Dancing is an enjoyable and exhilarating activity that is loved by many. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced dancer, the right clothing is crucial for a comfortable and confident dance experience. Here are some tips on what to wear to dance class.
Dress According to the Dance Style
Different dance styles have different clothing requirements. Scroll down to view what you should wear for each style!!!
What to wear to ballet class?
Ballet is a graceful and elegant dance form that requires precision and control. It's important to wear clothing that allows for full range of motion and shows off the lines of the body. Here are some tips on what to wear to ballet class:
Leotard
A leotard is the most common attire for ballet class. It's a form-fitting, one-piece garment that allows for full range of motion and helps the instructor see your body placement. Choose a leotard made of breathable and stretchy fabric such as cotton or spandex. A classic color such as black, white, or pink is a good option.
Tights
Tights are worn over the leotard to provide coverage and show off the lines of the legs. Choose tights made of breathable and stretchy fabric such as nylon or lycra. Convertible tights, which can be rolled up to the ankle or foot, are a good option as they allow for the instructor to see your foot placement.
Ballet Shoes
Ballet shoes are specially designed for the style and provide support and flexibility. They are made of soft leather or canvas and have a full sole or a split sole. Full sole shoes provide more support, while split sole shoes allow for more flexibility in the arch of the foot. Make sure to choose shoes that fit well and are comfortable to dance in.
Ballet Dance Socks
Stay supported at the barre, or in center floor with ballet dance socks. this can be worn either under or over your ballet slippers or even your pointe shoes! These keep your arches hugged and your ankles supported! Try pairing with ballet leg warmers!
What to wear to hip hop dance class?
Hip hop is a popular dance style that combines elements of street dance, funk, and breakdancing. When it comes to hip hop dancewear, there are some key elements to keep in mind.
Loose-fitting Clothes
Hip hop is a high-energy dance style that requires a lot of movement. To allow for maximum range of motion, it's best to wear loose-fitting clothes. Baggy pants, oversized t-shirts, and hoodies are all great options. You can also wear sweatpants or joggers for a comfortable and relaxed look.
Sneakers
A good pair of sneakers is essential for hip hop dancing. Look for shoes with a flat sole and good traction to allow for quick turns and movements. Sneakers with a high-top design can provide extra ankle support and protection. Avoid wearing shoes with a lot of cushioning, as this can make it difficult to feel the floor beneath you.
Hip Hop Dance Socks
Take your breaking to the next level. Stay supported while busting a move. These hip hop dance socks will keep you feeling energized throughout your entire session!
What to wear to ballroom dance class?
Ballroom dancing is an elegant and graceful dance style that requires proper attire to enhance the experience. Here are some tips on what to wear to ballroom dance classes.
Women's Attire
Women usually wear a ballroom dance dress or skirt for ballroom dance classes. Choose a dress or skirt that is comfortable and allows for easy movement. A dress or skirt that flares out when you spin can add to the elegance of the dance. A classic ballroom dress is usually made of lightweight fabric, such as chiffon or silk, and may have layers of tulle to add volume. Wear shoes with a closed-toe design that provide good support and allow for easy movement.
Men's Attire
Men typically wear dress pants, dress shirt, and a tie for ballroom dance classes. Choose a shirt that fits well and allows for easy movement. Dress pants should be comfortable and provide adequate support for your movements. Wear dress shoes with a low heel that allow for easy pivoting and movement.
Ballroom Dance Socks
With your movements being so intricate and quickly paced, don't second guess your ballroom socks. You need something that moves with you, and supports you. Here are our recommendations for men's ballroom dance socks and women's ballroom dance socks.
What to wear for contemporary dance class?
Contemporary dance is a modern dance style that combines elements of ballet, jazz, and modern dance. It's a free-flowing and expressive dance style that allows for individual interpretation and creativity. Here are some tips on what to wear to contemporary dance classes.
Comfortable Clothing
Contemporary dance requires a lot of movement and flexibility, so it's important to wear comfortable clothing that allows for easy movement. Choose clothes made of stretchy and lightweight fabrics like cotton or spandex. Fitted clothes like leggings, shorts, or tank tops can allow your instructor to better see your movements and give you corrections.
Bare Feet or Dance Shoes
Most contemporary dance classes are done barefoot or with dance shoes. If you prefer to wear shoes, look for shoes with a flexible sole that allows for easy movement and provides some traction on the dance floor. Dance shoes like ballet flats or jazz shoes can also be a good option.
Contemporary Dance Socks
There is nothing better than staying grounded in your movement, contemporary dance socks with traction allow you to feel the ground, while still staying supported throughout your practice.
What to wear for jazz dance class?
Jazz dance is a high-energy dance style that incorporates elements of ballet, modern, and African dance. It's a dynamic and expressive style that allows for individual interpretation and creativity. Here are some tips on what to wear to jazz dance classes.
Fitted Clothing
Jazz dance requires a lot of movement, so it's important to wear fitted clothing that allows for easy movement and shows off your lines. Choose clothes made of stretchy and breathable fabrics like spandex or lycra. Fitted tops and leggings or shorts are great options. Avoid wearing baggy clothes as they can get in the way and make it difficult for your instructor to see your movements.
Dance Shoes
Jazz dance shoes are specially designed for the style and provide support and flexibility. Jazz shoes are made of soft leather or canvas with a split sole to allow for flexibility in the arch of the foot. Some jazz shoes have a small heel to provide some support and add some height.
Wearing a sock under or over your jazz shoes is a perfect solution to adding more support to your shoes.
What to wear to tap class?
Tap dance is a rhythmic and percussive dance style that involves creating sounds with your feet using special shoes with metal taps on the heel and toe. Here are some tips on what to wear to tap dance classes.
Fitted Clothing
Tap dance requires a lot of movement, so it's important to wear fitted clothing that allows for easy movement and shows off your lines. Choose clothes made of stretchy and breathable fabrics like spandex or lycra. Fitted tops and leggings or shorts are great options. Avoid wearing baggy clothes as they can get in the way and make it difficult for your instructor to see your movements.
Tap Shoes
Tap shoes are specially designed for the style and provide support and flexibility. They have metal taps on the heel and toe that create a unique sound when tapped against the floor. Make sure to wear tap shoes with a comfortable fit that allows for some room for your toes to move. If you're new to tap dance, you may want to start with beginner tap shoes that have a smaller tap to make it easier to learn the basic steps.
Tap Dance Socks
Your ankles need to stay loose in tap in order to create all your sounds! These socks allow full range of motion while still offering arch and ankle support!
Hair for Dance Class:
When it comes to dance, having your hair out of your face and secured is important. Here are some tips on how to wear your hair for different types of dance classes:
Ballet: For ballet, a classic bun is the most common hairstyle. This helps to keep the hair out of the way while allowing for clear head and neck movements. Make sure to use bobby pins and a hair net to keep the bun secure.
Hip hop: For hip hop, a high ponytail or braids can be a good option. This allows for movement while keeping the hair secured and out of the face.
Contemporary: For contemporary dance, a low bun or a half-up, half-down hairstyle can work well. It's important to ensure that the hair is secured and won't come undone during movements.
Jazz: For jazz dance, a ponytail, bun, or braids can work well. The key is to ensure that the hair is secured and won't become a distraction during movements.
Tap: For tap dance, a ponytail or braids can be a good option. Make sure the hair is secured and won't come loose during movements.
In general, it's best to avoid loose hair as it can become a distraction during dance. Make sure to use hair ties, bobby pins, and hair nets to keep the hair secure and out of the way. Additionally, it's important to choose hairstyles that won't come undone during movements, as this can be dangerous and distracting.
Accessories
While dancing, it's important to avoid wearing any accessories that may cause injury or hinder your movements. Avoid wearing jewelry that may get in the way, like necklaces or bracelets. However, earrings or studs are usually fine. Hair accessories like headbands or hair ties can be useful for keeping your hair out of your face.
