a tank top in the summer, and jazz shorts/capri yoga pantsleggings and tank top. then they add or subtract depending on the flavour. (for pointe, they do just the leotard and tights. for jazz its everything. for tap, it depends on what they feel like. for lyrical, they often ditch the tank top.

 

if she wants to fit in, she could wear what they are, and then maybe pop a tank top over?

 

fwiw,

ann

[labst60]

Oldest DD is 7,5 and this will be her 6th year of dance classes. Old studio required a black leo - plus she was younger, so it was pretty much a non-issue. Granted, she was only 2.5 at the time :-)

 

Moved to a new state and the new studio requires a black leo for ballet but not for her other classes (jazz/tap/acro).

 

Too much of the crazy dance moms show and DD so very wants a bra/crop top and booty shorts for dance next year. I'm torn - I get that's what is "in style" for dancers these days, but I don't love it. Honestly, DD is so very particular about how things "feel" that I think she'd wear it once - and potentially maybe not even wear it out the door because "it feels funny". So, I'm deciding if I just roll the dice and let her see that "fashion" and "dance' may not mix. She goes to dance - and she won't want to be fussing with her outfit. More value may come from letting her see this for herself than making it my mountain to die on....

[KungFuPanda]

 

 

DD absolutely LOVES this top. I'm not sure I'd keep it off her in between dance class!! Where can I find it?

 

http://www.dancewearsolutions.com/dancewear/PT2983.aspx

 

Here ya go :)

[LibraryLover]

Our school is very specific. Hair in medium high buns, or pulled back in pins if short. All wear pink wear pink tights, pink ballet shoes (leather, full sole for this level). Each level has a particular color leo. At this level at our school, your child would be wearing a pink leo and pink tights. No skirts! No t-shirts, unless you are a boy. Yoga pants etc are not permitted at all. When the older girls do modern, they can take down their buns and wear funky socks etc., but nothing that hides muscles, etc.

Edited July 24, 2012 by LibraryLover

[LibraryLover]

I think they look darling, but our director would send them home to change. I often wish for more variety, true. However, none of this would be allowed. I would check with the school. You don't want to spend money and then get in trouble!

 

 

 

[SonshineLearner]

We went to a very strict school before. (RAD, Each level has a new color for their leotard. Pink tights, shoes that the teacher picked)

Now she goes to a school where pretty much anything goes...

I do remember thinking that the kids looked too made up when my daughter was young, but relaxing some by the time she hit these last couple of years ;)

[EducationX2]

I think they look darling, but our director would send them home to change. I often wish for more variety, true. However, none of this would be allowed. I would check with the school. You don't want to spend money and then get in trouble!

 

Oh, I know that these are allowed. Pretty much anything goes at our studio, as long as you have the right shoes, and aren't wearing jeans or anything else with zippers/other sharp parts. No dress code over here.

 

I didn't even realize that dance schools HAD dress codes until I started researching for our move next year. I promised DD that I wouldn't go to a graduate school that didn't have a good dance school nearby, so I've been doing a good bit of googling (yes, I just verbed it up. :lol:). I was shocked to read about dress codes beyond "proper dance attire."

[bettyandbob]

my dd's old studio was strictly classical ballet and had a "uniform" , a different colored dance dress for each level, pink tights and bun.

 

We are trying a new studio this summer after a break from dance. We are trying the new place because dd wants to try different forms of dance. She may decide to return to old studio. New studio requires solid colored leotard in ballet classes and pink tights. Other classes (she's in jazz and hip hop) seem to be more free form, but no exposed mid drift outfits. I've seen booty shorts with tank tops. The performance costumes at this new studio seem to be reasonably modest and current at the same time.

[Ellie]

The ballet schools my dds attended required students to wear black leotards and pink tights. But then, we did *ballet,* not a combination of dances. In any case, I would not have allowed my dds to dress like hoochie mamas. :001_huh:

[Lady Marmalade]

Oldest DD is 7,5 and this will be her 6th year of dance classes. Old studio required a black leo - plus she was younger, so it was pretty much a non-issue. Granted, she was only 2.5 at the time :-)

 

Moved to a new state and the new studio requires a black leo for ballet but not for her other classes (jazz/tap/acro).

 

Too much of the crazy dance moms show and DD so very wants a bra/crop top and booty shorts for dance next year. I'm torn - I get that's what is "in style" for dancers these days, but I don't love it. Honestly, DD is so very particular about how things "feel" that I think she'd wear it once - and potentially maybe not even wear it out the door because "it feels funny". So, I'm deciding if I just roll the dice and let her see that "fashion" and "dance' may not mix. She goes to dance - and she won't want to be fussing with her outfit. More value may come from letting her see this for herself than making it my mountain to die on....

 

Our studio has no dress code, except for higher levels of ballet- those they wear leo and tights only (any colors). In every other class, anything goes. I think it's fun, all the kids love showing their personal style with dance wear.

 

Anyway, a year ago DD expressed an interest in the bra tops to wear with her booty shorts. I about fell over, but as I watched the girls who were wearing them over the months, I softened to DD's request and picked up a small assortment to mix and match with her different shorts. Sometimes she'll use them as a layering piece, but when she's doing a serious workout, she'll wear just the bra top and booty shorts.

 

Honestly, it totally makes sense to me. There is absolutely nothing sensual about what they're wearing or doing- these girls are dancing hard, dripping with sweat from their workout. To me, it's no different than an athlete who tries to find the best clothing for their sport. The boys who dance at the studio don't appear to have any issues with it either. They're accustomed to it, and have no problems with lifting partners even with a belly showing.

 

DS did tell me that the only time it's a problem is when his partner has been dancing for a while and gets sweaty- then sometimes she's a little slippery around the middle. But he reciprocates by sweating through his clothing, so she has to hang onto a soggy boy for some of the moves. :tongue_smilie:

 

Ultimately I decided to not make this a mountain to die on, and I'm glad I did. DD is extremely comfortable dancing, and there really are no issues. I did have several raised eyebrows from some of the more conservative parents who know I lean conservative, but it made me smile as over the months, their bra tops started trickling in too.

 

I'm actually considering one for myself for a sports bra, because they sure seem comfortable, and really do a good job as bookshelves for the more "gifted" older dancers.

[Dmmetler]

My DD is 7, and her dance studio uses solid leos/pink tights for ballet

(different colors for each level), tap and jazz. Hip hop and Acro classes (and I think some of the other classes the older girls take) wear leos with shorts over them, like what gymnasts tend to wear for practice. Lyrical and contemporary wear leos, footless tights, and rehearsal skirts.

 

For the classes where she can wear different colored Leos, my DD likes the GK leos that her gymnastics gym has available for sale-she says they're not only prettier than the solid dance leos, but that they stay down better (presumably because gymnasts need cheek coverage and don't wear tights). The funny thing is that for gymnastics class, she mostly wears her dance recital costumes (and gets a lot of compliments on her "Cute leos").

Edited July 23, 2012 by dmmetler

[Wheres Toto]

My oldest occasionally wears the bra top, tights and shorts for dance. It really isn't about looking hoochy, it's all about comfort. Although dd is one of the "more gifted" dancers so usually wears a regular bra under her sports bra.

 

My dd's studio does have the black leo/pink tights dress code for ballet and the competition choreography classes (since looking uniform is helpful). They are allowed to wear black shorts for choreography since it's more comfortable for some of the girls when they have their periods, or skirts for ballet.

[Parrothead]

What do your girls wear to dance class? Specifically, around 6-7?

 

At that age, pink tights black leotard.

[Rebel Yell]

 

Our studio has a dress code- for ballet- black leo, pink tights, pink ballet/pointe shoes. Other classes can wear any color tights/leotard, but since most students have ballet the same day- it;s almost all black leos/pink tights.

 

Diamond prefers a sport bra (black) for extra coverage with a particular leotard, and she wears a dance skirt in ballet, shorts or yoga-style pants for tap. Always a leotard- for coverage, plus it holds her tights in place,

 

And about make-up: for recital, it really is necessary. The kids (even boys) with no make-up on look washed out, sickly, and pale under the lights- and like faceless zombies on video. Think of the make-up as part of the costume, rather than as "make-up on a little kid."

[bbmom]

This site has lots of cute short/camisole or tank top combos that I think are more appropriate for young girls.

http://www.allaboutdance.com/dance-clothing/child/tops/page1

[Lady Marmalade]

This site has lots of cute short/camisole or tank top combos that I think are more appropriate for young girls.

http://www.allaboutdance.com/dance-clothing/child/tops/page1

 

All About Dance also has free shipping all the time- and the free shipping works both ways. I love that! I order dance shoes from them, and if they're the wrong size I just print a UPS slip, put them back in the box and send them back for an exchange- at no cost to me.