Although most dancers often don't have the freedom to choose what to wear during their performance, they do have control over what to wear to practice. However, this presents another problem. Since there's a huge market for dance attire, choosing what to wear to practice can get really confusing. Are leggings better than shorts, and are dance half tops more convenient than leotards that cover the torso? To help you clear up some of the confusion, here are some important things to consider.
hoose Clothing that Makes Your Movements Visible
If your instructor is able to observe how you move every part of your body when you dance, they can give better directions. With that being said, your practice attire should consist of form-fitting clothes and clothes that make your muscles and body posture visible. For instance, dance half tops expose the midriff which allows the instructor to make sure that the core muscles are properly placed. If you've been practising for some time already, you already know that instructors stress out to keep the core tight and steady.
By being able to directly observe your core muscles, the teacher can instruct you to correct your body alignment. Besides dance half tops, formfitting leotards can also allow instructors and yourself to observe your core muscles. The same goes for the legs and arms also, meaning you want them to be either exposed with shorts and tank-tops or covered with tight leggings, tights and long-sleeved tops.
Opt for Dance-Friendly Materials
Now that you already have a clear idea of the clothing designs to look for, you can focus on the material. Materials that are used in sportswear are also a good option for dance clothing. This means looking for materials that are breathable and moisture wicking. Nylon with lycra or lycra and cotton are both great options as they are breathable and light. What's more, these materials are form-fitting but still have stretch to keep you comfortable.
Put on Proper Footwear
And finally, don't forget your feet. Different dance classes require different footwear, and some even require you to be barefoot. If you're practicing ballet, you need slippers to perfect your moves for en pointe. These slippers should fit you like a glove, so make sure to try them on before buying. There are also special shoes for jazz dance which have a split-sole and a hardened toe area for on pointe moves. Some dancers who have weak arches can also wear boots for more ankle support.
