If your dancer has moved past the tidy ballet uniform and into jazz, hip-hop or contemporary, you have probably found the dress code goes a bit quiet, and that can leave you guessing at the shop counter. The good news is that these styles are more relaxed, and once you know the one thing every teacher is really looking for, it all gets much simpler.
The one rule behind all three styles
Ballet has a strict uniform because the teacher needs to see every line. Jazz, hip-hop and contemporary loosen that up, but the reason for a dress code has not changed. Your teacher still needs to see whether the knees, hips and spine are working correctly so they can keep your dancer safe and improving.
- Fitted enough that the teacher can see alignment and correct it.
- Free enough to jump, floor-roll, kick and slide without anything pulling.
- A warm-up layer for the start of class, then peeled off once the body is warm.
Jazz class
Jazz sits in the middle: sporty, sleek and easy to move in. A fitted top or crop with shorts or leggings is the classic combination. The key is a clean line down the legs so turns and kicks read clearly.
- A fitted top, crop top or singlet on top.
- Dance shorts or leggings on the bottom.
- Jazz shoes, usually slip-on and tan or black (ask your teacher which colour).
Hip-hop class
Hip-hop is the most relaxed of the three and leans into streetwear, so comfort and attitude matter as much as line. Think baggier but not so oversized that the teacher cannot see what the body is doing.
- A comfortable t-shirt, crop or loose top.
- Joggers, track pants or leggings, whatever lets your dancer drop low and pop up fast.
- Clean sneakers kept just for the studio floor, never worn in from outside.
Contemporary class
Contemporary is about flow, weight and the shape of the body through the air and along the floor, so the teacher needs to see the line clearly. Keep it fitted on top and simple below.
- A crop or tank that stays put through floor work.
- Shorts or leggings that move with the body.
- Bare feet or foot thongs (also called dance paws) for grip and protection during turns.
Packing the bag: a simple routine
- Base layer first. Fitted crop or singlet plus shorts or leggings covers jazz and contemporary in one go.
- Add the right shoes. Jazz shoes, clean sneakers for hip-hop, and foot thongs or bare feet for contemporary.
- Throw in a warm-up. A jumper or track pants for the start and end of class.
- Tie the hair back. Off the face and secure so it does not become a distraction.
- Label everything. Studios are busy and identical black leggings walk off in every dancer's bag.
One good base of bottoms and crops will carry your dancer across jazz, hip-hop and contemporary.
Shop shorts and leggings Shop crop topsIf you are still sorting out footwear, our jazz, tap and contemporary shoes guide walks through each type. And if you are weighing up which style suits your child in the first place, choosing a dance class is a lovely place to start.
Frequently asked questions
What do you wear to a jazz class?
A fitted top, crop or singlet with dance shorts or leggings, plus jazz shoes. The aim is a clean line the teacher can see, so avoid anything too baggy. Bring a warm-up layer for the start of class, and check your studio's dress code for the required jazz shoe colour.
What do you wear to hip-hop dance?
Comfortable, streetwear-influenced gear: a t-shirt or crop with joggers, track pants or leggings, and clean sneakers kept just for the studio. It is the most relaxed of the styles, but keep it fitted enough that the teacher can still see the body move. Some crews have a set look, so ask first.
What do you wear to contemporary class?
Something fitted enough to show the line: a crop or tank with shorts or leggings. Contemporary is usually danced in bare feet or foot thongs (dance paws) for grip and protection during turns and floor work. Avoid loose clothing that hides the shape of the movement.
Do you need special clothes for jazz?
Not expensive ones, but they should be fitted and easy to move in. Dance shorts or leggings with a crop or singlet work perfectly, and jazz shoes are the one specialist item you will need. A snug base layer helps the teacher correct alignment, which is the whole point of the dress code.
What shoes do you wear for hip-hop?
Sneakers or joggers, ideally a clean pair kept only for the studio so you are not bringing grit onto the dance floor. Good cushioning and support help with the jumps and drops. There are no specialist hip-hop shoes required for most classes, so check with your teacher before buying anything specific.
