Hint: Dancewear
Part 1
The Universal Question
Almost every future ballroom dance student wants to know about dancewear. She (or he) is usually a little hesitant about asking, so I tell her to wear something fabulous. And I mean it. Have you ever heard a judge on Dancing with the Stars critique a contestant for wearing too many rhinestones? The ballroom world would stop spinning. Is there such a thing as too much spray tan? Ha! And if you still think I’m kidding about the fabulous thing, your first week’s homework assignment WILL INCLUDE Liza Minnelli and/or Tina Sparkles (Strictly Ballroom should be an assignment anyway) and/or a Victoria’s Secret fashion show. If only to prepare you. Folks, chime in with your comments here if you can back me up on this.
Honestly, I’ll probably be wearing all black when you arrive. I have fifteen or twenty pairs of the same black pants. To my girlfriend’s chagrin, I wear black sneakers with the pants even though they have cuffs. I was profoundly happy when I found my ideal black t-shirt, one that I could purchase in sufficient quantity to wear for three weeks on end without appearing to have had a change of clothes. This. Is. My. Uniform. [Ed. Girlfriend: I’ve tried. He once wore a beautiful, blue plaid shirt on vacation, but a sea of black has buried it somewhere. We’re currently working on not tucking t-shirts into jeans. This is harder than it sounds.]
Still, I stand by my assertion that you should wear something fabulous. Really. What to wear confuses us all, and I’ve defaulted to black, as many dance teachers do, for simplicity’s sake. If someone has ever told to wear what makes you feel comfortable to dance, fine, but it’s like an invitation prescribing “dressy casual” attire. If it leaves you, as it does me, scratching your head, read on, dear dancers. At this point my wardrobe may have permanently tattooed the armoire space an inky black, but it doesn’t have to be your fate.
Okay, So What the Heck is Dancewear?
At its simplest, dance marries artistry to sport. Posture, muscle isolations, expansive flexibility, endurance, precise footwork, and dozens of other considerations constitute the physical, athletic aspect of dance. And like any other sport, dance has its gear. “Dancewear” may not be a word as far as spell checker is concerned, but I promise you Google has other thoughts on the matter, and you’ll find a wide variety of dancewear options online. Its primary requirements are that it’s breathable and offers a range of movement. Though dance attire isn’t standardized in the same way uniforms might be, it should all have these two things in common. Armed with this knowledge, you can shop your own closet, attack the mall with a mission, or haul off and buy some capital-D dancewear.
Men’s Attire for Your First Lesson
When it comes to your first ballroom dance lesson, it’s all about balancing comfort with a touch of style. Here’s a guide to help you make the right wardrobe choices:
- Business Casual: A shirt and dress pants are a classic choice. This attire provides the flexibility required for dancing while maintaining a polished look.
- Casual Options: Given the humid climate, shorts and a t-shirt are perfectly acceptable. Jeans paired with a t-shirt also work if you prefer something more relaxed.
Most dancers find that jeans fall into the too-restrictive category, but there’s nothing inherently verboten about them. For both men and ladies, clothing that easily permits a full stride is necessary, as are shirts that allow us to raise our arms. Smooth (waltz, tango, foxtrot) and rhythm (swing, salsa, rumba, cha cha, samba) dances draw on different techniques that are reflected in the standard gear for those dances.
Generally, it’s helpful for an instructor to see the bending and straightening of the legs when students are practicing rhythm. Long, full skirts—completely appropriate for smooth dances—are a hindrance in rhythm. Likewise, tight, pencil-like skirts inhibit the graceful, extended strides of smooth dances. Be aware of jewelry that could get tangled up, of baggy clothing that conceals the hard work of the body, and of anything that restricts movement.
Shoes
For footwear, while dress shoes are ideal, comfort is key. Many have danced successfully in sneakers, sandals, or even cowboy boots. Just ensure whatever you choose allows you to move with ease. However, please steer clear of flip-flops as they can hinder your dancing experience.
By blending style with flexibility, you can enjoy your dance lesson to the fullest. Whether you’re raiding your closet or exploring new dancewear options, the key is comfort and freedom of movement.
Flip-flops are not recommended as suitable footwear for dancing.
Yes, wearing comfortable attire that allows freedom of movement is essential, especially for dancing.
Dress shoes are ideal, but sneakers, sandals, and cowboy boots are acceptable as well. Flip-flops, however, should be avoided.
In Florida’s relaxed climate, shorts and a t-shirt or jeans and a t-shirt are also suitable options.
Business casual is the go-to choice, which includes a shirt paired with dress pants.
Men’s Attire for Your First Lesson
When it comes to your first ballroom dance lesson, it’s all about balancing comfort with a touch of style. Here’s a guide to help you make the right wardrobe choices:
- Business Casual: A shirt and dress pants are a classic choice. This attire provides the flexibility required for dancing while maintaining a polished look.
- Casual Options: Given the Floridian climate, shorts and a t-shirt are perfectly acceptable. Jeans paired with a t-shirt also work if you prefer something more relaxed.
Most dancers find that jeans fall into the too-restrictive category, but there’s nothing inherently verboten about them. For both men and ladies, clothing that easily permits a full stride is necessary, as are shirts that allow us to raise our arms. Smooth (waltz, tango, foxtrot) and rhythm (swing, salsa, rumba, cha cha, samba) dances draw on different techniques that are reflected in the standard gear for those dances.
Generally, it’s helpful for an instructor to see the bending and straightening of the legs when students are practicing rhythm. Long, full skirts—completely appropriate for smooth dances—are a hindrance in rhythm. Likewise, tight, pencil-like skirts inhibit the graceful, extended strides of smooth dances. Be aware of jewelry that could get tangled up, of baggy clothing that conceals the hard work of the body, and of anything that restricts movement.
Shoes
For footwear, while dress shoes are ideal, comfort is key. Many have danced successfully in sneakers, sandals, or even cowboy boots. Just ensure whatever you choose allows you to move with ease. However, please steer clear of flip-flops as they can hinder your dancing experience.
By blending style with flexibility, you can enjoy your dance lesson to the fullest. Whether you’re raiding your closet or exploring new dancewear options, the key is comfort and freedom of movement.
Most dancers find that jeans fall into the too-restrictive category, but there’s nothing inherently verboten about them. For both men and ladies, clothing that easily permits a full stride is necessary, as are shirts that allow us to raise our arms. Smooth (waltz, tango, foxtrot) and rhythm (swing, salsa, rumba, cha cha, samba) dances draw on different techniques that are reflected in the standard gear for those dances. Generally, it’s helpful for an instructor to see the bending and straightening of the legs when students are practicing rhythm. Long, full skirts—completely appropriate for smooth dances—are a hindrance in rhythm. Likewise, tight, pencil-like skirts inhibit the graceful, extended strides of smooth dances. Be aware of jewelry that could get tangled up, of baggy clothing that conceals the hard work of the body, and of anything that restricts movement.
Ballroom Dance Shoes…The First and Last Thing to Trip up a Dancer
Shoes are a whole other ball of wax, and their discussion could easily constitute another ten blog posts. (Dance cocktail party tip: If you can’t think of anything to say, ask someone about their shoes. Guaranteed conversation.) Suffice it to say, shoes with leather soles are preferable to ones with a rubber one, and, eventually, proper ballroom shoes are preferable to street shoes. Rubber soles lend themselves to twisted ankles and a host of other indignities. Good ballroom shoes fit securely on the feet, offer a suede sole for the right amount of grip, and bend easily enough for a dancer to articulate his or her feet.
For beginners, however, flexibility is key. You might find yourself in dress shoes, sneakers, or even cowboy boots, depending on what you have available. The important thing is to choose footwear that allows you to feel comfortable and confident on the dance floor. Just remember to avoid flip-flops, as they can be hazardous when engaging in dance movements.
Ultimately, as you progress, investing in a pair of quality ballroom shoes will enhance your dancing experience, offering better support and movement. But until then, prioritize comfort and safety with the shoes you have ready at home.
In Part 2, we’ll go into a little more detail about clothing and address the other part of the dance equation—artistry. For now, drop me a comment. What have you found that works and doesn’t work for dance? I may even tell you about my epic wardrobe fail from back in the disco days.
