Dancewear Essentials: What Every Dancer Should Have

Dance is an art form where every movement expresses emotion. But as effortless as it may look to a non-dancer, it can be challenging. For many people, this art form is a way of life, and they’ve dedicated their whole lives to it, while others may just do it as a hobby. No matter which one you are, there’s one thing that both professionals and amateurs need to possess in order to enjoy a little bit more, and that’s proper dancewear.

Doing any routine can be challenging, but the proper gear will help you focus on the choreography and not worry about your attire. So, what do most dancers wear? Let’s dive into the world of proper dancewear.

Dance Shoes

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This is the most fundamental piece of men’s and women’s dancewear. Picking the right shoes is crucial because not only do they provide support and protection, but they also affect the quality of your performance. When you’re dancing, your legs and feet need all the support they can get, because no matter how easy it looks, if you’re not wearing the proper shoes, you might injure yourself.

Since there are many styles of dance, there are also many types of shoes made specifically for them.

Ballet Shoes

There are many types of ballet shoes, all depending on your needs; however, the most important are full-sole shoes, which are perfect for beginners because they provide stability and comfort until you’re ready to put on the more uncomfortable ones.

The more uncomfortable ones are pointe shoes. These shoes come with a shank that allows ballerinas to dance on their tip-toes. When you’re choosing the right pair for you, make sure to get the right size and width, as they don’t stretch but need to fit perfectly on your foot.

Tap Shoes

These shoes are designed specifically to perform the intricate steps and sounds dancers perform. These shoes also need to be comfortable, so when you’re choosing tap shoes, make sure you get ones that fit properly and have some type of padding to make you feel comfortable.

Hip-hop Sneakers

Hip-hop is casual and doesn’t have restrictions when it comes to shoes, but due to its intricate movements, your shoes need to be sturdy to endure all the twisting and turning and to have some type of padding for shock absorption.

Flamenco Shoes

Flamenco is a captivating form of dance, so wearing shoes that are over the top is a must, but you also need to ensure that these shoes will fit properly and will be made from the right material to protect your feet.

Clothing

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Clothing is also important when it comes to dancing. You need to be comfortable with what you’re wearing, feel confident and look good.

Leotards

Leotards are a staple in any dancer’s outfit. They’re a common one-piece outfit that fits closely to the body and there are many types, such as sleeveless, short-sleeved, and long-sleeved, with a wide range of necklines.

Tutus

An essential piece of clothing in women’s dancewear, especially for ballerinas is the tutu. In ballet, tutus give the performance a touch of elegance. They come in various styles, from classical to contemporary, depending on what you need.

Thighs

Another crucial piece of clothing is the thighs. They provide full coverage, support and sometimes protection for the dancer’s legs while allowing a full range of motion.

Dance Tops

Tops and shirts are also part of the dancer’s attire. Based on the needs, these tops can be thigh-fitting or loose to ensure comfort and mobility.

Dresses

When it comes to dances where dresses are part of the dance routine, dresses are a must in women’s dancewear. Depending on the dance, there are many styles of dresses. They can be simple, flowy dresses or they can also be elaborate with many layers and different designs. What is most important is that the material is durable and will be able to withstand sudden moves.

Dance Accessories

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When it comes to accessories, you’d expect something related to jewellery, hair accessories, or something similar, and you’d be right. These are all essential parts of dancewear since they elevate and enhance the look on stage; however, some accessories should always be with you, especially when you’re preparing for your performance.

Bag

You need to organise your things and since you can’t wear your dance apparel outside of your class, you need something to carry your things in and the bigger the dance bag, the better.

Leg Warmers

Usually, when you’re preparing for a performance, you spend a lot of time in the studio, where it might not be as warm as you’d want it to be, so carrying legwarmers is a must. Not only do they warm up your legs, but they also help prevent any injuries.

Dance Belts

This isn’t just an accessory; it’s also a need because, when doing a routine that involves lifting your partner, these belts protect you from any unwanted injuries.

After you’ve been practicing for weeks, it’s time for you to shine on stage. This is where the previously mentioned accessories come in handy.
Jewellery and other types of decorations aren’t needed, but they will complete your look and make you more confident. Pick accessories that complement your look, maybe adding a little bit of sparkle if you want, or if that’s not what you’re into, pick whatever makes you happy.

Get Ready to Dance

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Now that we’ve covered all the essentials related to any type of dance performance, it’s time for you to prepare yourself for your dance journey. Whether you’re twirling in a tutu, busting a move in your hip-hop sneakers, or wowing everyone with your flamenco moves, always keep in mind that the dance attire shouldn’t just make you look the part, but it will also make you perform at your best, which is what we all want.