If you have just enrolled yourself or your kids to dance classes, you are probably wondering what to wear or even what is the appropriate dancewear to buy for the first lesson (and all of the other ones to come). That is, usually, the first thing that pops to mind.
It’s only normal to wonder what to buy, where to buy it, how to buy it – and for how much. The best answer for all of these questions is to always consult the dance instructor or the dance studio in general. Many dance schools will have their own stores or shops where you can buy accessories like ballet dresses or ballet shoes.
They will be able to tell you what, where and how to buy the appropriate dancewear for their lessons (and even throw in a few tips on where you can get a good deal on it). However, if you didn’t have the chance to consult them, these questions are probably still around.
While there are many different dance genres and styles with their own unique moves, ways of expression and moods, dancewear will, most likely, follow a similar – if not the same- standard for all of them. That happens because the two most important things about dancewear for dance lessons are: your body needs to be able to move and your teacher must be able to see and correct your moves.
With these two rules in mind, here are the 5 things you should consider before buying dancewear:
1. Is it Comfortable?
That goes for any type of exercise you might want to practice. As much as any other exercise, dancing requires movement and demands a lot from your body. So the first thing you want to think about is if you are comfortable enough to move for a considerably long period of time.
So forget about jeans or any sort of fabric that isn’t soft and malleable.
2. Can You Move Freely?
Again, any sort of exercise will demand a lot from your body and its movements, so you have to be able to move freely. More than that, it’s important to keep in mind that the dance instructor must be able to see every movement your body makes in order to be able to correct it. That is why most dance lessons require dancewear that is tight to the body like leggings, spandex shorts and leotards.
3. What is the Appropriate Kind of Shoe?
It is essential that you previously ask your instructor or dance academy what is the appropriate kind of show you should buy for every specific dance class. That’s because every dance requires a very specific kind of footwear.
For example, ballet requires the students to wear ballet shoes, hip-hop classes ask for sneakers, while tap dance requires shoes with heel and toe taps that make a loud sound when they hit the floor. Meanwhile modern and contemporary dance classes are often performed with bare feet. So it’s important to check that information before going out to buy dancewear.
4. Can This Possibly Injure You?
As a main rule, you should not buy any sort of accessory for dancing. That is because since dance classes require intense movement, accessories like jewelry can not only get in the way of a clean and perfectly executed move, but it can also hurt the dancer by hitting them in the eye or hurting them during a fall, and many other situations.
Be sure to not buy nor wear any kind of unrequested accessory for dance classes. Remove watches, necklaces, rings, bracelets and any earrings bigger than simple studs.
5. Are You Feeling Good?
Dancing talks directly to our self expression and confidence. Besides, it is supposed to be fun and healthy above all! That means you should feel good at all times: feel good about yourself, about your peers and about the environment in general.
So, when you go shopping for dancewear, remember to find pieces that make you feel comfortable, confident and happy within the appropriate clothes for dancing.
Dancing is all about being able to express yourself and your emotions in a safe space. Besides, you will always be learning and improving yourself. These principles reflect on the dancewear as well. Your clothing should let you express yourself freely and safely for an all-around great learning and life experience.
Follow your heart and the tips above to make sure you or your kid are ready to start your journey down the dancing road with the appropriate dancewear to shine through your moves!
Read More: 3 Ways To Boost Your Wardrobe Confidence
