Starting a new hobby is exciting, but we know that for many parents, the first question is always: "What does my child need to wear?" Whether you are joining us for a Free Trial at our Whenuapai studio or you are ready to get fitted for your Dance 24 Seven uniform, this guide will help you navigate the world of dance attire. At Dance 24 Seven, we believe that when a dancer looks the part, they feel the part!
1. Your First Lesson: The Free Trial
If you are coming in for a trial, please don't feel pressured to buy the full uniform immediately! We want your child to be comfortable while they find their favourite style.
What to wear: Leggings or bike shorts and a well-fitted t-shirt or singlet.
Footwear: For Ballet or Jazz, clean bare feet are fine for a trial. For Hip Hop, please bring clean sneakers (not the ones worn in the garden!). For Tap, if you don't have shoes yet, hard-soled school shoes are a great temporary substitute.
Hair: Please ensure hair is tied back securely off the face. You can check our blog post about the perfect bun to find an excellent tutorial video.
Once you've enrolled: Ballet (RAD Syllabus)
Ballet is a discipline of precision, and our uniform reflects that. Our Whenuapai ballet classes follow the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) standards, which are world-renowned for technical excellence.
The Look: A specific colour leotard (depending on your grade), matching ballet stockings, or socks.
The Shoes: Pink leather or canvas ballet flats with elastics.
The Hair: A neat ballet bun is essential for all classes. (See our guide on Why the Ballet Bun is Essential for tips!).
Once you've enrolled: Jazz, Tap, and Contemporary (ADPA Syllabus)
For our upbeat modern dance classes, we prioritise movement and "line."
Jazz & Tap: Usually involves the Dance 24 Seven branded singlets or leotards with black leggings or dance shorts.
Footwear: Black slip-on jazz shoes (no laces) and black tap shoes with secure plates.
Contemporary: This style is often done in bare feet or "foot undies" to allow for floor work and grip.
Once you've enrolled: Hip Hop
Hip hop is the most relaxed of our genres, but "cool and clean" is still the goal.
The Outfit: Baggy pants or tracksuits and a comfortable tee.
The Shoes: Dedicated "indoor-only" sneakers are a must. To protect our professional sprung floors, please ensure these shoes aren't worn outside to avoid bringing in grit or dirt.
Why the Right Gear Matters!
At our Westgate dance studio, we don't just enforce a uniform for the sake of it. The right gear serves three main purposes:
Safety: Baggy clothes can get caught during turns, and the wrong shoes can cause slips or ankle injuries.
Visibility: Our instructors need to see the alignment of the knees, hips, and ankles to ensure your child is dancing with correct technique—this is how we achieved our record-breaking 2025 exam results.
Equality: When everyone wears the same uniform, the focus remains on dance, skill-building, and community.
Ready to get started?
Come and see the front desk staff in studio and we will get you fitted for your uniform today.
Don't have the gear yet? No problem! Book your FREE trial lesson at our Whenuapai studio today and just bring your smile (and some leggings!).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Where can I buy dance uniforms in West Auckland? At Dance 24 Seven, we stock uniform items right at our Whenuapai studio for your convenience. For specialty items, we can recommend the best local Auckland dancewear suppliers to ensure you get the correct fit.
Does my child need professional dance shoes for a trial lesson? No. For your first free trial lesson, professional shoes are not required. Ballet and Jazz can be done in bare feet, and Hip Hop can be done in clean, indoor sneakers. If your child decides to enrol, our team will then guide you on the specific footwear needed for their grade.
Why is a bun required for ballet but not for Hip Hop? The ballet bun is essential for spotting"during turns and allows the teacher to see the dancer's neck and shoulder alignment clearly. Hip Hop is a more relaxed, grounded style where hair can be worn in a ponytail, though it must still be kept out of the eyes for safety.
Where is Dance 24 Seven located? Our purpose-built studio is located on Kawakawa Place in Whenuapai, conveniently positioned for families in Hobsonville Point, Westgate, and Herald Island. We offer ample parking to make your after-school drop-offs as stress-free as possible.
What is the best age to start dance classes? We offer classes for all ages! Our Mini Movers program is perfect for toddlers and preschoolers, while our exam-track classes for RAD Ballet and ADPA Jazz typically begin from age five. We also have a thriving adult program for those looking to return to dance.