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Neat attire makes a good impression on the judge and the audience. With that in mind, please follow these guidelines when preparing for a competition or performance, and remember that no dancer should go on stage unless he or she is in full costume.
Boys' Appearance
Boys' hair should always be combed and clean.
Pants and shirts must be freshly ironed. If wearing a necktie, be sure it's firmly attached to the shirt, to prevent its moving about during the dance. Pants should be:
- loose enough to allow the dancer to move freely — but not baggy, which gives the dancing an unpolished look
- long enough to reach the shoes but not the floor
- worn with a belt, if pants have belt loops
Girls' Hair
Different performances call for different hair styles: curled, worn up, or bound back. The dancer is responsible for knowing which hair style is expected for each performance, and hair should always be done neatly.
Shoes
Always polish shoes before any competition or performance. Check the laces and carry spares. Check the straps and replace if frayed. Label the inside or bottom of the shoes with the dancer's name and the school name.
Examine the fit of shoes regularly; large shoes look sloppy and prevent proper execution of various moves, while tight shoes will cause discomfort and foot problems. Shoes take time to break in, so try to plan ahead to avoid purchasing new shoes right before a performance.
Socks
The Kennelly School girls' costume calls for white poodle socks (not black tights, unless otherwise specified). For a performance, make sure socks are always clean and new, and carry an extra pair in case they become soiled between dances.
When socks no longer look new, use them for class and practice only. Wear only clean socks to dance class, so the room stays fresh.
Personal Hygiene
Since dancing is both physically and emotionally challenging, dancers should always wear deodorant. This not only makes for better hygiene but helps to preserve the dancer's costume as well. (See Costume Maintenance for more information.)