Hope Academy’s first day of dance classes for 2021-2022 is on Saturday, September 18. This will be a “get to know you” and “get settled” day as students are placed in classes that fit their age / experience levels. We are starting the year with in-person classes for students 12 and up who are vaccinated; and virtual classes for unvaccinated students. As younger students are able to get vaccinated, we will open their classes up to in-person, as well. It is important to be wearing the proper dance clothes and shoes whether you are in-person or not, so please read our guidelines carefully. We are also arranging for a dance clothing and shoe “swap” so that families can return their gently-used items and pick up new sizes.
To find out more about the Dance Clothing and Shoe Swap, register through this online form to let us know what you are donating and what you need. Anyone can donate (and we are grateful for all items that fit our dress code), but we will only be able to provide dance clothing and shoes to our students.
PLEASE NOTE
Changing rooms in the building are closed, so students should come wearing their dance attire under their street clothes. Please bring a large bag or backpack to keep your street clothes and other belongings in one place until after class.
We are opening all of the windows in the studios and there will be cold days. Please bring a form-fitted dance sweater (nothing bulky or with a hood)
HAIR AND ACCESSORIES
Long hair must be pulled back and pinned securely away from the dancer’s face and neck.
Short hair can be pinned or styled neatly back, off of the face.
Loose hanging hair styles are not permitted.
Please pack extra hair ties and pins in your dance bag.
Dance skirts and tutus are not permitted in class (except for Creative Movement)
For safety purposes, all jewelry and watches should be removed before class, with the exception of stud earrings.
Students staying for multiple dance classes (or taking long ones) should bring a water bottle.
For all of our classes at Hope Academy, including dance classes with a dress code, students should feel free to wear the clothing that best expresses their gender identity.
DRESS CODE for Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre (PBT) Dance Classes at Hope Academy
Students may wear the dance attire that best fits their gender identity or expression.
- Girls: black leotard (short sleeve or tank), pink footed tights and pink leather ballet shoes.
- Boys: fitted black yoga pants or shorts, a white t-shirt, white socks and black leather ballet shoes.
You can also order your dance clothing online at Discount Dance.
Use teacher code 113867 to receive a discount
Here is an example of styles that fit our dress code.
GIRLS
Black Leotard – Capezio cc400C. Short sleeve preferred for Pre-Ballet and Level 1
Pink Tights – Theatricals T5515
Pink Leather Ballet Shoes – Capezio Daisy Full Sole.
Pink Canvas Ballet Shoes -Sansha Canvas Split Sole (for Levels 2-4 only)
BOYS
White t-shirt (fitted)
Black yoga/sweatpants (fitted) and tights – Boys Mariia Viggio Convertible Tights
White Socks
Black Ballet Shoes – Capezio 205C Daisy
DRESS CODE for TAP Classes at Hope Academy
- Workout tights, yoga pants, shorts or leggings
- Leotard or fitted t-shirt (short sleeved or tank)
- Socks
- Buckle, Ribbon-Tie or Lace-Up tap shoes in any color
- No jeans or dresses
- Students coming from ballet classes, wearing leotards and tights, are permitted to layer on a pair of shorts or a dance skirt
You can order tap shoes online at Discount Dance. Use teacher code 113867 to receive a discount
Here are examples of the kinds of tap shoes we recommend (these styles are available in both child and adult sizes)
If you are buying tap shoes, here are the preferred styles for the various age/ability groups. We will need Black shoes for performances.
- Theatricals “TapRite” Molded Tap Side Buckle (Mary Jane style) in Black – Level 1 Tap
- Theatricals “Tap Star” Ribbon Tie in Black – not preferred, but acceptable
- Theatricals Lace Up Tap Shoes in Black – Levels 2-4, not heels over 1″
DRESS CODE for JAZZ Classes at Hope Academy
- Ballet clothes (leotard or fitted t-shirt and tights). Can layer on dance skirt or leggings.
- Socks (if needed)
- JAZZ SHOES -You can order Jazz shoes online at Discount Dance – Black Theatricals Gore Top Jazz Shoes are fine, and the least expensive. Use teacher code 113867 to receive a discount
- No jeans, shorts or dresses
DRESS CODE for BALAFON West African Dance at Hope Academy
Comfortable clothing that allows for unrestricted movement (no jeans); nothing too tight or too baggy
- Footless tights or leggings, yoga pants or workout tights
- A wrap skirt, if you would like
- No shoes or socks for Balafon West African Dance 2 & 3 – this class is taken barefoot
- Students in Balafon West African Dance 1 (5-8 yr olds) can be barefoot or wear tennis shoes. No socks or sandals.