The beauty of dancing is woven throughout endless generations of participants who love to move their bodies in ballroom dancewear immersed in the rhythms of pulsing music. While many people enthusiastically embrace this art form to form new friendships and engage in physical activity, some can find the dance floor to be an intimidating place. The steps may seem complicated, and it can feel like you have the proverbial two left feet. And if you think you do not have the appropriate clothing or Latin ballroom dance shoes, then that anxiety can diminish your enjoyment.
If you feel uncomfortable on the dance floor, choosing the right dance clothing and shoes can make an enormous difference in how well you judge this activity for yourself. Let's look at a few tips to help you feel comfortable and confident while learning and enjoying the tango, foxtrot, rumba, and cha-cha.
Clothing Considerations and Choices
Selecting the right clothes for ballroom dancing is essential. Fortunately, new and veteran dancers have many options, including purchasing ballroom apparel online or shopping at a ballroom clothing store. The best place to start is to try comfortable clothes that allow you to move freely around the dance floor and with your partner. Additionally, you want the reassurance that you look great and feel confident because these will translate into your dancing. Here are a few suggestions to keep in mind as you make your ballroom dancewear selections.
- Consider the dress code for the event, venue, or dance class you will attend. Some places have a strict dress code, while others may find more casual attire acceptable. If you are unsure, it is best to ask the organizers, dance class teachers, or others familiar with the event what dress code is expected and if it is enforced. If you cannot find an answer, it is always better to err on the side of caution and dress up rather than dress down.
- Choose comfortable fabrics for your dancewear attire. Many dance ensembles include stretchy, breathable, lightweight fabrics like jersey, silk, chiffon, and lycra. Be wary of 100% cotton or linen clothing; they may shrink when washed and feel restrictive. Also, some laces may feel too heavy or cumbersome, so those may need to be avoided. Remember, the point is to be able to move around the dance floor easily and not feel distracted by clothing that does not feel good to the touch or makes movement difficult.
- Opt for fitted clothing that makes a difference, such as a dress's bodice. Clothing that is too loose may get in the way and impede movement. Dancers should never wear clothing that may cause them to trip or snag on anything. No one wants a wardrobe malfunction on the dance floor!
- Consider the dance style in which you will be participating. If you are doing Latin dance, you may want to wear something fun with more flair, like a ruffled skirt or a dress with a slit. Ballroom dancing may feel like a more traditional activity, so a long flowing dress or a more structured suit may lend itself well to this style.
Shopping for Shoes
Choosing the right shoes is just as important as the right clothes for Latin and ballroom dancing. Again, those attending an event, performing, or taking lessons can look for Latin ballroom dance shoes by searching for online ballroom dance retailers or shopping at a brick-and-mortar ballroom clothing store. Every dancer wants shoes that are comfortable, supportive, and allow you to move around easily and safely. Here are a few tips to help you choose the right shoes for your dancing needs.
- It is recommended to look for dance shoes with suede soles. These shoes are ideal for ballroom dancing because they provide the right balance of slip and grip on the dance floor. Shoes with suede soles allow dancers to glide across the floor without slipping but also provide enough traction to prevent you from falling.
- When shopping for shoes, consider the heel height of your Latin ballroom dance shoes or other styles of shoes. The heel height should be reflective of the dance style. Latin and rhythm heels should measure at about two and a half to three inches and a two-inch heel is recommended for ballroom and smooth. The best advice is to select a shoe with a lower heel. High heels may look glamorous, but they are not always the best choice for ballroom dancing, especially if you are a beginning dancer. Shoes with a higher heel may feel uncomfortable and unstable and make it more challenging to move around, thus making you run the risk of injuries. Instead, select shoes with lower heels, around two inches, as they will provide the stability and support you need.
- Opt for shoes with straps. Avoid dance shoes with ankle straps as they can cause blisters on the Achilles tendon. Look for single straps the go over the foot or on the diagonal across the instep. The best choice is a long strap that wraps under the instep because they provide additional support and keep your shoes securely on your feet. They also help to prevent your feet from sliding out of your shoes while you are dancing and sustaining an injury.
- Ensure that the dance shoes you purchase are properly fitted. Ill-fitting shoes can cause blisters and sore feet and make moving across the floor difficult. Make sure your shoes fit properly and provide enough room for your feet to move comfortably.
Choosing the proper ballroom dancewear and Latin ballroom dance shoes significantly affects how comfortable and confident you feel while enjoying your dance moves. With the right clothes and shoes, you will be able to enjoy many dancing styles in a variety of settings.