Your Guide to Ballroom Dancing Gear
If you've ever watched 'Dancing with the Stars', you've seen some crazy, elegant, bold, sensational and glamorous dance attire. The right dance costumes can accentuate the routine and add confidence to any dancer. But no one wants to experience a wardrobe malfunction or break heels mid dance show. Selecting the best dance gear and choosing appropriate dance attire is very important - no matter if you are competing professionally or taking social ballroom dance lessons at our studio.
Here's everything you need to to know about dance fashion tips and choosing the right ballroom dance shoes. Read our beginner's guide about what to wear to ballroom dance lessons, including dance attire, dance shoes, dancewear recommendations. Check it out!
Dance Shoes
Dance shoes are essential for any ballroom dancer. They're an investment in you. Shoe height, material, toe design (closed or open), and maintenance all need to be considered. When buying dance shoes, you want a (1) low, supportive heel, (2) suede sole, and (3) good material quality and dance brand. At studio dance lessons, beginner dance newbies can wear a low heel shoe or dance sneakers. Dance sneakers, ballet shoe flats or women's yoga socks may be worn for our Barre fitness or ballet classes.
Women's Dance Shoes
Most dance students start with a basic dance shoe - either a strappy Latin open heel or a closed practice character heel like Women's Capezio Character Shoe. Closed toed shoes are best for smooth style dancing like the waltz and foxtrot. 2.5" shoe height and flesh-toned nude in color are typically the standard heel height and color choices for both Latin and Smooth dance styles. Higher heels (taller than 3.25") are not recommended as it is harder to balance and maintain proper gait during lessons. Intermediate to advanced ballroom dancers may select higher heel shoes for Tango dancing. Tango shoes are often flashier, with more embellishments and can be colorful in various hues or added sparkles.
Dance Shoe Maintenance
No matter what dance shoes you choose, we strongly recommend you do not wear your dance shoes outside of the ballroom. Wearing dance shoes as typical street wear can damage the sole. It's best to store your shoes in a dance shoe bag and bring the shoes to our dance studio. If you arrive 5 minutes early, you'll have enough time to change into your dance shoes prior to the start of class. Shoe odor balls are also recommended for best daily maintenance and to avoid pungent odors from our dance workouts.
Dance Attire: What to Wear to Ballroom Dance Lessons
Ballroom dance fashion is ever evolving; hues, graphics and patterns can dazzle audiences during performances. In dance lessons, however, your clothes should allow for flexible movements and flow with your body. Comfort is key. Tight fitting clothes may restrict dance motions.
Recommended Women's Dancewear
Although dance skirts are optional, many of our female dancers prefer wearing flowy midi skirts and draped stretchy skirts for Latin numbers. Longer chiffon maxi skirts and even maxi dresses are great for smooth styles. A simple sheer ballet-style wrap skirt can also be a comfortable alternative for either dance.
Wedding Dance Classes
At our wedding dance lessons, we recommend couples always practice in their chosen dance shoes. Many brides will often wear a wedding dance practice veil while bridesmaids bring belly dancing skirts to shake off the calories at our fun fitness choreography bridal workshops.
Dance Costumes: What to Wear to Perform
The sayings "dress to impress" and "dress for the job you want" can also apply to competitive ballroom dancesport performances. Dance fashion amplifies the glitz and glamor of ballroom dancing performances. If you are dancing a 1920s style Charleston, for instance, wearing a fun fringe flapper dress or Gatsby-like sequin maxi dress with 1920s dance party accessories can easily get you in the mood to perform. A simple accessory like a masquerade party mask or Men's bow tie brings an added element of theatricality to a Phantom of the Opera inspired Waltz routine. Whether you are performing at our Spotlight Show, competing at a Pro-Am dancesport event, or attending one of our monthly dance parties - your chosen dance fashion showcases the ballroom dance character you play with fuller confidence.
Dance Gear: Strengthening Exercises
Two health benefits to learning ballroom dancing include better posture and more flexibility. To improve your dance stretch or relax tight muscles, you might consider using a dance stretch band and muscle foam roller massage stick. Both items can aid your dance journey and are strongly suggested for our competitive dancers.
