Hi All,

I'm new to ballroom dancing, actually I haven't even started yet. My first class is April 10th and I'm very nervous! I really do not want to feel out of place so I'm curious as to what I should wear for my first lesson. When I asked the place I'm scheduled to take lessons at they told me just to wear something comfortable and leather soled shoes. Could someone please tell me something specific to wear such as what type of bottom and top? Any help is much appreciated!

Thanks in advance! :)

Sincerely,
Niki

Hi Nikki,
What class are you taking? I suggest wearing jeans and a summer top (you'll get hot, don't wear a sweater, even if it's cold at first), and if you don't have dancing shoes just wear some comfortable dress shoes with heels (2 inches should be fine).

jeans are totally unacceptable for dance classes

Hi Anonymous,
I wear jeans ALL THE TIME and I haven't been kicked out of class yet! I'm sorry to say but you are mistaken....

Thank you, Angelica and Anonymous, for the quick response!

I'm actually not very sure what class I'm taking. The instructor, Jeremy, said we will just go over basics the first 3 lessons and then I will choose a dance I'd like to learn. I'm so nervous!

I only own one pair of dress shoes and they are so incredibly uncomfortable. And instead of buying another pair of uncomfortable dress shoes, I'd like to buy a pair that are specifically for dancing.

And I keep hearing to wear something comfortable, but my "comfortable" is pajamas and a tshirt! Every pair of jeans I have are terribly uncomfortable and usually drag the ground.

Would a pair of black gauchos pants and a sleeveless shirt work? Would that be too dressy?

I appreciate all of your help. :D

xo,
Niki

Sounds good to me!

Gauchos would be great and you can never go wrong with slacks either. Whatever you do DO NOT wear shorts or a short skirt. As far as shoes go, as long as they attach securely to your foot (around the toes and around the heel) you should be fine, especially just starting out. Just don't wear slides. Good luck.

You might want to think about wearing a short-sleeved shirt, instead of sleeveless. You'll be in dance position with your instructor (and the men in the class, if you are taking a group class). Their hand will be on your shoulder blade with their forearm under your arm. I personally try to avoid direct arm-to-armpit contact until I know someone pretty well!

I go for a breathable short-sleeve shirt and the new Degree deodorant- even short sleeved, your armpit might get on the gent's long-sleeved (if he's wearing one) shirt, and I found out the hard way- the wrong deodorant will actually turn a black jacket purple. Get the good stuff from Degree.

I don't know what No-Name's thinking about the jeans. Reasons why jeans could be unacceptable: People "abuse and misuse" jeans. They wear them to funerals and weddings, nice clubs, etc. when jeans really shouldn't be worn, but rather trousers or a skirt instead. If it's a comfortable, laid-back studio (like ours), jeans would be fine.

Jeans might be "unacceptable" because many jeans just don't stretch or give, and they can be very hot. Gloria Vanderbilt Jeans are nice, stretchy jeans (sorry, I refuse to wear hiphuggers until... hmm... maybe next summer. I should be ready for them by then!), and they don't "sweat ya". Lots of comfortable give, and they're nice-looking, too. There are different shades of them, too. I have a lighter pair and a darker pair.

Other than that, don't listen to 'em.

I agree, though, either wear athletic wear (Adidas makes some really neat capris now) because it's actually suited FOR the job, or something breathable, movable, comfortable.

On your shoes- just make sure they don't "flop off your heels". If you have to, get straps, or I can show you how to, in a pinch, rig Rubber bands on 'em, BWAHAHA (yes- they DO look VERY VERY DORKY that way, but sometimes, desperate measures are in order!)

Ellen and whosoever. To have any hope of dancing correctly your left arm pit will have to be on the mans right wrist. Find your way around this site to the learning section. You will see there what you can wear as well as the correct stance.