Those passionate about dancing and moving gracefully on the dance floor must pay equal attention to what they wear too. And the perfect way to bring confidence into the routine is to start by adorning the right type of dancewear. However, this isn’t just about tights and tops but finding the most comfortable apparel to help dancers on their journey.
With a significant global market contributed to by cultures worldwide, newbie dancers may find it challenging to find the appropriate wear when starting. Not to mention thousands of designs available in Australia alone as Australia is the hub for many dance cultures recognised around the world. Add to that the need for sticking to regulations and one might get overwhelmed with all the purchasing decisions. But not to worry! This guide helps highlight some of the most important things to consider when shopping for dancewear and dancing apparel.
- The Type Of Dance Routine: Those who practice ballet may wear something a tad different from those who work on hip-hop or breakdance. The first thing that newbie dancers should look into is the wearer’s etiquette and find what’s appropriate and what’s not. Usually, dance schools will highlight the type of dresses best suited for these activities. Feel free to take the opinion of experienced dancers and choreographers to find what works best.
- Getting The Basic Stuff Right: Start with the fabric and ensure it does not run against the skin during movements. The material must be free enough to do stretches and basic workouts and comfortable enough for the dancer to slip in. Stretchable fabric works very well but it doesn’t hurt to find extra features such as moisture retentivity and breathability. Next up is the type of cut largely influenced by the type of dance routine performed. The standard design includes skirts, tops and tights for ballet, casuals for modern dance routines and dresses for formal dance sessions.
- Finding The Right Fit: Dancers can get into the flow easily as long as they concentrate on what they do during the dance session. However, loose clothes tend to flap around and break the concentration, resulting in a lousy performance. So find one that fits perfectly without hanging loose or riding against the skin, and both are equally discomforting. Don’t let dance clothes impede a great performance.
- Always Have An Extra Pair Ready: When trying out different apparel for dance sessions, buy a cheap extra pair to help with the training routines. Since training involves a lot of grind and sweat, there’s no need to wear a good quality dress for it. Go for something simple and easy to clean to be easier to maintain in the long run.
- Colour: Although formal events require all dancers to wear the standard and specified colour, it’s okay to choose different colours for rehearsals. The same might not be the case for dance classes as the focus is on the movements, and instructors can pay attention to routines quickly if every student wears the same colour.
- Pick A Dress That Compliments The Rest Of The Accessories: The right dancewear blends in with the rest of the clothes and accessories worn by the dancer. There’s no point in wearing posh activewear when the shoes look bright, and the colour is loud. It just takes the visual attention away from what’s important. So try to wear something that blends in and doesn’t stand out during the performance, and the same goes for extra accessories too.
Remember not to go overboard with the budget and reserve high-quality clothes for classes and the final performance. Opting for standard wear for practice sessions is okay but take care not to compromise the quality. Buy something that lasts longer and does not just tear after the end of every practice session.