For caregivers
Dress code guide
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BABY BALLET & TUTU TODDLERS Students in our youngest divisions are invited to wear any clothes that they can move easily in, and should take class with bare feet or rubber-soled socks if they do not have ballet slippers. Adults participating in these classes should also wear comfortable clothes and bare feet or rubber-soled socks.
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EXPLORING BALLET & PRIMARY BALLET PREP Tutu School asks students in its older divisions to wear leotards or fitted shirts with tights or leggings and ballet slippers. Please tuck in all drawstrings on slippers, and secure long hair away from the face as much as possible. No specific color or style of dancewear is required, and tutus and skirts are absolutely permitted – naturally!
Tips for young dancers
A little guidance and a lot of joy go a long way.
- Wear something that makes you feel special — and comfortable enough to move.
- Arrive a few minutes early so you can settle in and say hello.
- It’s okay to feel shy at first — magic takes time.
- Let the music move you — it’s part of the story.
- Every twirl is your own – and progress, not perfection, is our goal.
- Remember to keep your hands inside of your own Ballet Bubble and your heart wide open.
- Always try your very best, and don’t forget to finish with a curtsey or bow – and a big smile.
Resources for parents
Help your young dancer get the most out of their Tutu School experience.
Prepare for the First Twirl
Talk through what to expect before class — where you’ll go, what your child will wear, who they’ll meeting, and that we can’t wait to dance with them!
Your child is in great hands, promise
All Tutu School teachers complete training on early childhood development and are encouraged to foster connections with not only their dancers but Tutu families as well!
Make Dance Part of the Week
Build a ritual around class — like a special snack afterward or a dance class recap at home — to help your child connect class to joy and consistency.
Celebrate Progress, Not Perfection
Clapping for a brave try or a big smile means more than correcting steps. Confidence grows with encouragement, and when we highlight effort, commitment, and courage.
Questions Are Always Welcome
Every child — and every tutu journey — is different. If you’re wondering about anything at all, just ask.
Frequently asked questions
Classes at Tutu School follow a consistent structure each week, but although much of the class content does remain the same in every class, there is also a great deal of variation from week to week within that established structure. Children benefit tremendously from the security they gain when there is a sense of ritual to what they do, and their skill level evolves more evenly when there is consistency in their practice. That being said, we always work to keep the activities we do in class fresh and exciting…So there will be plenty of new mixed in among the familiar!
The excitement of class and dancing friends can sometimes prove to be distracting for little ones and can take some getting used to…It can all be a lot to take in! Please don’t worry if it takes a while for your little dancer to settle into the rhythm of class and develop a sense of focus while they are at Tutu School. We will continue to help draw your child into our classes and to practice the development of excellent Dance Manners with them. We really appreciate you also talking to your child at home about Dance Manners, behaving beautifully, and trying their very best to pay close attention in class, so they can learn a lot and have even more fun!
Please see above. In addition, it is important to keep in mind that pacing a child’s progression through our divisions and levels will ensure that they do not miss out on anything or advance so quickly that they find themselves without something to progress toward. We strive to balance these concerns with an eye to keeping each student properly challenged and engaged, and will always work to incorporate your own thoughts and feedback regarding your child in our plan for their progress.