hi, I have been ballroom dancing for about a year now and I was wondering if there is anything i should be wearing in particular to class/rehearsal. My ballet background was very strict about this and I am used to wearing practically a uniform. Now, myself and every other dancer at the studio wears jeans and/or dress pants. I feel like I should be wearing tights or something? Are jeans too restricting? I come everyday for some sort of group class or private lesson and I feel like I am ready to be more professional.. any thoughts?

Dress pants are fine if you are a man because they approximate the kind of pants you wear when competing. If you compete in Standard or Smooth, you could also wear a shirt and tie. Otherwise, any kind of shirt will do.

If you are female, then rather than wear pants, wear a skirt that is like the kind of skirt you will be competing in. So, that's a short flippy skirt for Latin, and a long flowy one for Standard or Smooth. Wear a top that won't show your stomach when you raise your arms. On your legs, wear whatever you would be competing in: bare legs, microfiber tights, fishnets, or nylons.

I see lots of people, including some pro men, practice in jeans. Jeans usually have some spandex in them these days, so if they fit right they're not too restricting. Personally, I can't stand to wear them, but that's just me.

If you're not a competitor, then just wear things that approximate what you like to wear when you go social dancing.

Hi Laura,
I think your advice is great. However, may I ask why you suggest wearing a top that doesn't show her stomach when raising her arms?

Well, if your stomach is perfect and you're comfortable exposing your bare midriff then go ahead. If it's not, I think it looks kind of tacky for someone to take dance position and have their belly flab hanging out because their shirt is too short.

Agreed!

Thanks for all of your help! My studio supplies a practice skirt for ballroom but it's only available when we are nearing a competition.. Do you know of any place where I could order my own? Do you think it's necessary if I plan to be a serious competitor? What about latin/rhythm skirts? My only other concern for latin skirts would be underneath.. is it typical to just wear brief-style dance pants? thank you again...

Brief-style dance trunks are appropriate under skirts. You can get them from any ballet supply place.

I've seen ballroom and latin skirts for sale on many places on the internet -- including Amazon.com

I've gotten practice outfits (Latin) from Designs by Randall. It's very good quality, holds up really well, and I was very comfortable in it. I got it from them when it was on sale, so I didn't pay full price. (I paid about half price and wore each outfit for a full year.)
For smooth, I got a Capezio liturgical skirt from a local ballet supply store ($40).
Discount dance would be a good place to check, too--they have some cute dresses that would work well for Latin practice outfits that are inexpensive.

I found liturgical skirts on line for $25 each. They are fantastic. The fabric doesn't wrinkle or fray and if its too long you can cut it off with scissors, no need to hem it. They come in a ton of colors too. If the color makes it a little sheer, I just wear cheer briefs with it.

http://www.dancewear.com/dancewear/product.asp?s%5Fid=0&dept%5Fid=2224&pf%5Fid=PAOHIDPDAOJGOAPI&

Jeans are too restricting for me so I like to wear leggings with a tunic top but nothing too floaty b/c your instructor probably wants to see your hip action.