Dress Code Guidelines

Hey dancers! Whether it’s your first time on the floor or you’ve been competing for years, we want you to feel confident, comfortable, and free to express yourself. These costume guidelines are here to keep things fair, safe, and stylish—while making sure you can dance your best.

Costume Recommendations
We know dancers may already own competition outfits with rhinestones, fringe, or embellishments—and that’s totally fine. You won’t be penalized for it. To keep things fair and accessible, here’s what we suggest:

• If you already own competition attire → Feel free to wear it. Sparkle away.
• If you’re buying or wearing something new → Aim for clean, elegant dancewear:
  • For ladies:
    • Fitted dresses, skirts, or two-piece sets that allow for movement.
    • No sheer or overly revealing costumes. Skirts and dresses should provide full coverage, even during lifts or dips.
    • No excessively plunging necklines or high slits.
      

• • For men:
    • Tailored pants with a fitted shirt or dance top.
    • Shirts must be fastened appropriately—no open-chest shirts for minors.

No scoring advantage for fancier costumes: Judges will focus on your technique, musicality, and overall performance—not how sparkly you are.

Footwear Rules

• Ballroom or Latin dance shoes required. No sneakers, street shoes, or bare feet.
• Heel height must follow the age guidelines (see below).
• Heel protectors are encouraged to protect the floor and prevent slipping.

Heel Height Guidelines

To keep the competition safe and aligned with ballroom standards, here’s what we recommend for heel heights based on age:

•  12 & Under:
  • Max heel height: 1.5 inches (3.8 cm)
    Block or Cuban heels only (for stability and safety). No slim or stiletto heels.
•  13-18:
  • Max heel height: 2 inches (5 cm)
  • Latin sandals or ballroom court shoes are standard, but keep heels practical and dance-safe.
• 19+:
  • Max heel height: 2.5 inches (6.35 cm)
  • Standard ballroom or Latin heels.

Heel protectors are encouraged to help preserve the dance floor and prevent slipping.

General Dress Code Guidelines

• Comfort & Mobility: Your costume should allow for a full range of motion. Make sure everything fits securely to avoid wardrobe malfunctions mid-turn.
• Safety First: No sharp or dangerous embellishments (like spikes or metal pieces) that could accidentally scratch or injure you or other dancers.
• Undergarments Required: Proper dance undergarments (e.g., dance belts, briefs, or leotards) are required to keep things covered during lifts, spins, and dips.
• No Props: Keep it classic—no handheld accessories (like canes or hats) during your performance.

 Tips for First-Timers

• Keep It Polished: You don’t need rhinestones to stand out. A clean, well-fitted outfit with sleek hair and makeup makes a strong impression.
• Hair & Makeup: Go for a polished, performance-ready look. It doesn’t need to be elaborate—just neat and stage-appropriate.

Judging Criteria Note: Your costume won’t impact your score. Judges will be evaluating technique, musicality, and performance quality—not costume details. Let your movement and energy take center stage—your outfit is just there to support you.