When most people think of dance, they think of the expression of emotions, stories, and a dancer's individuality. As you know, there is more to the art of dance than that. With dance comes physical aspects and a mental mindset, both of which can start with the attire that a dancer wears. In this post, we'll explain why your students wearing a uniform for class isn't just about aesthetics, but for a variety of reasons.
1. Studio Individuality
When you pick out a uniform for your dancers, you're able to promote cohesiveness. With your students dressing similarly, they'll be able to learn better as they practice techniques together.
Also, one way to show individuality would be to choose the same style of leotard but have different colours for the class levels you offer. For example, the SL10/SL11 leotard for ballet classes: Lilac for Tiny Tots, Dark Purple for Mini, Raspberry for Junior, and Black for Senior.
Wearing a uniform creates a sense of unity and belonging within a studio. When a dancer feels like they are a part of a big dance family, they'll feel pride, strive to be the best dancer that they can be, and support their peers.
2. Improves Discipline
Learning the fundamentals of dance takes discipline, which your young dancers need a lot of support for.
By putting in the effort to choose a studio uniform, a dancer will know that dance class is different from other activities that they have in their life. This will ultimately signal to a dancer to show respect for class time, the environment, the art form, their teacher, and their learning.
Also, when wearing a uniform, a dancer is showing a physical representation of the dedication they're bringing to class.
3. Allows for Proper Movement
One thing to remember is that dance class uniforms aren't the same. Each style of dance will likely have a different dress code that allows dancers to dance at their best. For example, wearing a leotard is great for ballet but probably not great for hip hop.
For each class, dress codes should be chosen by a teacher or studio owner that they feel is the best way to be able to observe and correct the movements of students. For some styles, it's important to be able to see how a dancer is holding their body so proper corrections can be made for posture and alignment.
4. Looking (and Feeling) the Part
The functionality of a dance uniform also extends to appearance as well. A student will learn to take pride in their appearance and perform at their best in class, both of which will affect how they dance in the future. With a uniform that matches their teammates, a dancer will gain confidence and feel a sense of comradery.
As soon as a uniform is put on, a dancer is able to get into the mindset of getting ready for class. Also, getting into the habit of wearing a uniform helps a dancer become prepared for a professional environment.
While this is achieved at competition time or recitals with costumes, it's important to begin this habit early.
5. Improves Focus
For a dancer to get the most out of their classes, they need to be able to focus on their teacher and the lesson. By enforcing a studio uniform, a class becomes an environment that only focuses on dancing.
With everyone dressed the same, dancers are able to concentrate on improving their technique instead of getting distracted by what their classmates decided to wear to class.
6. Teamwork and Unison
With a studio uniform dress code, your dancers will be encouraged to work as a team. Wearing the same colour and style of clothing items for each class creates better visuals and cleanliness for both teachers and dancers. Uniforms are also a great tool for dancers to visualize how their group will look when performing together on stage.
Plus, studio dress codes are a reminder that there are rules to follow, respect for everyone in the studio, and equality among a dancer's peers.
A studio uniform creates an environment where all students are equal. This, in turn, will reduce competition and instead create a collective spirit that is focused on dance.
7. Self-Respect
While some might view uniforms as a limit to personal expression, they are actually a canvas for dancers to express themselves through movement instead of clothing.
As you can see, studio uniforms not only benefit your studio but your dancers as well. Your studio will not only be able to achieve individuality but also help dancers with discipline, proper movement, looking and feeling the part, focus, teamwork, and self-respect.