Dance Uniform

Dance uniforms ensure that students are able to move freely and safely and allow teachers to properly assess form. At Johnson City Arts Center, we do not require all students to wear the same brand or style dancewear in class, but we do require some "basics" for performances. Links to merchandise are suggestions for where you can purchase these basics, but are not where students are required to purchase them.

Where can I purchase dancewear?

Backstage Dancewear

Located behind the Target in Johnson City.

August Muse

Located in downtown Elizabethton.

Discount Dance (Online)

Use our studio code, "28758", when you check out!

Youth Ballet Uniform

Dance students are required to purchase a basic black camisole leotard for performances. They may wear any style or color leotard for class.

Students who perform in more than one dance are required to purchase a flesh-tone leotard to assist with modesty while changing costumes backstage.

Avoid purchasing leotards with attached skirts, as they cannot be worn under costumes or on stage.

Ballet students are required to wear tights for class and performances. We recommend students who take additional dance styles purchase convertible tights for convenience. Tights may be ballet pink, a medium flesh tone, or a dark flesh tone. (Color should coordinate with ballet shoes.)

Avoid shiny or overly pink tights. Note that men's and boy's tights are made differently than girl's and women's tights.

Ballet students are required to wear ballet shoes in class and performances. Split sole, full sole, canvas, or leather are allowed. Shoes may be ballet pink, medium flesh tone, or dark flesh tone. (Color should coordinate with tights.)

Ballet students are not permitted to wear pointe shoes until they have been evaluated in a pointe class by a teacher. Once a teacher has recommended pointe shoes, students must be professionally fitted. The closest professional fitters are at The Sock Basket in Asheville, NC.

Youth Modern and Jazz Uniform

Dance students are required to purchase a basic black camisole leotard for performances. They may wear any style or color leotard for class.

Students who perform in more than one dance are required to purchase a flesh-tone leotard to assist with modesty while changing costumes backstage.

Avoid purchasing leotards with attached skirts, as they cannot be worn under costumes or on stage.

Youth Tap Uniform

Dance students are required to purchase a basic black camisole leotard for performances. They may wear any style or color leotard for class.

Students who perform in more than one dance are required to purchase a flesh-tone leotard to assist with modesty while changing costumes backstage.

For tap class, students are only required to wear clothing they can comfortably move in. (No skirts or dresses without shorts or leggings underneath, please.) However, the other dance uniform pieces may be required for performances.

Tap students should wear a pair of black tap shoes for class and performances. Any style or brand is acceptable. We recommend students levels 5+ purchase shoes that are easy to change quickly for performances.

Beginner students especially do not need to invest in an expensive pair of tap shoes. However, extended use may result in taps becoming detached from the cheaper models.

Tappers should keep a small screwdriver for tightening taps onto shoes as needed.

Adult Dance Uniform

There is no uniform for our adult ballet students! Wear clothing you are comfortable and confident moving in. We recommend ballet flats for our ballet classes. Teachers are better able to see and correct technique in tight-fitting clothing, but it is not required. Please secure hair out of face.

Beginner ballet students who wish to perform will need the same basic uniform as our youth ballet dancers to wear underneath costumes.