At KDA, our dress code will be enforced at all times by all instructors in all disciplines. Some basic things you will need to know are:

• Leotards and tights are clothing that are designed to need no undergarments. Panties and/or briefs are never necessary under a dancer’s leotard and tights. As ladies develop, some dancers desire a sports bra under their leotard. This is permitted, though all instructors ask that bras are as designed in such a way they are as unnoticeable as possible under a leotard (i.e similar in color to the leotard or nude, have straps similar to the leotard being worn, etc.). Men and boys will also need a dance belt under their shorts or tights as they develop.
• Hair styles are as important to a dance dress code as leotards and tights. By having hair securely fixed in a bun (the most preferred hairstyle for all disciplines), instructors can easily see the placement of the neck and head, easily correct any misplaced upper body parts, and can have a uniform and respectful group of young artists. Dancers benefit from a proper bun by observing their placement in the mirror quickly and easily, as well as dancing without the distraction of hair hitting their face or eyes as they move. Proper hair securement and style is so important at KDA that our dancer dressing room will be stocked with extra bobby pins, hair ties, hair nets, and hair spray always.
• Jewelry is permitted within certain limitations at KDA. Dancers may wear stud or small dangle earrings, small necklaces, and small bracelets at any time in any class. Dancers should avoid any large hoop or long dangling earrings while dancing, as these can become caught on clothing, hair, or other dancers resulting in injury. Dancers are discouraged from wearing any oversized jewelry as it can also become caught on clothing, hair, or other dancers, and may be distracting or painful during class. Rings are permitted in classes as long as there is no partnering work or gymnastics, since rings can cause injuries to dancers’ hands. KDA also encourages dancers to not wear extremely valuable or personally meaningful jewelry, as we cannot guarantee its safety in the dressing rooms or studios.
• Any concerns about modesty in dance-wear will be decided upon a case by case basis by the parents and/or guardians of the dancer and the Academy Director. KDA is flexible in accommodating any modesty concerns for individuals, and will alleviate any concerns for those with sincerely held religious or other beliefs that may make dance-wear uncomfortable or unwearable. This includes, but is not limited to, religious headwear, discomfort with backless or sleeveless styles, discomfort with sheer tights and hosiery, and form fitting leotards.

Youth Division:
Girls: Leotard of any color (attached skirts permitted, though discouraged for classes including Acro), pink tights, and pink ballet shoes/black tap shoes/black jazz shoes/transition tights to access bare feet.

Boys: Play clothes/exercise clothes of any color (shirts and pants without writing or designs strongly preferred), white socks, black ballet shoes/black tap shoes/black jazz shoes/bare feet.

All dancers over 2 years of age with hair at or below chin level MUST secure hair in a bun or ponytail for every class.

Pre-Professional Division Ballet:
Girls: Leotard of any color (no attached skirts permitted), pink tights, pink ballet or pointe shoes. Ladies may also wear a removable skirt for pointe or pre-pointe classes, at the instructor’s discretion.

Boys: Solid color tee shirt or tank top, solid color men’s tights, shorts, or athletic pants. Black or white socks, and black or white ballet shoes.

All dancers with hair below chin level must have hair secured in a bun. A proper ballet bun uses at least one hair elastic, several bobby pins, and an optional bun cover or hair net.

Pre-Professional Division Jazz:
Girls: Leotard of any color (no attached skirt permitted), pink/black/suntan tights, black jazz shoes. Instructor *may* allow shorts, jazz pants, or shirts, but students MUST always ask permission to wear extra layers and MUST have dress code under any additional layers.

Boys: Solid color tee shirt or tank top, solid color men’s tights, shorts, or athletic pants. White or black socks and black jazz shoes.

All dancers with hair below chin level must have hair secured in a bun. A proper bun uses at least one hair elastic, several bobby pins, and an optional bun cover or hair net.

Pre-Professional Division Contemporary:
Girls: Leotard of any color (no attached skirt permitted), pink/black/suntan transition tights to access bare feet. Dancers may also bring turning shoes or socks. Instructor *may* allow shorts, jazz pants, or shirts, but students MUST always ask permission to wear extra layers and MUST have dress code under any additional layers.

Boys: Solid color tee shirt or tank top, solid color men’s tights, shorts, or athletic pants with access to bare feet. Dancers may also bring turning shoes or socks.

All dancers with hair below chin level must have hair secured in a bun. A proper bun uses at least one hair elastic, several bobby pins, and an optional bun cover or hair net.

Pre-Professional Division Tap:
Girls: Leotard of any color (no attached skirt permitted), pink/black/suntan tights and black laced tap shoes. Instructor *may* allow shorts, jazz pants, or shirts, but students MUST always ask permission to wear extra layers and MUST have dress code under any additional layers.

Boys: Solid color tee shirt or tank top, solid color men’s tights, shorts, or athletic pants black or white socks and black laced tap shoes.

All dancers with hair below chin level must have hair secured in a bun. A proper bun uses at least one hair elastic, several bobby pins, and an optional bun cover or hair net.

Pre-Professional Division Acro:
Girls: Leotard of any color (no attached skirt permitted), pink/black/suntan transition tights to access bare feet. Instructor *may* allow shorts, jazz pants, or shirts, but students MUST always ask permission to wear extra layers and MUST have dress code under any additional layers.

Boys: Solid color tee shirt or tank top, solid color men’s tights, shorts, or athletic pants with access to bare feet.

All dancers with hair below chin level must have hair secured in a bun or ponytail.