What To Wear When Dancing

There are really no hard and fast rules to what types of dance clothes to wear, unless you are performing a specific dance in its formal or true setting, such as ballet, or the dance is part of a play in which the actors and actresses wear costumes.

Some dance classes may require that the participants wear such things as leotards and tutus or dance skirts for instructional and practice sessions, and, of course costumes when putting on recitals or performances. Others allow the students to choose their own apparel, as long as it permits free movement and is within the limits of accepted modesty.

If you are not sure what to wear, and there is no established dress code, just keep these things in mind when choosing dance apparel:

As a general rule, it should be loose-fitting, but not so baggy that it interferes with movement by getting wrapped around legs or feet.

• Leggings which mold to the legs are acceptable, as long as they do not restrict movement. If you cannot swing your legs freely from the knees or thighs, the leggings are too tight.
• Athletic pants are good, as they are designed both to allow for free movement and to provide ventilation.
• On top, leotards or body suits are a good choice. They allow for freedom of movement, and present a very sleek, neat appearance.
• Large shirts, such as oversize t-shirts are OK if the class is very informal or if you are practicing dancing at home. Again, they should not be so baggy as to be able to wrap around one’s waist or hips.
• Tights, pantyhose, or socks make dance shoes fit better, and allow for better movement. However, some people prefer to dance barefoot. If it is allowed, or you are in the privacy of your home, then that is fine.