Costumes & Practice Attire
A quick, practical guide for PUDS dancers and families: what to wear to practice, what each competitive group needs, and what’s included in costume rentals.
Questions? Email info@pudsociety.ca
What to wear to practice
Practice attire should be comfortable, fitted, and safe for movement (no loose hoodies/sweaters).
Female dancers
- Hair: secure hair back and out of the face (bun, braid, ponytail, or clips/headband for shorter hair).
- Sports bra: black, nude, or white (if needed).
- Bodysuit: required (short, not “booty” shorts allowed for comfort).
- Tights: black or nude.
- Ballet skirt: required (any color/pattern acceptable).
- No hoodies/sweaters: fitted top over bodysuit is OK.
- Warm-up shoes: leather ballet slippers; Kosiv and older can wear elasta booties.
Male dancers
- Hair: keep hair neat and out of the face; if it’s long, tie it back securely.
- Top: plain fitted black t-shirt (small logo OK), no tank tops.
- Pants: tight-fitting pants, no shorts.
- Undergarments: appropriate support if required for your group.
- Warm-up shoes: leather ballet slippers; Kosiv and older can wear elasta booties.
Solos / Duets / Trios
All dancers wear their practice attire for solo, duet, and trio classes unless instructors say otherwise.
Competitive costumes
Note: If options are listed, the first option is preferred. Depending on availability, the entire group must match.
Beginner / Kyiv / Lviv: girls wear red slippers; boys wear black slippers.
For leather footwear, Capezio or Bloch are preferred brands (please confirm color with the costume director if using a different brand).
Ladies (all groups)
- Hair: double French braids, ends tucked and secured; sewn if possible (matching thread) or pinned. No visible ribbons/ties. Hair nets matching hair color.
- Tights/nylons: required for all ages (match skin tone).
- Stage makeup: use age-appropriate guidelines.
- Sports bra: nude or white, appropriate support.
Group checklist
- Nude or white tank top
- White bike shorts (if needed; depends on costume)
- Red leather ballet slippers
- Nude or white tank top
- White half slip
- Red leather ballet slippers
- Nude or white tank top
- White half slip
- Red leather ballet slippers
- Sleeveless nude/white bodysuit (may have built-in shorts)
- White half slip
- Black leather Paris teaching shoe + black elastic
- Sleeveless nude bodysuit (may have built-in shorts)
- White half slip
- Black leather character shoes
- Red leather boots
Gentlemen (all groups)
- Hair: secured with product (not overly bouncy); bun if long enough.
- Base layer: white muscle shirt.
- Stage makeup: use age-appropriate guidelines.
- Kosiv and younger: white or light grey boxers/bike shorts.
- Adults: light-colored compression shorts (or a dance belt if recommended).
Group checklist
- Black leather ballet slippers
- Black leather elasta booties (no laces)
Costume rental & required purchases
To help keep costs minimal, PUDS does not require families to purchase costumes. We rent out club-owned costumes for $50 per costume, per dancer.
Each costume requires a damage deposit equal to its replacement value if it is returned unwearable, lost, stolen, or not returned at the end of the season.
Not included in tuition or costume rental fees
- All practice attire
- All dance shoes/boots required for practice and/or costumes
- All undergarments required under costumes
- Required purchases: each dancer provides their own shoes, stockings/nylons, makeup, and hair supplies
Sometimes, PUDS may have gently used items available at a discount (we’ll advertise when available). Some costumes may require specially made shoes provided by PUDS; these remain PUDS property and must be returned with the costume.
Photo highlights
A few moments from our performances.
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