Appropriate Halloween costumes to wear to dance class

Does your studio allow you (or your children) to wear Halloween costumes to class in the days leading up to the holiday?  If so, here are some guidelines on what to wear to make sure you are safe, comfortable, and able to have a good time.

1.  You may not be able to wear the costume you plan to wear for trick-or-treating.  You may need to pick a different costume that is easier or safer to dance in (or is more appropriate for the family environment of a dance studio).  Costumes based on accessories like tutus, secure hats, or capes/jackets are usually good choices.  You can also choose dancewear in certain colors in order to emulate a character.

2.  Wear your usual dance clothes under your costume.  If you normally wear a leo and tights to ballet or jazz pants and a tank to tap, wear these clothes under your costume (or as part of your costume).  You must wear your usual dance shoes, even if they do not go with your costume.

3.  Be aware that many commercial Halloween costumes are made of non-breathable polyester material.  Wearing them while you dance can make you very hot and uncomfortable.  It is ok to take your costume off if you feel too hot or faint.  Parents, avoid sending your child to dance in full costume if your child has a very heavy, warm costume and/or has health issues like asthma, diabetes, or heart problems.

4.  Avoid costume items that can be tripped over (like cat tails), easily fall off (like unsecured hats), or obscure your vision (like masks).   Do not wear a wig or jewelry.  Also, avoid costumes that are very scary or “adult”/offensive.

5.  Face paint or elaborate makeup tends to melt off when you sweat, so while it is a totally acceptable choice, it may not be the best for staying on.

6.  Need some examples or inspiration? 

-Princess: crown and skirt/tutu

-80’s workout Barbie: leotard over dark tights or leggings, legwarmers, sweatshirt, high side ponytail with scrunchie

-Red riding hood: red cape with hood

- Boo (from Monsters’ INC): hair in pigtails, pink shirt, purple leggings

 -Cat: all you need are ears! (this can easily work for another animal like a dog or a bunny)

- Nerd: suspenders and nerd glasses (works well with jazz pants)

-Peter Pan: green shirt or leotard, hat (easily secured with bobby pins

-Tweedle Dee/Dum (good choice to coordinate with a friend): yellow shirt, red pants, blue bow tie

- Vampire: black and red dancewear, red lipstick, short cape

- Tourist: Hawaiian shirt (if you can, add cargo shorts)

- Superhero: any colored leotard or shirt and bootie shorts, leggings, or pants (match character’s colors), short cape.  Print out the character’s logo and pin it to your chest.

-Cowboy/girl: hat (secure with bobby pins or strap under chin), bandana around neck

-Doctor/nurse/vet: lab coat and/or scrub top

-Clara (from Nutcracker): white or light pink nightgown, hair bow

-Sports star: any jersey