Are you one of those people that can’t help but bust a move to a good beat? Whether it’s the occasional dance party in your room or strutting your stuff at a party, you sure know how to get groovy. While the latter isn’t really a common occurrence these days thank to the pandemic, you’re not letting that stop you from having a bit of fun. And why should that fun be limited to your at-home dancing sessions when you can do so much more?
This is the kind of thinking that leads most people into taking up dance classes. Sure, it might seem like an easy thing to do at first glance but it takes a lot of determination and hard work to get all the moves right. But above all else, there’s one specific factor that can have a tremendous influence on your overall performance – finding comfortable women’s dancewear that won’t limit your flexibility. Here’s a quick checklist of all the essentials to get you started.
How Do You Choose Women’s Dancewear?
You know how gymnasts wear specific clothes during their training sessions? Essentially, the purpose of a gymnastics outfit is to provide enough flexibility and comfort for gymnasts to go about their business freely. Well, it’s pretty much the same thing with dancewear – you need something that won’t cause any discomfort or limit your mobility during your training. There are a handful of go-to clothing items all dancers are fond of and we’ll be breaking it all down for you in just a sec.
Tights and Leggings
Whether you decide to go for leggings or tights, you’ll be getting dance clothes that are extremely lightweight and breathable. It’s important to note that leggings are a bit thicker and normally leave you barefoot whereas tights cover your entire leg along with your feet and they have a more see-through appearance. You probably won’t go wrong either way so the choice depends entirely on your personal preferences.
Bear in mind to wash them after each dance session to prevent the spread of germs and other microorganisms. If you’re feeling frisky and want to play around with fashion, you can wear both leggings and tights as everyday clothes for extra convenience.
Leotards
In a nutshell, leotards are skin-tight bodysuits that don’t cover your arms or legs. Their feather-light design is normally made up of spandex or lycra to provide maximum mobility and ease discomfort. For this reason, leotards have become a staple of women’s dancewear and a definite must-have for all aspiring dancers.
Skirts and Tutus
Depending on the type of dance lessons you’re taking, you’ll probably need some type of formal wear for official performances. If you’re a ballet dancer, you need to look for a suitable tutu that will give you that extra boost in confidence and contribute to a striking stage presence. For those of you that are taking modern dance classes, you’ll be required to wear specific skirts that match the overall vibe of your performance. If you’re dancing in a group, you might need to wear matching outfits with your teammates to present a united front.
How Do You Choose Dance Shoes?
There are a few factors that will help you determine which dance shoes are the most appropriate ones for your needs and preferences.
Size and Fit
Basically, your shoes should fit like a glove around your foot, they shouldn’t be too tight or too loose. This ensures that you won’t be feeling excess pressure around your toes or heel which means you’ll be able to carry out those dance moves like a pro.
Pro tip – try out a few different pairs towards the end of the day because that’s when you can take advantage of your swollen feet from all your daily activities. This, in turn, will give you a general idea of what to expect when you wear your dance shoes for longer periods of time.
Heel Height
Generally speaking, Latin and ballroom dancers opt for a heel of about 5-8 cm in height because that’s a specific requirement they have to meet in order to participate. If you’re doing some other form of dance, you don’t have to stick to that height if you’re not comfortable with it.
For beginners, it’s a good idea to choose shoes with a shorter heel which will minimise the pressure you feel on your toes. As a result, you’ll have more control over your movements and increased stability, both of which are crucial for a successful performance.
Materials
Most dancers these days go for plain leather as their ideal choice because it’s quite durable, breathable and easy to clean. It makes sense that these characteristics are so appealing, given the fact that you’ll be wearing your dance shoes quite often.
If you’re looking for something lighter and budget-friendly, you’ll be pleased to hear that there’s an array of canvas or satin dance shoes that should do the job just fine. But bear in mind that these materials are slightly less resilient when compared to leather, so you’ll probably be shopping for new ones sooner rather than later.
Additional Dance Accessories
Before you twirl your way into the world of dance, let’s dive into a few dance accessories that can come in handy in more ways than one.
Dance Bag
In short, you’ll need a place to store all your bare necessities when you’re on the move. Whether it’s a simple training session or a huge live performance, keeping your things organised in a dance bag is a saving grace. You won’t have to waste time looking for your hairbrush or deodorant when you know exactly where you keep them.
Hygiene Products
When you’re dancing around for quite a bit, you’ll inevitably start to sweat. It’s nothing to be ashamed of since it’s your body’s way of regulating your temperature. But you should definitely do everything in your power to prevent unpleasant smells from making an unwanted appearance. To do this, you’ll need to carry the most basic hygiene products including but not limited to wet wipes, towels, deodorant and hair ties. Once you’ve fully equipped your arsenal, you’re ready to take on your dance session.
