Dance Apparel - Dance Clothes

No form of dance can ever be complete without the use of appropriate dance wear. Can you ever imagine the ’80s screen scorcher ‘Dirty Dancing’ showcasing its female lead, Frances ‘Baby’ Houseman (Jennifer Grey) in pink jazz pants and fluffy tops? Not a chance in a million! ‘Baby’s’ stunning moves were complimented with dainty figure-hugging dresses and stretchable lycra-based outfits.

If you are a dancer you can probably gauge the significance of dance wear. Life would be very bland without color. The same holds true for any dance performance sans the right costume. From professionals on stage, performing to mesmerized audiences, to the nervous student learning his/her moves across the floor, dance apparel has many roles to play. And how!

To the novice, dance wear is the term affixed to the apparel worn by dancers. Different styles of dancing require varied treatment in colors, patterns, textures, and fits and also the uniformity in design, if it is a group dance. It could be a tutu, skirt, leotard or even a particular heeled stiletto.

Comfort is the keyword. Every dance form has a particular technique and the costume should allow maximum freedom of movement. Some dances require a lot of aerobic styled steps whereas some incorporate slow, sleek and sensuous moves. The dance wear has to enable the dancer to express himself/herself in the best possible way. A costume that causes the performer to fret about it all the time is simply not going the right way. When a dancer rehearses or performs on stage, any uncomfortable costume will prove to be a hindrance in performing their moves.

The ultimate dance attire will give that added boost to the dancer. It could be seductive for those who love to accentuate their figures. Some go in for ‘safer’ options. This choice will depend heavily upon the kind of dance, and the place it will be performed.

Learn to choose the appropriate Dance Apparel:

Ballet Dance:
Mention the term ballet dance and the mind conjures up images of delicate, flexible and elegant dancers where every move is expressed in a graceful way. Ballet dancers possess the charm and rhythm that requires years of dedicated practice.

What to wear:
When in class, the dance attire should be more practical. Avoid the fuss and frills as it may take many a step to actually master the finer nuances of this art form. A simple leotard teamed with tights and slippers is more suitable for your first few pirouettes.

Whilst performing on stage, tights are the basic and most common kind of dance wear seen on the circuit. They offer flexibility without making the dancer feel uncomfortable. But there is more to ballet dance wear than just plain leotards. It can range from exquisitely crafted skirts and tops. Leggings are also the latest addition.

The ‘En Pointe’ form of ballet requires the use of pointe shoes. Worn mainly by women these sturdy pairs assist the dancer in their toe-work, which is the most important factor in ballet. An uncomfortable pair of shoes will have the dancer appear in a bad light. The ballet tutus were specially designed to show off the dancers legwork.

Jazz Dance:
Though this dance also requires a lot of flexibility and grace, it is poles apart from the ballet style of dancing. One can catch sight of many forms of the jazz dance that are rising in their popularity. Which is plainly the reason, why we have the mushrooming of numerous dance classes on every nook and corner. Modern Jazz, Old-Fashion Jazz, Street Jazz are some of the popular categories.

What to wear:
Think jazz and think flashy, bright and sexy well fitted costumes. The jazz dance primarily concentrates on every movement of your body. You therefore cannot have layered clothing or fluffed up skirts. It has it own distinct glamorous touch. Short-cropped tops, leotard pants, flared jazz pants for the men, halter tops, palazzo pants, booty shorts (hot pants) form the base for jazz dance wear. These can be further embellished with crystals and sequins to add a subtle shimmer. The cut of the silhouette is of prime importance and they should have a blend of stretch. The ensemble cannot be complete without the perfect pair of jazz shoes that are a must-have item to provide flexibility to your feet as well. Some of them are crafted to give a feel of wearing no shoes at all!

Ballroom dancing:
It takes two to tango for this form. Mainly popular in Latin America, the ballroom dancing requires discipline and of course, a very interesting partner! Cha-cha, Waltz, Foxtrot, Rumba etc., are dances that require the partners to have a high level of chemistry and ooze sensuality on the dance floor. Don’t let the intricacy of the steps deter you. A good instructor can transform you into a dancing diva.

What to wear:
Shine on the floor with flowing fabrics, fitting halter-tops, bright colors and sexy, elegant dresses. The ladies are spoilt for choice, by the variety of the sparkling, shiny numbers available at all leading stores. Apart from being comfortable, these gorgeous dresses and skirts boost the morale of the ladies, as they feel good, which in turn makes one look good! Highly glamorous, this dance will encourage you to be fit for that most awaited dance party of the year.

High-heeled stilettos available in a splash of colors complement the look. These are usually preferable when fitted with back-straps. Choose the right height for your heel as it proves to be an important factor for all your swirls and twirls.

Men are not left far behind when it comes to Latin dance wear. You can find an array of options from fitting pants with clean cuts to the sleek formal shirts available in fresh colors.

Hip Hop dance:
Hip hop dance offers a freestyle form of dancing and gives the dancer the freedom to showcase his/her attitude. It can be performed in groups and can even be done as a solo. Hip hop dance has carved a niche for itself in the music and fashion industry.

What to wear:
Be yourself and wear your attitude on your sleeve. That’s the motto. White cargos, flashy shirts, trucker caps, racer backs, funky leggings, micro minis accessorized with heavy gold or sliver jewelry! Take your pick. Girls can team their low waist denims with a sexy, stylish singlet. Whatever you wear, add a dash of originality and get ready to sizzle!

Break Dance:
Also seen in hip hop, the break dance has caught the fancy of many. Head spins, cartwheels, splits and the moonwalk have found their way into the rooms of many Michael Jackson wannabe’s. Whether it is on the stage or the dance class, break dance requires you to groove on the floor with a lot of power combined with athletic moves. Hence, it is thought to be more suitable for males.

What to wear:
You need your dance apparel to be highly flexible if you are thinking of doing that head spin on the floor. Hooded jackets, nylon tracksuits that minimize friction, fitting vests can go hand-in-hand with sporty wristbands and colorful bandannas. The upper wear can be less baggy as compared to the pants combined with it.
If you still need something exclusive, you can get your own costumes made in order to have a designer touch.

So, what are you waiting for? Put on your dancing shoes and show those sexy moves.