Whatever Do I Wear?
March 26, 2010
Whatever Should I Wear?
Another FAQ that I get asked a lot is “what should I wear to a dance class”?
Attire: Instructor responses may vary on this but first of all be comfortable. Slacks and a cool blouse or shirt is best. Some dance class venues are very cold; some are quite warm. If you are cold natured, bring a sweater the first night until you see how the temperature is. Sometimes we don’t know what the venue will be like till we get there. This is a social outing so if you are trying to impress someone I’d leave the frayed jeans at home. But, if its summertime and you are attending a dance workshop in a warm room with no AC, then shorts would be fine.
Shoes: When you are just starting out you want all the help and stability you can get. Wearing spiky open toed/heel shoes for a first lesson would not be my first choice. You haven’t discovered your “dance balance” yet and exceptionally high heels might make things worse. What I like to do with bridal couples is to get their choreography under their belt while wearing more practical shoes; then graduate to the wedding shoes for the last couple of lessons.
Chances are you will step on toes or be stepped on so if it were me I wouldn’t wear open toed shoes. No flip flips or shoes that you slide into (i.e. for ladies this includes clogs, mules, etc.). A secure shoe that can’t fall off your foot is best. You sure don’t want to risk injury on the first lesson. A rubber soled shoe, like a tennis shoe is not ideal as it may cause you to stick on the floor. A leather sole shoe is best and should “slide” allowing you to place your foot in a correct dance position on the dance floor. You don’t need to invest in “practice shoes” unless you know for sure you are going to continue with this new and exciting time on the dance floor. A street shoe will be fine for beginners.
Accessories: It’s good to bring a bottle of water with you to keep hydrated. If you are dancing an hour of high energy East Coast Swing you’ll probably need it. Bring a towel if you tend to perspire. Those who know me well know I don’t go anywhere without my sweat towel! I don’t glisten when I teach and dance, I down right sweat – so have one handy. If you do tend to get overheated while dancing, it’s good to bring an extra shirt and keep it in the car and change into if needed.
Social Dances: Locally most of the ballroom/social dance venues have a “dressy casual” dress code. This translates to no jeans. Ladies typically wear dresses, skirts, or slack and a dressy blouse. Men don’t need a tie or jacket but a nice button down shirt or seasonal sweater is nice. Be sure to inquire about the dress code of a dance event prior to arrival. It may be black tie or cocktail attire; so don’t be caught off guard by arriving in a sundress when everyone else is wearing formal attire.
Other questions? Feel free to contact Pam. And, sign up for my free dance newsletter for more helpful dance tips.
Visit http://sites.google.com/site/usadanceeasternshore/photo-gallery and take a look at what some of the local dancers are wearing. While you’re there, check out the next dance date and join us on the dance floor!
