Weehawken Creative Arts

Jazz, Tap, Lyrical, Hip Hop & Acro Dress Code

A simple guide to the clothing, shoes and hair requirements for each class.

New to dance? Start here.

Find your dancer’s class below. Each section explains what clothing to wear, which shoes are required and how hair should be secured.

Please keep dance shoes clean

Shoes reserved for dance class should not be worn outdoors or used as street shoes. Please have your dancer change into dance shoes after arriving at the building.

Dress Code by Class

Jazz, Tap & Lyrical

Students may wear dancewear or comfortable athletic clothing that allows them to move freely. No jeans.

J

Jazz

Shoes: Any style or brand of black jazz shoe is acceptable.

Clothing: Dancewear or comfortable athletic clothing. No jeans.

Hair: Pulled securely away from the face.

T

Tap

Shoes: Any style or brand of black tap shoe is acceptable.

Clothing: Dancewear or comfortable athletic clothing. No jeans.

Hair: Pulled securely away from the face.

L

Lyrical

First class: Plan to dance barefoot.

After the first week: The instructor will recommend the footwear that best fits the class.

Clothing: Dancewear or comfortable athletic clothing. No jeans.

Need Tap Shoes?

Weehawken has a large collection of used tap shoes in many sizes. If we have a pair that fits, your dancer is welcome to borrow them for the semester at no cost. We cannot guarantee that every size will be available, but families are always welcome to check with us before purchasing a new pair.

Class Dress Code

Hip Hop

Shoes: Black, flat-bottomed sneakers reserved for dance class. Change into dance shoes after arriving at the building.

Clothing: Comfortable athletic clothing that allows plenty of movement. Pants must cover the knees.

Hair: Pulled back and away from the face.

Please do not wear: Jeans, skirts, spaghetti straps or clothing that exposes the midriff.

Hats are encouraged!

Choosing Hip Hop Shoes

You do not need to purchase the most expensive option. The best shoe is clean, supportive, comfortable and appropriate for dancing.

Beginning Dancers

Black Converse-style sneakers are a good choice for beginners. Look for a flat sole and a comfortable fit.

Advanced Dancers

An all-black high-top basketball shoe from a brand such as Nike, Adidas or Puma can provide additional support and durability.

Additional Classes

Turns & Leaps, Acro and West African

Turns & Leaps

Clothing: Dancewear or comfortable athletic clothing. No jeans.

Footwear: Students should expect to work barefoot and may also use black jazz shoes or pink or skin-tone ballet shoes.

Hair: Pulled back and securely fastened away from the face.

Acro

Clothing: A leotard or fitted leggings or shorts with a fitted top. Avoid loose clothing that can fall over the face while tumbling or working upside down.

Feet: Bare feet only. No socks.

Hair: Pulled back and securely fastened.

Jewelry: No jewelry, including dangling necklaces, bracelets or earrings.

West African

Clothing: Comfortable clothing that allows plenty of movement, such as a T-shirt, leggings, athletic pants or shorts. Avoid jeans and restrictive clothing.

Shoes: Comfortable athletic shoes or sneakers reserved for class.

Change into your clean dance shoes after arriving at the building.

Dancer wearing Weehawken Dance logo clothing

Wear Weehawken

Show Your Weehawken Pride

Shop Weehawken shirts, tanks, hoodies, hats and other logo wear for dancers, families and supporters.

Logo wear helps spread the word about Weehawken throughout our communities, and every purchase helps support our programs.

Shop Weehawken Logo Wear

Performance Footwear

Appropriate footwear is required for every class. For performances, dancers must wear the specific footwear selected by their instructor, even if more than one shoe option is used during regular classes.

Shopping Information

Where to Purchase Dancewear

Available Through Weehawken

  • Black jazz shoes
  • Basic pink ballet shoes
  • Convertible tights
  • Select leotards
  • Primary through Level 2 ballet uniforms
  • Weehawken logo wear

Purchase Separately

  • Hip hop shoes
  • Tap shoes, if purchasing your own pair
  • Upper-level leotards
  • Boys’ ballet attire
  • Additional dancewear and accessories

Recommended Online Retailers

Families may also order dancewear from Discount Dance or Dancewear Solutions.

Ordering From Weehawken

When ordering through 610 Arts Collective, select Pickup instead of Shipping. Your purchase will be delivered to your dancer’s class.

Need Help With Sizing?

Ouray County: Call 610 Arts Collective at 970-318-0308. Open Tuesday–Friday, 10:00 AM–5:00 PM. Fittings are available at 610 Clinton Street in Ridgway.

Montrose: In-person sizing help is available during dance-class hours, generally in the afternoon and evening.

Questions? Email lexi@weehawkenarts.org .

Looking for the Ballet Uniform?

Ballet classes have level-specific leotard colors and separate shoe, tights and hair requirements.

View the Ballet Dress Code