Pre Ballet Dress Code

At Philadelphia Dance Theatre, our Pre-Ballet dress code creates a focused, respectful environment that honors the traditions of dance. Wearing a uniform helps young dancers understand discipline and community while minimizing distractions and comparisons. When all dancers wear proper attire, teachers can better observe alignment and technique, supporting safe and effective instruction.

Importantly, the Pre-Ballet dress code also serves as the costume for the June Showcase performance. This means families do not need to purchase additional recital costumes, which helps limit extra expenses and simplifies preparation. The same uniform worn in class is worn on stage—making it both practical and economical.

PDT’s dress code is supplied by Eurotard and can be purchased directly from the links above, or in person at Dress 2 Dance in Glenside, PA.

    • Tights are optional for Pre Ballet Students

    • Dancers are welcome to wear skin tone tights.

    • Shoes must match the color of tights

    • Skin tone options and policies can be found here

    • In the Eurotard Dress Code page for each level you will see the recommend shades of shoes to match tights

    • Tights should be clean, without holes, and pulled down around feet.

    • No bun = no ballet. Dancers appropriate hair for class will be asked to observe.

    • Hair should always be pulled back neatly in a bun for ballet

    • A ponytail may be worn for modern/jazz/hip hop

    • Dancers with dreads or other natural hair styles are asked to secure hair away from face so that it is not distracting when dancing.

    • We recommend that dancers have a bag with appropriate hair accessories, bobby pins, hair nets, rubber bands, hair brush/comb, etc.

    • Students may wear any style of ballet slippers that are split sole, pre sewn, and do not have drawstrings

      • Such as: • Eurotard - “Assemblé” (available through links above) • So Danca - “SD16” • Bloch - “Performa Stretch”

      • Drawstrings are especially distracting for our younger students, and valuable class time is taken away by teachers having to re-tie them

    • Dances shoes must match the color of their tights

    • In the Eurotard Dress Code page for each level you will see the recommend shades of shoes to match tights

  • Dress 2 Dance, Glenside PA - Stocks PDT Dress Code leotards

    Swan Dancewear, Narberth PA - Recommended for pointe shoe fittings. Appointments required.

    Dance Line, Paoli PA - Recommended for pointe shoe fitting

Additional Guidelines:
Please clearly label all dancewear and shoes to prevent loss. Uniforms should be purchased within two weeks of registration and must be worn for all classes throughout the year and the June Showcase Performance. If your child advances, you may swap uniforms with other families or purchase a new uniform.

By adhering to the PDT dress code, your child will feel confident, comfortable, and ready to grow as a dancer.