Costuming Midriff Policy

Revised Apparel Guidelines: "Missouri's Modesty Rule"

  • Modesty Rule for Dance Costumes: Missouri dance teams are expected to wear costumes that are appropriate for education-based activities and approved by the local school administration for performances and competitions. It is the school coach(es) responsibility to be knowledgeable of all NFHS and MSHSAA rules regarding dance and to covey these rules to any company or individual providing a service to the school team (i.e. choreographers, seamstress, prop designer, etc.).
  • When the participant is standing at attention, no part of the buttocks, breast, or midriff shall be visible.
  • Midriff is defined in Missouri as:
    • On the front (and sides) of the body from the breast area to the inseam of your leg.
    • On the back, the cut cannot be below the natural waist line.  The opening in the back does not have to have material inserted; the back can be opened and bare skin. The back opening cannot go into the sides. 
  • Bare skin, nude-colored coverings or any material that gives the illusion of flesh shall not be part of the costume in the midriff area.
  • Footwear must comply with NFHS Rule 4-1-5.
  • Participants shall not be permitted to perform/compete in illegal attire.

Statement issued by MDTA

In conjunction with MSHSAA,  MDTA has delineated parts 2 and 3 for apparel/costuming  for dance teams in the state of Missouri to mean:

 

  • Part 2 - The back of a uniform/costume may have an open back as long as it does not fall below the natural waistline. It may not extend to the sides of the body or it will be considered illegal.
  • Part 3 - Nude or the illusion of bare skin shall not be allowed in the midriff area. However, any other color will be allowed.  Lace will be deemed acceptable as long as it another color other than "nude" and does not allow skin to overshadow the lace material. For ALL 2015-16 contests, if a costume is deemed inappropriate in regards to lace, a warning will be issued but no penalty assessed. If this is an issue the policy will be re-evaluated and modified accordingly.  Fishnet material will be considered illegal due to the nature of allowing the skin to be exposed.

 

 

Penalties will be assessed  at the MDTA State Championship.

 

OFFICIAL MSHSAA LANGUAGE

Modesty Rule for Dance Costumes: Missouri dance teams are expected to wear costumes that are appropriate for education-based activities and approved by the local school administration for performances and competitions. It is the school coach(es) responsibility to be knowledgeable of all NFHS and MSHSAA rules regarding dance and to covey these rules to any company or individual providing a service to the school team (i.e. choreographers, seamstress, prop designer, etc.).

  1. When the participant is standing at attention, no part of the buttocks, breast, or midriff shall be visible.
  2. Midriff is defined in Missouri as 3 inches above the belly button all the way around the body. Teams may have a cutout or open back costume. However, if the cut is below the natural waist line in the back the costume is illegal.
  3. Bare skin, nude-colored coverings or any material that gives the illusion of flesh shall not be part of the costume in the midriff area.
  4. Footwear must comply with NFHS Rule 4-1-5. 5. Participants shall not be permitted to perform/compete in illegal attire. 

 

For all questions regarding costuming, should go to Brett Elder @ [email protected]