When we first get started learning a new skill – woodworking, for example – we start with only the basic tools. After all, why buy an entire workshop when you still can’t make a shelf properly? It’s only as you grow in experience, that you invest more in your craft, so you can be prepared to respond to more interesting requests from your clients. Likewise, we’ve covered the basics of ballroom dance wear: Now let’s look at a larger list for those looking to be a bit more prepared. I encourage you to print them out, if you like.
Good dance clothing makes it easier to dance, and move with others. Bad clothing and accessories are uncomfortable, and might even injure other dancers around you.
Not sure which is which? Fear not! I’m loading you up with 5 of the most important rules of social dance clothing and accessories, so the evening is a success for both you and your partners. Because as we know: Happy partners are repeat partners.
Google ‘dancing shoes’, and you’ll quickly find there’s plenty of options to choose from. 1” to 3” heels. Open toes and closed. Snug or loose fit. It’s enough to make many would-be dancers throw up their arms and try and make do with running shoes and stilettos.
Fortunately, buying your first dance duds is a lot easier if you focus on a few simple criteria. But first, why do we need dance shoes anyway? Continue reading “Your First Ballroom Dancing Shoes”
Group/Private Lessons
The most relaxed of the three kinds of dance events, you can usually pack much more lightly for a one or two-hour class. In particular, bring a notebook (or video camera, if your teacher allows it) so you can have a record of what you learned.
Ballroom dance wear to bring:
__ Dance shoes
__ Comfortable, breathable clothes
__ Deodorant
__ Extra bobby pins and hair bands
__ Comb/brush
__ Nail clipper and file
__ Bandages and antiseptic wipes
__ Notebook and pen
Ballroom Socials
Socials can range from an hour or two at the studio to a dance-til-dawn marathon at the local watering hole. Especially for the latter, it’s often a good idea to bring some extra supplies to keep your body going. These events are an opportunity to dress up a bit more as well.
Ballroom dance wear to bring:
__ Dance shoes
__ Comfortable, breathable clothes
__ Deodorant
__ Extra bobby pins and hair bands
__ Comb/brush
__ Nail clipper and file
__ Bandages and antiseptic wipes
__ Dance rag
__ Make-up and remover
__ Protein bar and full water bottle
__ Extra shirt
__ Perfume or cologne
Performance/Competitions
A performance or competition are often day-long events, so bring the kitchen sink! The last thing you want is to leave some critical piece of ballroom dance wear at home and regret it throughout the day. Bring plenty of ‘emergency supplies’ for unexpected tears and bruises, and don’t forget your music!
Ballroom dance wear to bring:
__ Dance shoes
__ Elastic bands (in case a shoe strap breaks)
__ Super glue
__ Comfortable, breathable clothes
__ Make-up and remover
__ Hand-held mirror
__ Extra bobby pins and hair bands
__ Hairspray
__ Comb/brush
__ Nail clipper and file
__ Perfume or cologne
__ Bandages and antiseptic wipes
__ Robe, or cover up
__ Needle and thread, safety pins, and scissors
__ Protein bar and full water bottle
__ iPod with fully charged batteries, including music and earbuds
__ CDs with your music – bring 2 back-ups, just in case!
__ Lunch or snack food throughout the day