Our Policy on Uniform
As dance educators we recognise that historically, uniform in ballet can be a sensitive issue. We appreciate that asking pupils to wear the traditional basic uniform of a leotard and tights can make them feel uncomfortable for a number of reasons and we are committed to students feeling safe, good about themselves, and that they feel they have autonomy over their body and individuality in our classes.
We ask that students wear ballet attire so that teachers can correct students technique effectively and to identify any physiological issues that may be developing. It also puts students into the "class zone" so that they are feeling prepared to participate in class.
Therefore, although we ask you to adhere to the uniform below, we are happy for additional clothing such as long-sleeved tops, ballet skirts or shorts to be worn
In ballet classes, students must have well-fitting ballet shoes with elastics in order to participate effectively. For contemporary and acrobatics, students have bare feet.
Information about Bury St. Edmunds Ballet School branded merchanidise can be found here.
Hair
Hair should be tied back away from face and neck in ALL classes. Hair should be in a bun or alternative appropriate style for ballet from Grade 2+ and acrobatic arts from Group 2. We are always happy to give tutorials on how to do ballet buns or plaits!
There are many good tutorials on YouTube such as examples here and here.
Sourcing Uniform
All uniform for children's ballet classes can be purchased here. (NB. the store remains as our former name, Pop-Up Dance)
- Character skirts are not available on the school store, we strongly recommend sourcing them on eBay which offers a wide range of options.
Please see below for how to purchase Ballet Enrichment uniform.
NB: If an item is NOT in stock it will not show in the shop.
We also have a Buy & Sell group on Facebook, for 2nd hand uniform. Apply to join here. (NB. this group remains in our former name, Pop-Up Dance)
There are several online shops that sell dancewear, these include: Move Dancewear, Dance Direct, Basilica, Imperfect Pointes as examples.
If you wish to have shoes fitted, or shop in-person more locally, then we would recommend Little Dance Barn.
If you prefer a more enviromentally-friendly option and wish to buy second-hand, we would always recommend eBay and Facebook Marketplace!
Ballet Uniform (Girls)
Pre-School - Primary:
- Purple skirted leotard (optional for Pre-School)
- Pink or skin toned ballet socks/tights
- Pink or skin toned ballet shoes with elastics
Grades 1 - 2
- Teal leotard with matching waist elastic
- Pink or skin toned ballet socks/tights
- Pink or skin toned ballet shoes with elastics
- Black character skirt with ribbons (made of a weighty cotton or cotton polyester blend)
- Black canvas character shoes with low heel
- Towel/Mat
Grade 3+/Ballet Enrichement Level 2
- Students own choice of leotard (& skirt if they wish)
- Ballet tights
- Ballet shoes with elastics
- Black character skirt with ribbons (made of a weighty cotton or cotton polyester blend)
- Black canvas character shoes with cuban heel
- Towel/Mat
- Theraband
Ballet Enrichement (Level 1)
- Coral camisole leotard
- Pale pink waist elastic
- Pale pink practise tutu
- Pink wrap skirt (optional) - 1 , 2
- Pink or skin toned ballet tights/socks
- Pink or skin toned ballet shoes
Ballet Uniform (Boys)
All Levels:
- White Leotard/T-Shirt
- Black Leggings/Shorts
- White or skin toned ballet socks
- White or skin toned ballet shoes
We recognised that there is a very limited variety of boys dancewear available globally compared to girls - if students can find alternative uniform ideas then we are always open to it!
Contemporary Uniform
All Levels
- Students own choice of leotard or top
- Students own choice of shorts or leggings
Acrobatics Uniform
All Levels
- Students own choice of leotard
- Students own choice of shorts or leggings
NB: For safeguarding reasons, students MUST wear a leotard.
