Most UK dance schools already insist on a uniform policy. If you currently don’t have a policy at your dance school, or you are considering changing your policy, here’s some top tips to help guide you to the right choices for your dance community.
- Your parents will thank you for it!
Simplifying your dancewear dress code, gives clarity to your dance community setting out your expectations and standards. It eliminates any confusion about what your students should wear to class. Your students will be able to get ready for dance more quickly and efficiently without debates and arguments about what to wear. Faster prep time at home, hopefully leads to turning up on time and starting their dance classes on schedule, without disrupting others. - Your students will be more disciplined and focussed.
At the core of the art form of dance are fundamental lessons in discipline and focus. A uniform policy will reduce distractions and help your students focus on their dancing instead of their appearance (or that of their friends). It also instils in the dancers a sense of discipline and adherence to rules. - Reinforces your dance school brand identity, professional appearance and sense of community
Insisting on a set dance uniform helps to create a brand image for your dance school that is consistent and recognisable in your community. It portrays a strong ethos of dedication to the art form of dance and a professionalism for your dance school. Your students will feel as though they are part of somewhere with a strong identity and sense of belonging. Your students will feel proud to be part of your dance school.
If you are affiliated to a dance association, you may wish to use their badged dancewear. By doing so you’ll be strongly aligning your dance school with the prestige and credibility associated with the major dance organisations. - Equality and inclusivity are important values for your dance school
A uniform policy is an important way in which you could help reduce the social pressures and anxiety that can be caused by a dancer’s clothing or appearance. You’ll be creating an environment that is equitable, inclusive and where your students are judged by peers for their effort not their fashion sense or the brands that they wear.
Ensure your uniform policy is inclusive for all dancers, irrespective of race, religion, age or gender. Your dancers need to feel comfortable in the uniform. Adding or allowing items from an inclusive brand such as Shades Dancewear will ensure that dancers of all skin tones feel represented by the choices you make. - It’s important for the safety and wellbeing of your dancers
Inappropriate footwear especially can be a hazard, leading to injury of the wearer, injury to others and damage to floors. Other clothing items may also unwittingly create trip or choke hazards. Uniform items should be chosen for their durability and easy-care features – which in turn can promote a more hygienic environment. - It creates a valuable additional income stream for your dance school
Most of your parents will happily purchase their uniform from you if you have a uniform policy. They have a sense of loyalty to you and the majority will be far happier to support the dance community you lead rather than an anonymous online retailer. The easiest way to introduce a uniform is via your own, branded online shop such as MyDanceStore. This allows you to curate your uniform by class and genre, for parents to shop easily and for you to concentrate on teaching.
IDS is Europe’s largest dance uniform supplier with over 45 years’ experience in helping dance schools choose the right uniform for their individual needs. If you need help and support in introducing or refreshing your uniform policy, please contact us today.
MyDanceStore is an opportunity for dance school owners to add another income stream to their business, all while making life easier so you can focus on the dancing. Brought to you by IDS, you get a free, professional looking website and can select from a huge selection of IDS products for your pupils’ uniform needs, earning commission on what you sell. The easiest part of the process is that you hold no stock, and IDS deals with the orders, shipping and returns.
Visit mydancestore.co.uk for more information.
