What to Wear to Dance Class: The Ultimate Style Guide for Every Genre
Whether you’re a new dancer, a parent, or returning to the studio after some time away, one of the most common questions is: "What should I wear to dance class?"
We’ve got you covered. This guide breaks down exactly what to wear for ballet, jazz, tap, hip hop, lyrical, contemporary, and more—plus tips from our dancewear experts at Dancewear Corner.
🌈 Quick Reference Chart: What to Wear by Dance Style
| Dance Style | Top | Bottom | Footwear | Extras |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ballet | Leotard + optional skirt | Pink tights | Canvas or leather ballet shoes | Hair in bun |
| Jazz | Fitted tank or leotard | Dance shorts or leggings | Jazz shoes (split sole) | Ponytail or bun |
| Tap | Tee or leotard | Leggings or dance pants | Tap shoes | Avoid loose pants |
| Hip Hop | Loose top or hoodie | Joggers or leggings | Clean sneakers | Hair pulled back |
| Lyrical | Leotard or crop top | Shorts or leggings | Half soles or barefoot | Light layers |
| Contemporary | Fitted top or tank | Leggings or shorts | Foot undies or barefoot | Layered look optional |
🎭 Ballet Class Dress Code
For Girls/Women:
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Solid color leotard
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Pink convertible or footed tights
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Canvas or leather ballet shoes
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Optional wrap skirt or ballet sweater
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Hair in a neat bun
For Boys/Men:
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White fitted tee or tank
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Black leggings or tights
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Black or white ballet shoes
Shop Ballet Essentials:
Leotards | Ballet Shoes | Tights
🎶 Jazz Class Outfit
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Fitted tank top, crop top, or leotard
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Dance shorts or leggings
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Black jazz shoes (preferably split sole)
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Hair securely tied back
Pro Tip: Go for moisture-wicking fabric—jazz class gets sweaty!
Shop Jazz Gear:
Jazz Shoes | Tops & Bottoms
🖊️ Tap Dancewear Tips
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Comfortable, fitted top (leotard or tee)
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Leggings or jazz pants
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Lace-up or slip-on tap shoes (check your studio requirements)
Avoid: Baggy pants that hide your tap footwork
Shop Tap Essentials:
Tap Shoes
🏃♂️ Hip Hop Class Style
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Relaxed, expressive clothing
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T-shirt, crop hoodie, or sweatshirt
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Joggers, harem pants, or leggings
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CLEAN sneakers dedicated for dance
Tip: Bring a layer you can remove as you warm up.
Shop Hip Hop Looks:
Urban Dancewear
🌟 Lyrical & Contemporary Wear
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Fitted leotard, tank, or crop top
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High-waisted shorts or leggings
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Half soles, lyrical sandals, or bare feet
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Layers like sheer tops or flowy pants optional
Expression > uniformity in these styles—dress to move freely and feel connected.
Shop Lyrical Styles:
Lyrical Shoes | Dance Tops & Bottoms
🎤 FAQs: Dance Class Dress Code Questions
Q: Can I wear leggings instead of tights?
A: Depends on the style. In ballet, tights are usually required. For jazz, hip hop, or contemporary, leggings are totally fine.
Q: Do I need different shoes for each class?
A: Yes—each dance style has specific shoes for safety, grip, and technique. Ballet = ballet shoes. Tap = tap shoes. Hip hop = sneakers.
Q: What should I avoid wearing?
A: Skip jeans, loose pants that hide your legs, and any clothing that limits movement.
📉 Dancewear Corner Staff Tip
"Always check your studio’s dress code, but when in doubt, go with fitted layers you can move in and style up or down."
Need sizing help? Chat with our team or stop by our Orlando store for a personal fitting.
🕊️ TL;DR
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Ballet: Leotard, tights, ballet shoes
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Jazz/Tap: Fitted top + jazz pants/leggings, style-specific shoes
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Hip Hop: Loose fit + clean sneakers
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Lyrical/Contemporary: Fitted top, layers, barefoot or half soles
Right outfit = more confidence, better movement, and a polished studio look.
Follow Dancewear Corner for more class-ready tips, outfit ideas, and exclusive dancewear drops.