Dancewear Essentials: Must-Haves for Every Dancer

If you’re keen on flaunting your moves on the dance floor or you like to have the occasional dance party in your room, we can all agree that dancing is one of the most uplifting and enjoyable experiences known to man. Who can resist the opportunity to strut their stuff to some good music? We sure can’t. And be honest, neither can you.

But why stop there? Why not make dancing a hobby and enrol in a class? There are various beginner dance classes just waiting for you to join. Whether it’s ballet, salsa or modern hip-hop genres, dancing is a great way to stay fit, reduce stress, make some friends along the way and have a blast together. Sounds amazing if you ask us.

When getting into the groove, your body becomes your instrument of expression. This, in itself, is a good place to start but you’ll need some additional equipment to help you along your journey. You may be wondering, what exactly do I need? Well, you’ve come to the right place as we’re here to answer that question. We’ve put together a list of essentials every dancer needs. Five, six, seven, eight and go!

Get Started With the Right Footwear

Finding the appropriate dance shoes is crucial since they allow you to glide effortlessly along the floor and help reduce the risk of possible injuries. If you’re wondering what are the best shoes for dancing, keep in mind that it can be challenging to pick the right shoes that are both comfortable and stylish. Luckily, with the right advice, you should be able to get it right.

Choosing the appropriate shoe for dance depends greatly on the dance style you’ve decided to pursue. After all, ballet shoes offer a different kind of support and functionality when compared to shoes for salsa dancing. Although you can get multi-purpose footwear, to begin with, it may be a good idea to consult with your dance instructor before making any purchases. Generally speaking, there are a few factors you should consider: heel height, stability and materials.

Heel Height

In most cases, the usual height of the heel for women is two to three inches. For men, it’s somewhat lower. It’s fairly simple really, the higher the heel, the more pressure you’ll feel at the front of your foot. It all comes down to the strength and flexibility of your ankles and knees. For beginners, it’s advisable to go for lower heels to help keep your balance.

Stability

To ensure maximum stability, it’s important for the shoe to be the right size and fit. It should fit like glove but they shouldn’t be too tight since there’s a higher chance of getting blisters. A shoe for dance should offer the necessary support all while not making your foot feel trapped.

Materials

With the right materials, the shoe for dance should be quite flexible. These days, the most common materials used include plain leather, mesh or satin. Plain leather shoes are quite sophisticated and durable and they might as well be the easiest to clean. Fabrics usually get filthy pretty quickly so you’ll probably have to put in some extra effort to keep them fresh. Satin materials are quite delicate and therefore they require more love and care.

A Guide to Leggings and Tights

Both leggings and tights are perfect for dance training since they’re light and breathable. Leggings are somewhat thicker and don’t normally cover the foot whereas different-coloured tights are a little more see-through and go all the way from your waist down to your feet. You can’t go wrong either way so it really is a matter of personal taste. Both ankle-length and knee-length leggings can also be worn as regular pants if you’re looking for extra convenience. Don’t forget to wash them after every dance session to prevent the spread of bacteria.

Additional Equipment And Accessories

There are a few extra accessories to keep in mind before attending a dance class. Don’t worry, we’ll break it down for you.

Hair accessories

Whenever you’re dancing, it’s nice to look presentable. Pack a comb or a hairbrush and a few elastic bands and pins for a quick touch-up to keep your hair from getting in the way. Secure it in place with some hair spray and you’re good to go.

Exercise Mats And Stretchers

Whether you’re warming up or winding down with some light exercises, using exercise mats will make it a much more enjoyable experience since they protect your back, knees and elbows from making direct contact with the floor. They’re very versatile and tough but provide much-needed support and comfort.

Dance stretchers and bands ensure maximum joint mobility and strength as well as help prevent injuries and additional muscle strains. Use gentle stretching as a warm-up activity so that you can nail those dance moves.

Keep Clean With Hygiene Products

Dance, or any type of exercise for that matter can get quite hot and sweaty overtime which is why you should keep a towel at hand to quickly wipe off any excess sweat during practice. Sweaty and slippery skin isn’t the best option when practising, especially with a dance partner. Apply deodorant or cologne every now and then to stop any unpleasant smells.

It’s advisable to keep all your equipment, as well as your hands, clean with some handy antiseptic wet wipes. We suppose we’re all used to that at this point, with the COVID-19 pandemic being in full swing for some time now.

Pack It Up in a Dance Bag

You’ll most definitely need storage space for all your supplies and most dancers usually opt for a duffel-style dance bag. There are different types of dance bags made of various materials but all of them allow you to store and transport your items in fabulous fashion. You can even purchase a backpack if you don’t have that many things to carry around with you.

Get Crafty With Dance Tapes and Sewing Kits

Dance tapes can be useful for two reasons. One, they can serve as markers on the dance floor whenever you’re learning new moves and two, they offer additional joint support when you’re feeling achy or exhausted. It’s nice to have it laying around just in case. Better to be safe than sorry.

The same goes for a sewing kit. You never know when you’ll be dealing with a pesky rip or tear in your dancewear. Fix it up on the spot with a portable sewing kit and don’t let that spoil the fun.

How Is Dancing Beneficial for Your Health?

Now that you’re familiar with the items in your dancewear arsenal, let’s talk health. It comes as no surprise that dancing has numerous benefits on both your physical and mental health. It allows you to unwind after a long day in a fun and amusing fashion. Moreover, it improves cardiovascular functions and helps protect your heart. It also challenges your brain to keep tabs on when and how to move your body in line with the rhythm. Overall, it contributes to a happier, healthier lifestyle. So what are you waiting for? Get all the necessary gear and put your best foot forward!

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