**Nimbly store is under construction! I should have it tidier by August 1st. Do not order shoes without being fitted first, it will save you time!

Dress Code Guidelines:
 

1. For pre-ballet and primary, I don't have a specific dress code. Little dancers may come to class in a classic leotard, tights, and ballet slippers. They can come to class in last years recital costume. They can come to class in shorts and a t-shirt. The only thing they must have for class is a proper pair of ballet slippers. I really recommend ordering from Nimbly for several reasons. You will get the right size. Amazon sells shoes, but the sizing is a lot of guesswork. Target sells "shoes" but they are terrible and not safe. If a dancer is wearing the Target shoes, I will send a note home asking that they be replaced with proper ballet shoes. The brands at Nimbly are good shoes (and some don't have a drawstring, which saves about half of the class time I spend tying shoes!)

2. For all other classes, students must have a leotard, pink tights, and proper ballet slippers. For Intermediate 1 and higher, they MUST wear transition tights and split-sole shoes. Any color or style of leotard is fine for class, but all students should have a black leotard, since we use them for specific events or performances.

3. Optional items that are good to have: a skirt, a dance bag, a mesh bag if they have pointe shoes, warmups, a nude leo or dance bra for an extra layer or for performances.

Other options:

Target- Please do not buy ballet slippers from Target or Walmart! They are NOT good quality, they do NOT form to the child's foot, and they do NOT offer any kind of strengthening or support. I would rather the student go barefoot that wear these shoes! #rantover

Amazon- Amazon has legit ballet slippers. Just make sure you order a well-known brand, not a knockoff. Stick with brands like Capezio, Bloch, Grishko, or Sansha. Its also a lot of guesswork to figure out the right size. These are great shoes, but none are consistent in their sizing, so you may end up buying pairs that don't fit at all. For little ones, I do like the Stelle brand of shoes, they seem to be consistent with street shoe size.

Discount Dance Supply or other online retailer- These guys have a wide selection of good options, but you're still guessing on the sizes, and shipping can take FOREVER and rates are pretty high unless you're making a big order. They are also often "backordered" and don't let you know that until after you place the order.

Brick-and-mortar shops- These are often your best options, especially if you need a particular fit. Empire Dance Shoppe in Spokane is excellent, and the Leotard in Portland. There may be a small shop or two in Yakima at one of their studios, but I don't know. There is a shop at the Academy of Dance in Richland. Unfortunately, I can't recommend them because of poor customer service, and a lack of a knowledgable shoe fitter. Might be ok to pick up an extra pair of tights or something, but will be more expensive than ordering.

I have ordered from Revolution for many years for dancewear and costumes, and I've always been happy with their customer service. They were one of the original companies to offer "studio shops", and they have features I will definitely be happy about!