It is imperative that you invest in the correct clothing for your dance journey so that you can maximize your learning, safety, and enjoyment. There are clothes for class, competitions, and other events. This blog will focus on why you should wear the correct clothing in dance classes.
As a ballroom and social dance instructor for many years, I have noticed that ladies often ask or discover the correct dress code for their dancing. When I had my own school and taught social and folkloric styles, our dress code was quite casual overall. However, I loved to wear heels and dresses/skirts to show off my legs, and I noticed that many of the ladies in my classes picked up all or parts of that habit - they’d wear cute dresses and/or heels because I set the example of the sort of appearance one should aspire to for dancing. Later, as a ballroom dance instructor, my colleagues and I always maintained at least a dance business casual standard of dress because it was the policy of the studio. Now that I am once again teaching independently, I maintain that standard because dancing is so important to my life and the lives of my students that I believe it deserves that respect. Consequently, I’ve observed that students find clothes that look similar to mine or ask “where did you get that…” …dress, skirt, top, shoes…anything and everything!
I am always shocked when I go to a studio and see committed students dancing in gym clothes. Although dance is an athletic activity, it is not the gym. Why would you want to look like you were there? Personally, I love to work out, but I’d never want to show up to an elegant environment looking like I do when I’m at the squat rack. For beginners, I understand - they may still be deciding whether the hobby is worth the investment, or they may not have noticed or been made aware of the benefits of proper clothing for dance. But for those consistent, committed, addicted, drinking-the-kool-aid pro-am/hobbyist ladies, I am just at a loss for words.
In the social dance world where things are more casual, I don’t expect to see an end to leggings and t-shirts anytime soon. However, why? I see dance as a place to be my best, most elevated self. Am I going to sweat out a gallon of water in that salsa class? Yes. Am I going to do it wearing clothes that make me feel powerful, feminine, capable, and simply fabulous? Also yes. Now I recognize that “feminine” might not be how every dancer who identifies as a woman wants to feel, so just insert the words that work for you. Chances are the words you chose do not evoke dusty leggings and an old t-shirt!
You may be thinking that this is vain. Well, maybe it is. Another way to look at it is that I see so much beauty and potential in people and in life and I think each person deserves more of a celebration for their effort in schlepping all the way to the studio, rearranging life’s commitments, committing good money on group and private classes, investing in the correct shoes, paying for practice time and events - you do so much in order to make your dancing hobby a worthwhile pursuit then show up in a way that doesn’t present your most aspirational self - it just doesn’t make sense to me! You deserve better.
So with that said, here are my TOP THREE reasons why dressing properly in your dance classes is important:
1. Dance is a visual field where image is a priority. People who look great tend to get more attention from coaches/teachers, are asked to
dance by their peers more often, and receive
preferential treatment. This is because they look good! Some people define “looking good” as a certain body shape or size, and I really can’t wait for this size-ist attitude to cease to exist in the world. To me, everyBODY regardless of age, shape, or size can present their most fabulous self by choosing well-fitting and appropriate clothing for their chosen dance style. Try it and take notice of how different your experience will be!
2. Clothes can help us better understand and connect with our body’s movement. As a lady, I feel that this is especially true for us! Whether we wear a skirt that helps us feel the movement of our hips as it swooshes back and forth, or the flounce on our trousers helps us feel the free-flowing movement we create in the waltz, or our twirly skirt helps us connect with the momentum needed in order to spin, clothes are a crucial part of our physical dance experience, not just the aesthetics of it.
certainly does not carry life-or-death risks of the same magnitude - but let’s see if those who do theatre arts/cabaret styles and routinely go flying through the air feel that way! I bet they take wearing the correct clothes very seriously because a poor choice could easily increase their chances of serious injury. Even for a simple dip, it is important that the clothes won’t get in the way and cause your partner to be unable to support you.At the very least, we want our clothes to support our dance goals and make it easier and more fun rather than stressful and more difficult. For example, wearing clothes that don’t allow for freedom of movement, fall off your body, don’t allow the teacher to see your posture/movement, or have so much volume or certain decorative elements that get in the way of your dance partner can make for a less fun, more stressful experience, and even sometimes less feedback from instructors - it is so sad to waste your money and effort that way!
Are you convinced yet? I am working on a post to tell you exactly what to wear in every ballroom/social dance scenario I can imagine. I believe it’ll help pro-am/hobbyist ladies feel more confident in buying clothes to wear for class and beyond. Interested? Sign up for my email list here!
Also, we specialize in creating customized apparel from class to competition. Ladies, if you are having difficulty finding dance clothes that fit well, flatter your figure, or adequately express your personal style, we offer custom-designed, custom-made mini-collections to help make dressing for dance fool-proof. Contact us to start creating YOUR collection.