PRODUCT RECOMMENDATIONS
Class Requirements We ask that students bring the following items to every class with them:
Theatre Classes: Students must have water, their script, a pencil, their hair pulled out of their face, be wearing deodorant and the correct shoes (black jazz shoes or close-toed sneakers are acceptable).
Dancers: Students should be prepared with water, hair pulled out of their face, correct shoes (Tap, Jazz or Ballet Shoes), be wearing deodorant & have comfortable attire for each class.
Not Just Dance Merchandise Here are some items we recommend for keeping classroom essentials in one spot! Items can be purcased in the studio or on our product page.
Staying hydrated is very important in all aspects of the theatre. We think, move, sing and perform better when we drink water. Including this NJD water bottle in student’s theatre bag will ensure they can stay hydrated throughout their dance class or rehearsal.
PRICE- $10.60
EMAIL Contact_Us@NotJustDance.net
We recommend that every student have a “Theatre Bag”. It’s the catch-all for all the supplies we require them to bring to every class and can live in the car, by the door or in their room. For students in 1 musical theatre course or dance class, we recommend the NJD drawstring bag. Inside they can keep their script, pencils, hair ties, deodorant, water bottle and their shoes. You’ll never have to wonder if they have everything they need if it’s all kept in one NJD bag!
PRICE- $10.60
EMAIL Contact_Us@NotJustDance.net
For students in multiple shows and dance classes, we recommend the NJD duffel bag. Inside they can keep their scripts, pencils, deodorant, hair ties, tap/jazz/ballet shoes and water bottle. You’ll never have to wonder if they have everything they need if it’s all kept in one NJD bag!
PRICE- $42.40
EMAIL Contact_Us@NotJustDance.net
Shoes Here are some of our recommendations when buying shoes for your student!
Black jazz shoes are a requirement for our Musical Theatre students. They are a staple in costuming as well as making sure everyone has safe footwear when on the stage. There are many styles to choose from but we suggest slip-on (not lace-up), leather, split sole jazz shoes. Make sure students have room in the toe for growing throughout the school year. Capezio, Bloch and Theatricals are great brands to look at and offer varied price ranges. Please label shoes with your students’ name or initials.
For ballet students of all ages, we recommend a pair of canvas, split sole ballet slippers. We suggest canvas because it’s flexible and throughout the year it will start to form to the dancers feet, making them the perfect snug fit for each student. They also come in many colors to fit your preference and they are durable. When buying slippers, students’ normal shoe size may feel a little tight at first but will stretch once they work in them. Our favorite brands are Capezio, So Danca and Bloch. Please label shoes with your students’ name or initials.
For our little ones, a pair of slip-on or Velcro tap shoes may be best for ease of transitioning from street shoe to tap shoe. For older students, we recommend an Oxford style (lace-up) tap shoe that is flat (without heels) for optimal comfort and performance. Heeled tap shoes require different techniques, which may be introduced in more advanced classes. There is a very wide price range for tap shoes but don’t feel pressured to buy the “top dollar” shoe, especially if they’re a beginner. Styles we like are the Bloch “Sync” and the Capezio “Fluid”. Please label shoes with your students’ name or initials.
For some shows, we will require students to purchase a pair of character shoes. These are heeled shoes that still allow them to dance but may be more appropriate for the style or genre of show. They should be comfortable with a heel between 1 and 1.5 inches. There are also some dance classes that work in character shoes. Please refer to the dance class description page for more details. Please label shoes with your students’ name or initials.
For some shows, we will require students to purchase a pair of white canvas lace-up jazz shoes. These shoes may be required for costuming purposes or to achieve an over all aesthetic specific to the show. Please label shoes with your students’ name or initials.
Dressing Room Attire Each student is required to have appropriate undergarments during show time!
Girls
For our female students, we require skintone leotards that they wear under all of their costumes during show time. This makes changing backstage a more comfortable experience for everyone and makes backstage quick changes possible. Please ensure sizing is correct for your student, that they are washed frequently during show time and are labeled with the students’ name.
Some female students may require a skintone bra or bralette to wear under their tan leotard. This is up to your discretion. We want out students to be as comfortable as possible in our backstage/dressing room area. Please ensure they are washed frequently and are labeled with the students’ name.
While it’s not required, we do recognize that some students would feel more comfortable in flesh toned tights under their leotard. We recommend footed semi-opaque tights from a dancewear company like DiscountDance.com. There are many skin tones to choose from so choose what color is right for your student, wash frequently and label with students’ name or initials.
Boys
For our male students, we require compression shorts (white) that they will wear under all of their costumes during show time. This makes changing backstage a more comfortable experience for everyone and makes backstage quick changes possible. Please ensure sizing is correct, that they are washed frequently and are labeled with the students’ name.
For male students, we require that have a white t-shirt as part of their basic undergarments. This makes changing backstage a more comfortable experience and makes backstage quick changes possible. Please ensure they are washed frequently and are labeled with the students’ name.
For our male students, they will be required to have pairs of white and black crew socks. The color will depend on their costume. Please ensure they are washed frequently and are labeled with the students’ name (if possible).
Stage Makeup Your student should be prepared with a theatrical makeup kit!
“Why does my child need to wear stage makeup ?”
There are 4 main reasons why we ask students to have their own personal makeup kit for every show:
- Stage Makeup Enhances Their Natural Facial Features
- Distance Can Diminish Their Facial Features and Expressions
- Stage Lighting Will Wash Out a Performers’ Face
- Costumes Can Overshadow Your Child’s Beautiful Smile
At the end of a long rehearsal period, makeup and costumes are the icing on the cake. The final touches that help our students unlock the final form of their characters.
Below are websites we recommend when purchasing your kit! Be sure to pay special attention to the shades offered and choose the best one for your students’ skin tone.
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