Uniform Issue

[richrat87]

~WARNING: the following post is intended as a method of venting frustrations. I realize that there is nothing I can do to change the outcome. With that in mind, read at your own risk ~

 

So, I was just accepted into a Pre-Pro program and I'm EXTREMELY excited. I haven't been dancing long, but I am very familiar, through my limited experience as well as the insight of the wonderful BT4D members, with the standard uniform for male students. I have ALWAYS worn black tights and white shirt since I've started dancing. My problem is that the school is most likely going to adopt a new uniform. The new uniform is Navy Blue and White and apparently students will have the choice of wearing a navy leotard and white tights or white leo and navy tights. NO shirts will be allowed, ONLY leotards.

 

I realize that if this were to become the uniform I would certainly adhere to it. However, I am not made out of money and the fact that I would need to buy all new tights AND leotards is a bit bothersome to me, mostly since I wouldn't be able to use the tights at any other school I went to. Also, the fact that it wouldn't even be standard, since each student could choose their combination of colors, makes it feel pointless to me. Uniforms are there to create a cohesive look. Letting each individual dancer choose their color combination defeats that purpose, doesn't it?

 

I understand making the a white or navy leo required, but honestly, navy tights make no sense to me. Am I putting too much thought into this? I guess I shouldn't worry until they make it official, although, that might have already happened... I still haven't received any of the program information or an acceptance letter... Oh well...

 

~richrat87

[Mel Johnson]

Sounds to me as if they're declaring some sort of affinity with the Royal Ballet School.

[dancingjon]

For the record, white leotard and navy tights is standard Royal Academy of Dance attire. I have never heard of the combination being reversed, however don't feel like this is not 'standard' dancewear. It is.

 

However although I understand the financial implications, do you not feel like adding a little colour into your uniform is a good thing? Look at the girls for example, they usually have a different coloured leotard for every grade, the boys however are stuck in a rut with the old white top half, black bottom half look. Would you not like to be able to walk into a class and show a bit of personality through a bit of colour?

 

When you look at the guys in actual ballet company classes and rehearsals, seldom are they in their standard white and black attire. They are showing off like a peacock in full bloom, in COLOUR!

 

The Royal Ballet School do use colour with the boys in a similar way to the girls. Each year the uniform changes slightly. Whether that be from a Navy Leotard and shorts, into White leotard and Navy tights, then onto a Navy Unitard and so on. Especially for the younger boys I think this gives them the sense of achievement that they are moving up, they are moving to the next uniform...

 

If I had my way I would have a different coloured top every day of the week!

 

Good luck with the program!

 

Dancing Jon

[richrat87]

@Dancingjon:

I had no idea that the Royal Ballet School wore those colors. Sorry about that

 

As for the color, I really have no problem with adding a colored leo, I just feel that the tights are a little bit too much, since every school I've looked into in NYC has a dress code of black tights. I also feel that the white tights, navy leo combination is going to make an... interesting look. The tights would have to be ULTRA thick to hide the blue underneath.... Also, in order to match the tights, if navy, I'd probably have to dye my shoes, which is more money and time that I won't have...

 

As for company class and rehearsal, etc., I feel that as a professional level dancer, you can wear whatever you want, as long as it doesn't interfere with your dancing. As a student, however, I feel that there is need for a standardized uniform that each student adheres to and that gives the teacher a proper view of the musculature of the legs and arms. Perhaps I am too old fashioned in that regard. However, I WILL say that I feel that colored TOPS are ok, as long as they are form fitting, as well as bike shorts instead of full length tights, so I am not SUPER old fashioned. I just feel that black is the way to go when it comes to tights...

 

~richrat87

[Mel Johnson]

Apparently, RBS is undergoing a color metamorphosis even as we speak. A recent post on another forum reports that the men are wearing PURPLE this summer! As to the shoes, wear white ankle socks and shoes!

[MJ]

As for recycling clothes, you can wear navy tights at most schools. most schools are happy to have men in their classes. A white unitard can be worn anytime.

 

Sound like your school will be offering exams in RAD, where the uniform is part of the curricula.

[richrat87]

@MJ:

I'm not sure about the school offering RAD, I was under the impression that they taught Vaganova, although I could be wrong... Can a school just switch teaching styles like that? The school just got a new director from Australia, so maybe they ARE switching...

 

As for recycling, I suppose that is true. Most schools would let boys wear whatever they wanted just so that they HAD boys. Is that the same in big cities like NYC where there are tons of dancers, including male dancers, to choose from?

 

I think the thought of wearing white tights and a navy leo bothers me more than anything. I can live with the opposite combination, but that just sounds horrendous to me. I'm still awaiting a formal reply with an information packet stating the dress code and schedule, so I suppose I should just wait it out to see if it really does change.

 

~richrat87

[MJ]

If you Google RAD uniform boys, you will see the boys are wearing blue tights, white leo, white shoes and socks. I doubt they will want you to wear white tights with a blue leo.

 

RAD schools insist you wear their uniforms, especially for exams. If you show up for a RAD exam in black and white, you won't be allowed to take the exam.

 

Open classes in NYC have no requirements. Schools in NYC are typically black and white for the men, so a white leo will be fine. Don't sweat it.

[Mel Johnson]

We're talking about Joffrey here, so the proposed standard is a change from Mr. Joffrey's longtime preference for black-and-white for male students. In actual practice, the school has historically been rather relaxed about what gets worn, but when on public view, Joffrey dancers hewed to the black-and-white or black-and-pink line. Blue-and-white (tights/leotard) makes sense, but if the opposite is an option, it's there, and just because it's an option, doesn't mean YOU have to wear it that way. As an option, you can almost bet that SOMEbody will wear it, just because it's Joffrey.

[zx12richard]

as long as it would be a white leotard with royal blue tights, white socks and white shoes it wouldnt be a problem to me.

If it was blue tights and white shoes only i would think iew iew iew...

 

 

Although quoting Mel: It isn't a fashionshow... and for me: but still you want to look good in it

[silvergreydancer]

@MJ:

I'm not sure about the school offering RAD, I was under the impression that they taught Vaganova, although I could be wrong... Can a school just switch teaching styles like that? The school just got a new director from Australia, so maybe they ARE switching...

 

As for recycling, I suppose that is true. Most schools would let boys wear whatever they wanted just so that they HAD boys. Is that the same in big cities like NYC where there are tons of dancers, including male dancers, to choose from?

 

I think the thought of wearing white tights and a navy leo bothers me more than anything. I can live with the opposite combination, but that just sounds horrendous to me. I'm still awaiting a formal reply with an information packet stating the dress code and schedule, so I suppose I should just wait it out to see if it really does change.

 

~richrat87

 

Well, I 'd get myself a navy blue pair of tights just to be safe and continue to wear the black to class until some one says something. I really don't see the difference between a white fitted T and a leotard except possibly the neckline. I'd also call the school. At least try to talk to one of the male students that currently goes there to get a feel on how strict they will be. That being said, you should really wear the uniform requested. If the navy leo bothers you, don't get one and stick with the navy tights and white top. I wear Grey a lot to class. All the places I have taken class have a dress code and no one has ever said anything to me.

 

Where is this school? just curios.

[richrat87]

@silvergreydancer:

 

I've heard that they're not terribly strict at the school in regards to boy's uniforms, but I believe they're trying to up the ante in regards to that. I spoke to the school and they've told me I should be receiving a packet in the mail soon addressing all the necessary information regarding uniforms.

 

The school is in New York City, New York

[MJ]

I don't really see many mens leotards anymore, and most are cotton.

[nivli]

As for the opposite combination, I believe that in Russian method the dress code for men used to be black leotard/shirt and white tights.

My current school don't have a dress code, however, I have an old Black Bloch leotard (with a thong back) that I wear from time to time under white tights. Yes, you can see the leotard lines - but who cares?

 

(I actually find it amusing - it's like girls who wear black bra under a white shirt just to show off... :-P)

[Mel Johnson]

For awhile in the late '50s and early '60s, the Russian vogue seemed to run to a dark top and light/white tights. It really didn't last very long. The formal rules in the major schools didn't change any.