We checked out several dance studios in Virginia beach and actually have enrolled our child in three of them over the past two years.

Two of these were obsessed with dress codes.  I can understand the need for proper dance gear to be warn but if you were to look at professional dancers and what they wear during practice, it is not at all in line with what these local studios require…

Thing is, many of these studios claim to be the stepping stone required to your child’s dream of being a professional dancer but professional dancers wear what is comfortable to them during practice… not what the facility they practice in deems appropriate.

I’d argue that it is more about the money.  By requiring students to wear certain types of dance gear, and then of course selling that gear in their studios, well, it smells of money to me:

Here is an actual quote from a well known studio in the area: Wilkins School of Dance

 Our students observe a Dress Code which fosters pride in appearance, group identity, and allows the instructor to evaluate and correct student alignment and position.
For the convenience of parents we stock all dancewear and shoes required for class. The instructor will advise you.

Please purchase all equipment before the first lesson.

Yes, after spending money for enrollment you will need to make sure you wear the school uniform which of course they are happy to provide, at mark-up of course, claiming that having everyone look alike creates conformity… I want my child to be able to express herself through dance… This is NOT what the studios have in mind though!

How convenient that I can spend money right there in the studio to make sure my child is properly attired and up to “their high standards”!

Okay, Okay, I understand you don’t want the kids coming in dressed inappropriatley and all that, whcih is fine and I agree with it.  What I don’t agree with is that each child has to wear exactly the same thing ad you need to buy it there.

Some parents see this as acceptable and convenient but if you look at some other studios the dress code is a bit more flexible and you can save a lot of money buying dance gear that is readily available in stores and not just at the studio.  Just my opinion on it is all and one of the resons we did not pick that studio so ithas merit.