Dress Code

That Great Dance (TGD) enforces a formal dress code to support effective social training and to safeguard the dignity and focus of its young participants. Dress codes have formed an integral part of educational and formative institutions throughout history, serving as a time-honored means of expressing respect, fostering camaraderie, and minimizing distractions. Through dance instruction at TGD, young men and women are expected to engage with one another in closer physical proximity than the modern digital age typically promotes. Therefore, our aim is for every participant to demonstrate the utmost respect for their partners, enabling them to concentrate fully on meaningful face-to-face interaction. As Dale Carnegie observes in his timeless work, How to Win Friends and Influence People, one of the most fundamental human desires is to feel important. Fulfilling this for your dance partner requires a genuine interest in the partner’s well-being, paired with the sincere presentation of one’s finest self—through hygiene and decorous attire.

Ladies' Dress Code

- Overall: Ladies must wear a dress or a skirt that must be long enough to go below the knees when sitting and standing. This includes any slits, so please pin them closed if necessary. Please don't wear tight dresses, skirts or shirts. Leggings do not count as an extension of your skirt/dress.

- Blouses: Tops must have at least a 1-inch strap and low necklines, visible midriff, and visible bra straps are not allowed. Additionally, an external corset or the appearance of an external corset is not allowed.

- Undergarments: Please wear shorts under your dress/skirt.

- Shoes: We recommend closed toe dance shoes. The shoe must have a heel strap or backing. Sneakers, Converse, Sandals are not permitted and boots are not recommended. (Shoes must be worn the entire night.)

Gentlemen's Dress Code

- Overall: Gentlemen must wear dress pants (slacks or khakis), a long-sleeve dress shirt (button-up), a belt, and a tie (long tie or bow tie). The sleeves of a dress shirt may be rolled up to just below the elbow.

- Accessories: Belts and ties are mandatory.

- Shoes: Dance shoes/Dress shoes are required. No sneakers or Converse. (Shoes must be worn the entire night.)

There are exceptions to the dress code for the 1950s Sock Hop and Western theme nights.