Whether you are enrolling your child in dance class or looking for instruction for yourself, it is important to factor in the cost of proper dance apparel into your budget. Many new dance students do not realize just how important it is to wear the right clothes, but proper attire will be critical to your success in class and beyond.
One of the most important things to think about when signing your son or daughter up for dance classes is that all apparel should be age appropriate and tasteful. That means no bare midriffs, no bare legs and absolutely no bra tops. Dance class should be something special, and the clothes your young dancer chooses should reflect the seriousness of the training they are about to receive.
So just what is appropriate for dance class, and which items of clothing should be on your pre-class shopping list? The answer to that question is somewhat complicated, since every type of dance has its own preferred uniform. Here are a few tips for choosing age appropriate and tasteful outfits for the young dancer in your life.
Ballet
If you have a budding ballet dancer in the family, it is important for them to look the part. That means wearing a well-fitting pair of pink-footed tights, a tasteful black leotard and a clean pair of quality canvas ballet slippers.
Hair is another important but often overlooked part of the ballet dancer image. Your tiny dancer should arrive at class with her hair in a tidy bun – you don’t want a loose strand of hair to ruin a beautiful performance.
Jazz
Jazz dance is an increasingly popular form of artistic expression, especially for young people. Before the jazz dancer in your family takes the stage, he or she should be outfitted with a quality pair of tan-footed tights or full-length leggings. A well-fitted leotard, top or quality T-shirt completes the look, and those tiny dancer feet should be secured in a pair of tan or black jazz shoes.
Before you arrive at class, make sure your jazz dancer’s hair is secured in a neat pony tail. Jazz dance routines can be pretty intense, and you do not want that pony tail to give way at an inopportune moment.
Tap
Tap dancing is a popular way for kids and adults to express themselves, but they need to dress for the occasion. Tap dancers of all ages should wear tan-footed tights, full-length leggings and a leotard, top or t-shirt to class.
Just like their jazz dancing counterparts, tap dancers should come to class with a quality pair of black or tan jazz shoes, and they should have their hair secured in a sturdy pony tail. Faux leather tap shoes should be avoided at all costs – they are of poor quality and will not hold up to hard use.
Hip-Hop
Whether you are getting your child ready for hip-hop dance class or preparing yourself, you will want to wear appropriate hip-hop shoes to class. Sneakers and other street shoes are not appropriate for hip-hop dance, so be sure to change before you take the stage.
Other street clothes are appropriate for hip-hop dance classes. The list of appropriate hip-hop dance wear includes baggy sweat pants, T-shirts, leggings and flannels are all find for hip-hop dancers.
When you dance, you want to feel like an expert performer, and the clothes you wear make a bigger difference than you might think. Even if you are new to the world of dance, you need to look the part, and that means wearing the proper dance attire to class. Knowing what to shop for and what to bring for your first dance class will make learning more fun and help you feel better about yourself and your performance.