Dress Code
TWINKLE PROGRAM​
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Twinkle Babies (3yos) -- Specific dancewear is not required for the T-Babies, though we do ask that you consider the following guidelines:​
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Dance leotard & skirt (an attached skirt is best, and please avoid tutus)
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Pink ballet socks, or pink footed tights
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Pink ballet shoes​ (no drawstrings, please!)
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Twinkle Toes (4yos) & Twinkle Stars (5yos) -- Must wear a "class uniform" (all of the following items are available for purchase in the studio and online)
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Revolution brand skirted Leotard, SOFT LILAC/2091
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Pink ballet socks, or pink footed tights
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Pink ballet Shoes (no drawstrings, please!)
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The class uniform does NOT have to be purchased before class begins. We will have these items available in the studio for purchase. For the first couple of classes, Twinkle dancers may wear comfortable play clothes to class until they have their class uniform.
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IRISH DANCE
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For Intro Irish through Prizewinner Irish:
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TOPS: Rince Na Grá school t-shirt (one will be provided with each registration; just wear a t-shirt to class until your dancer is provided with the school shirt)
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BOTTOMS: black shorts, black athletic "skorts", black "skater" skirts, or black leggings.
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SOCKS: white or black socks -- no-show, ankle, crew, or "poodle" (traditional)
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SHOES: There are several good brands of Irish Dance shoes. We recommend Rutherford for most dancers. This is an Irish brand, of course, so sizes are not the same as American. Shipping is also very expensive. For this reason, we carry a “size run” of both ghillies and hard shoes in the studio so your daughter can be properly sized. In addition, we have an arrangement with a supplier located in the United States where we can get wholesale prices if the order has at least ten pairs of shoes.
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Soft Reel Pumps (ghillies) - "Rutherford Cavan"
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Mandatory starting at the Beginner level (not Intro Irish)
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Intro Irish dancers may wear black ballet shoes or ghillies.
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Retail price: $70 (plus shipping from Ireland!). Studio price: $65
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Hard Shoes ("Super Flexi" - black suede sole)
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Mandatory for Intermediate Irish (and up)
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Dance sneakers are great for practising at home, but they should not replace hard shoes. Please note that teachers will sometimes wear these during class because of the many hours they dance.
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Retail Price: $160 (plus shipping from Ireland). Studio Price: $145​
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WHAT ELSE DO I NEED TO KNOW?
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Hair must be pulled securely back for all classes (ponytail, "half-up", or ballet bun)
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No gum or jewellery (except stud earrings) during class.
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SUMMER CAMP
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Twinkle Camps (4 & 5 yos) -- Young dancers are not required to wear a particular class uniform during the summer camps. Campers should wear the following, however:
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dance leotard & skirt
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dance tights or socks
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ballet shoes​​ (preferred, but not required)
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Intro Irish Camps (all ages)
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TOPS: t-shirt
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BOTTOMS: shorts, athletic skorts, "skater" skirts (with shorts underneath), or leggings.
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FEET: no-show, ankle, or crew socks/ballet shoes (any colour). It's okay to dance in socks alone.
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Where to Buy Dance Items
TWINKLE DANCERS
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Skirted Leotard:
As noted in the Dress Code, Twinkle Toes (4yos) and Twinkle Stars (5yos) are required to wear a specific skirted leotard. We will try to keep these in stock for purchase in the studio lobby.
The leotards also may be ordered online from Revolution Dancewear and shipped directly to your home. Our dance school has a Revolution online storefront that is already loaded with the dress codes. Shipping is $5.25 for the first item and 75 cents for each additional item. Please note: Because Revolution is a wholesale supplier, you won't be able to purchase from their site unless you follow these links and enter through our unique storefront.
Ballet Shoes:
We have a sizing kit for the Revolution brand of ballet shoes as well as a limited inventory for onsite purchasing. If we don't have your size in stock, please go ahead and order directly from Revolution. You do not have to buy the Revolution brand, but we do ask that you purchase shoes with no ties (just elastic).
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Dance Socks (or tights):
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Dance socks are great for Twinkle dancers! These are easier for young dancers to get on and off, easier to keep clean, and (we're told) are more comfortable. Dance socks are available for purchase in the studio, too (they are not sold by Revolution).
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Tights are stocked in the studio, too (Revolution brand in PINK). Other brands are acceptable, but please try to come close to matching the Revolution brand color of pink.
IRISH DANCERS
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Ballet Shoes (for Intro Irish only):
Intro Irish dancers may wear black ballet shoes during their first year. We have a sizing kit for the Revolution brand ballet shoes as well as a limited inventory for onsite purchasing. If we don't have your size in stock, you may order directly from Revolution Dancewear and have it shipped directly to your home. Our dance school has a Revolution online storefront that is already loaded with dress code options. Shipping is $5.25 for the first item and 75 cents for each additional item. Please note: Because Revolution is a wholesale supplier, you won't be able to purchase from their site unless you follow these links and enter through our unique storefront.
You are not required to the Revolution brand, though, and may look elsewhere for black ballet shoes.
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Irish Dance Shoes:
Irish Dancers should plan on buying their ghillies and hard shoes in the studio. There are several good brands of Irish Dance shoes, but we recommend (and sell) Rutherford: www.rutherfordshoes.com. This is an Irish brand, of course, so sizes are not the same as American. Shipping from Ireland is also very expensive. For this reason, we carry a "size run" of both ghillies and hard shoes in the studio so your daughter can be properly sized. In addition, we have an arrangement with a supplier located in the United States where we can get wholesale prices on bulk orders and pass the savings on to our dance families.
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If you need to buy either ghillies or hard shoes, simply let your teacher or the person at the desk know. They will have you try on shoes to make sure you are fitted with the correct size. Generally, we only place orders twice a year so we can get that wholesale price. Feel free to ask your helper when the studio is making the next order.
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Poodle Socks & Tights:
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Poodle Socks are not required for class but are required for some public performances and for feis competitions. They are sold in the studio.
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Tights are stocked in the studio for all sizes -- Revolution brand in BLACK (for Irish performances). Of course, you may order those online from Revolution, too.
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In general, Irish dance skirts should have some swing to them (not a straight skirt).
The length should hit three to four inches above the knee.
Modesty shorts should be worn under skirts unless you choose to wear a "skort."
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We have a small selection of skorts for sale in the studio. This is just a convenience for our families, and you should not feel obligated to purchase these.
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Possible options for girls' skirts/skorts:​
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For older girls and young women, look for black skirts or skorts that are approximately 17 or 18" long. Here are some to consider:
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B Dancewear Irish Dance Skirt (this is the skirt often worn in our shows)