Danz › What to wear to a dance class
What to wear to a dance class
For your first class, comfortable clothes and the right shoes matter most. You do not need a special kit for a trial lesson.
The general rules
- Wear clothes you can move and stretch in, and that are not too loose to hide your movements, or too tight to breathe.
- Dress in layers, since you'll warm up quickly.
- Tie back long hair.
- Remove dangling jewellery, which can catch or injure partners.
- Bring a water bottle and a small towel.
Shoes by style
| Style | Shoes |
|---|---|
| Ballroom | Smooth-soled shoes with a small heel, or clean flat shoes at first |
| Latin and salsa | Smooth-soled shoes with flexible soles. Suede soles are common for regular dancers |
| Street and hip hop | Clean, flat trainers with good grip and cushioning |
| Ballet | Soft ballet shoes, or clean socks for a trial |
| Tap | Tap shoes with metal plates |
| Contemporary | Bare feet, dance socks or half-soles |
| Line dancing | Smooth-soled comfortable shoes. Boots are optional |
Avoid shoes with thick treads that grip the floor, and avoid wearing outdoor shoes in studios where there is a no-outdoor-shoe rule. Carry dance shoes in a bag and change when you arrive.
Clothing by style
- Ballroom and Latin: Smart-casual clothing. Women may prefer a skirt that moves, and men trousers and a shirt. Comfortable is best.
- Street: Loose sports clothing.
- Ballet: Fitted leggings or leotard, so the teacher can see your alignment.
- Tap and jazz: Stretchy trousers or leggings.
- Contemporary: Stretchy, flexible clothes that allow floor work.
Do I need to buy special things?
For a trial class, wear what you have. Buy dance shoes after you are sure you want to continue. Used shoes, swap shops and second-hand dancewear can reduce costs.
Comfort and hygiene
- Wash dancewear after each class.
- Use deodorant, and keep spare clothes in your bag.
- Cut toenails and take care of your feet to avoid blisters.
- Don't wear heavy perfume in close partner classes.
Safety
Make sure your shoes fit properly. If something hurts, tell the teacher. Children should wear the uniform that their class or school specifies. See exam boards for syllabus classes that often have specific dress codes.
Next steps
Choose a style from dance styles explained, then find a class.
Quick packing list
- Shoes for the style, in a separate bag.
- Spare top and a light layer for after.
- Water bottle and small towel.
- Hair ties and plasters for blisters.
- A little cash or a card for the class fee.
Caring for dance shoes
Keep suede-soled shoes away from wet ground and use a wire brush to refresh the soles. Wipe leather uppers and let them air out after class.
Dressing for children's classes
Many children's schools set a uniform: for example a leotard and tights for ballet. Ask the school before buying anything, because colours and styles can be specific. Shoes should fit well with a little room to grow but not so loose that they slip. Label everything with your child's name.
Dressing for different venues
Community halls can be cold in winter and studios hot, so layers are your friend. If a venue has a strict floor rule, such as no outdoor shoes, you will be asked to change, so bring your dance shoes in a bag.
Frequently asked questions
Can I wear trainers to a ballroom class?
For a first class, clean trainers with fairly smooth soles are usually fine, although dance shoes are better for turning.
What do I wear for a first ballet class?
Fitted, stretchy clothes and clean socks or soft ballet shoes. Ask the studio about requirements.
Do I need dance shoes straight away?
No. Wait until you've decided to continue, and ask your teacher what to buy.