Embarking on your journey to become a better dancer but unsure of what to wear to dance class? It can be especially intimidating if you’re only just starting out.
Dance styles are diverse, and each style typically calls for different clothing or footwear – some highly specific. While the type of clothing you wear may seem insignificant to the learning process, there are a number of choices that can hinder your movement or ability to fix posture.
This blog post is designed to help you know exactly what to wear to your dance classes. We don’t want you to second-guess yourself, or feel uncomfortable during your first class – the goal is to ensure you’re comfortable and can move freely.
The Importance of Dress Code in Dancing
What you wear to a dance class can significantly impact what you get out of the experience.
The dress code for dance classes largely depends on the style of dance. For instance, ballet dancers often wear leotards and ballet shoes, while hip-hop dancers opt for flexible, loose-fitting clothing (like athletic wear).
You must feel comfortable and confident in your outfit when you step out onto the dance floor.
It should help you move appropriately within the context of the dance style, and help you feel confident. Proper dancewear is essential for dancers of all skill levels. Regardless of your entry point into the world of dance, you’ll need to adopt a corresponding outfit.
While tight-fitting clothes help instructors to see and correct your posture as you move, ensuring you learn the correct technique and movements in ballet or jazz, hip hop is a little less restrictive.
On One Studios offers Bay Area dance classes tailored to accommodate a range of different styles, ensuring everyone can find a stylistic form that suits their personality.
What to Wear to Different Styles of Dance Class
Not every dance class requires specific, specialized, or expensive dancewear. The priority should always be comfort and suitability – which may be dependent upon the style of dance.
Below are some common dance styles and their recommended outfits:
Hip Hop
Hip Hop dance is known for its vibrant and energetic style. Wearing comfortable, lightweight clothing like loose t-shirts and sweatpants can facilitate easier movement. You don’t want super heavy cargo pants weighing you down, for example. Streetwear, especially baggy trousers, are also common as they provide better flow for certain dance moves.
For shoes, opt for trainers with less grip to move quickly across the dance floor. We’ve created a blog post specific to our recommendations for what to wear to hip-hop classes.
Jazz
In jazz dance classes, the clothing should be tight-fitting to make it easier to see (and perfect) your posture. Leggings are a common choice, along with jazz shoes, dress shoes, or jazz trainers. If you don’t have these, bare feet are also acceptable.
You can view all our available jazz dance classes at On One Dance Studios.
Ballet
Ballet dancers typically wear tight-fitting clothing to easily have their posture checked. That becomes more difficult without form-fitting clothing.
Yoga clothing, unitards, or a leotard with tights are good choices.
For shoes, soft ballet shoes are recommended. If you’re attending your first few ballet classes, socks with grip (like yoga socks) are suitable. However, for pointe classes, you’ll need pointe shoes fitted professionally.
The ability to see your ankles is important to check for positioning.
Ballroom Dance
Ballroom dance is all about elegance and precision.
Lightweight, breathable clothing is crucial for any ballroom dance lesson. Consider wearing a flared or flowy dress or skirt, or a button-up and slacks for men. For footwear, opt for dress shoes or comfortable heels. Ensure you can dance safely in the shoes you choose.
Contemporary Dance
In contemporary dance, loose-fitting clothes or leggings are always ideal. Layers are recommended to keep your body warm.
Contemporary dancers usually dance barefoot, but you can wear contemporary half shoes or foot gloves for more advanced classes.
Understanding the dress code for each dance style is essential for your comfort and safety during dance classes.
Now you’re ready to hit the dance floor with confidence!
Common Dance Fits for Men and Women
While different dance styles call for different outfits, there are certain clothing options that provide better comfort and movement for both men and women.
Sports Bras and Athletic Underwear
Comfortable underwear, including sports bras for women and athletic underwear for men, can prevent potential injuries. Athletic wear like leggings, tank tops, and sports bras are excellent choices as they provide comfort and support – while still allowing for mobility.
Yoga Pants
Yoga pants are a versatile choice for many dance styles. They provide a snug fit that can help with posture and movement, even for dancers at advanced levels. While not appropriate for a ballroom dance lesson, they’re important for many contemporary and hip-hop styles.
Warm-ups
Warm-ups include leg warmers, booties for your feet, sweaters, and extra skirts or shorts. Having a variety of suitable extra clothing can help keep your muscles warm, especially at the start of the class. These are typically layered over a leotard. A backup pair of clothing is also a great idea in cases of tears or runs.
How to Choose the Best Type of Footwear for Dancing
Footwear plays a critical role in the dance. Think of ballet – the shoe serves a functional purpose. It not only affects movement but also supports and complements certain dance styles.
Shoes with Suede Soles
Suede soles are typically used for ballroom dance, as they facilitate glides and spins on the dance floor easily.
Shoes with Rubber Soles
Shoes with rubber soles are not advisable as they can hinder footwork that requires spins or slides. Shoes that will fall off easily are also not recommended. This includes slip-ons, Crocs, flip-flops, and sandals. Conversely, heavier shoes are also non-functional during most dance routines.
Shoes for Latin Dance
Latin dance styles such as Salsa, Bachata, and others require specific Latin dance shoes. Gentlemen’s Latin dance shoes have a higher and narrower heel (Cuban heel) compared to contemporary dress shoes. These kinds of shoes are also commonly used in a ballroom dance lesson.
Shoes for Hip-Hop Dance
For hip-hop dance, the best choice would be dance sneakers that are snug but not explicitly uncomfortable. The fit shouldn’t be as loose as traditional sneakers.
Ready to Step Onto the Dance Floor?
Functionally, the right dancewear can significantly impact comfort, movement, and the overall dance experience. It may seem insignificant, but it can help dramatically improve (or hinder) mobility during lessons. Again, it all depends on the style of dance.
So, whether you’re a beginner or just looking to expand your experiences stylistically, remember to dress accordingly. Intrigued and ready to explore the world of dance? On One Dance Studios offers drop-in and standard class pack pricing, across a range of styles and skill levels.
Sign up for our dance classes today!
Frequently Asked Questions About What to Wear to Dance Class
These are some of the most frequently asked questions about what to wear to dance class.
What should I wear to my first dance class?
Choose comfortable clothing that allows you to move freely and comfortably. Opt for a baggy t-shirt over a form-fitting dress.
What kind of shoes do you wear to dance class?
Shoes with a leather or suede sole are best.
What do girls wear to modern dance classes?
Girls typically wear black leggings with any color leotard or form-fitting shirt. Long hair should be tied back.
Why is dress code important in dance class?
A dress code ensures adequate mobility during class or rehearsal. Improper clothing can impact technique, precision, and visibility.
What are the don’ts in terms of outfits and dance shoes?
Avoid attire that restricts movement, is too revealing, or uncomfortable. It’s essential to consider your comfort and your partner’s comfort during dance lessons.