Basic Wear to Practice

[Anonymous]

When dancers go to practice, what kind of clothes do they wear?

[DanceMentor]

What type of dancing are you doing?
From my experience, dancers usually wear clothes that are light weight and offer freedom of movement. Some studios are more casual than others so it is important to find this out. I think black is a good color because it's easier so see the lines.

Hope that helped.



And I almost forgot...Welcome to the Dance Forums!

[pygmalion]

Ditto for me. I'd also say that it's important for women to wear skirts at least some of the time. Right before an exhibition is no time to learn how to hold and show off your skirt.

[pygmalion]

After a night's reflection, I'd like to add a story.

When I was first learning bolero, it was summertime, when I like to wear big, breezy skirts, which I wore to my lessons. After a month of working on bolero, one day I went to my lesson in pants and found out that I'd been doing the basic wrong all along, because my instructor couldn't see my legs!

Since then, I've attempted to wear something a little form-fitting, especially for rhythm/Latin dances. There's so much going on with leg action and body action, and it's important to be able to see your body's movement.

[SDsalsaguy]

Reminds me of a Latin Dance class I took where, on the first day, the teacher looked around and asked that, in the future, the women where tighter, less baggy clothing...it was almost comical how offended and miffed some of them got...until he explained why :wink:

[lil glam gal]

My dance teacher always tells me to wear a knee legnth or just above skirt with lots of movement for latin

[tanya_the_dancer]

I prefer to wear above knee practice skirts and form-fitting tees. I don't like to wear long skirts, even though I dance smooth and standard. I don't wear skirts in winter, however, just cannot bring myself to do so when it is cold. So in that situation I wear stretchy jeans.

[lil glam gal]

I usually wear a long practice skirt for standard but need a new one... anyone got any ideas where i can get one? x

[Me]

Generally, I'm dressed like a bum. T-shirts and jazz pants. I can move, I don't burn up, and I don't have to worry about problems with my clothes. (Though, on my flared jazz pants, sometimes my heels catch.) I am generally the most underdressed person in the room, but I am dressed for function. When I go to dance socials I wear dresses, so I think most people know that I do have some fashion sense... at least, I hope they think I do...

[shortnsassy]

I'm looking for a standard practice skirt too. I've found some flamenco skirt for around $30. Can I use those for practice?

[NielsenE]

as a leader.. I tend to wear black trousers, and a black tight t-shirt, under some nice button down shirt w,w/o tie. that way I can switch between latin/rhythm and standard/smooth type appropriate practice wear easily... (tie because its often used in several drills to check head/hand position... and I think I'd look silly wearing a tie over just the t-shirt :)

I went through a phase when I'd always switch into latin pants for practice too, but haven't done that recently

[Katarzyna]

Once I decide To wear my new skirt, might post my old one for sale.. but it has bunch of holes on the hem from stepping on it... will probably give it up for low price.

[lil glam gal]

what do the flamenco skirts look like shortnsassy? they sound ok.

[lil glam gal]

lol kat thats what the bottom of my old ones like lol

[Katarzyna]

they are still ok for practice I think (still using them) but I have a new one so I think I can get rid of it soon.. :) I always step on practice skirts, dont know what it is... even when I get them way too short..

anyone interested in liberty skirt (from chrisanne) with holes, you can pm me.. :)

[lil glam gal]

lol you know who to tell when there for sale ... me :-) lol

[shallidance]

Do you step on them, or your partner? :cool:

So you do not step on the competition dress, which is supposed to be longer?

they are still ok for practice I think (still using them) but I have a new one so I think I can get rid of it soon.. :) I always step on practice skirts, dont know what it is... even when I get them way too short..

anyone interested in liberty skirt (from chrisanne) with holes, you can pm me.. :)

[Katarzyna]

not sure, maybe because the stretchy fabrics get caught on the heel, but all my gown skirts are satin or chiffon.. no idea.. I step on them, my partner never does, it's many inches above the floor

[skwiggy]

Interesting. I almost never have problems stepping on practice skirts, but often have that problem with ballgowns. Sounds like my problem is more expensive to fix than yours. ;)

[Katarzyna]

Interesting. I almost never have problems stepping on practice skirts, but often have that problem with ballgowns. Sounds like my problem is more expensive to fix than yours. ;)
I've stepped on my gowns ocasionally, but very very rarely.. in practice its almost every other long wall :)

[Chris Stratton]

Finally broke down and bought real dance trousers - wasnting finding slacks long enough and my attempts to make them were not turning out the way I wanted. Today's high performance knits can do things more traditional fabrics just couldn't... and they handle being tossed in a bag better. Unfortunately, they don't air dry very well, may have to risk the dryer.

Trying to think of a comparbly crumple-resistant solution for shirts...

[shortnsassy]

what do the flamenco skirts look like shortnsassy? they sound ok.


here's a link (http://www.amazon.com/Bal-Togs-Adult-Flamenco-Skirt/dp/B000I7P7UI).

[SPratt74]

Interesting. I almost never have problems stepping on practice skirts, but often have that problem with ballgowns. Sounds like my problem is more expensive to fix than yours. ;)

We had a formal dance once, and I wore a long gown. Not long to where it touched the floor or anything like that, but it was long enough to be stepped on. It was the worst lol.

[etp777]

I just wear what I wear into office (lessons are during lunch break or right after work). Definitely not always ideal. Mostly fitted dress shirts, which is no prpoblem, but at times will wear jeans or baggier khakis, which annoys teacher when we're workign on tangos because she can't tell if I'm keeping knees "soft"

[lil glam gal]

so are you thinking of getting that one?
x

[SPratt74]

here's a link (http://www.amazon.com/Bal-Togs-Adult-Flamenco-Skirt/dp/B000I7P7UI).

I love those! I love the pink one! ;)

Kat - Can your skirts be cut on the bottom or something like that? Or is the material to where you can't mess with them?

[DancinAnne]

here's a link (http://www.amazon.com/Bal-Togs-Adult-Flamenco-Skirt/dp/B000I7P7UI).

I have that skirt and I LOVE to dance in it. I wear it for lessons and practice parties.

[DancinAnne]

Finally broke down and bought real dance trousers - wasnting finding slacks long enough and my attempts to make them were not turning out the way I wanted. Today's high performance knits can do things more traditional fabrics just couldn't... and they handle being tossed in a bag better. Unfortunately, they don't air dry very well, may have to risk the dryer.

Trying to think of a comparbly crumple-resistant solution for shirts...

Where did you get your dance trousers... have been shopping for a pair for DH, but have been unsure about what to get and where... long enough is an issue for him as well, as he tall and thin. And georgeous. But I digress... send/post a link for me?

[lil glam gal]

dancesport-international is a good place.

[lil glam gal]

my dance partner brought a pair of competition trousers from there and then another pair for practice.

[shortnsassy]

so are you thinking of getting that one?
x

I think so. I want something that I can keep in the car or at the studio and not be too up set if it goes missing. I know that with whatever long skirt I get I will abuse it. I don't want to cry every time I step on a $150+ skirt.

Right now I practice in a $5 black lycra latin skirt, a $6 v-neck lycra tank, and hold you horse $15 dance shorts. In short I'm cheap.

[Katarzyna]

I love those! I love the pink one! ;)

Kat - Can your skirts be cut on the bottom or something like that? Or is the material to where you can't mess with them?
I think the hem would need to be cut.. I see some holes about 2 inches from the hem. i think it could be ok since the hem is uneven

[shortnsassy]

I have that skirt and I LOVE to dance in it. I wear it for lessons and practice parties.


Thanks for the rec!

I'm in MO too!

[lil glam gal]

yeah but always like to feel kinda dressed up in my lessons but not too over dressed. For example, I always wear a practice skirt a fitted t-shirt and ibviously my dance shoes lol.

[SPratt74]

yeah but always like to feel kinda dressed up in my lessons but not too over dressed. For example, I always wear a practice skirt a fitted t-shirt and ibviously my dance shoes lol.

Yeah for me what matters is comfort. I have worn some things in the past and was like what I was I thinking lol? I know what fabrics I like though, and tend to stick with those. I do need to start wearing practice skirts more though. I've got a few that I really like. But I'm bored with them lol. I want to update my look lol.

[lil glam gal]

some practice stuff that I have seen is really expensive.. although it is nice... I just can't afford that price just for one item

[Katarzyna]

I like the espen tops a lot.. the current collection is very nice. I think its good to invest in one nice practice outfit that can be used for visiting teacher lessons etc..

[DancinAnne]

Thanks for the rec!

I'm in MO too!

Hey cool... what area of MO?

[lil glam gal]

kat that is a good idea... it's my birthday coming up may ask my boyfriend to buy me a nice new out fit :-D lol

[shortnsassy]

DancinAnne, I'm in the St. Louis area.

[Katarzyna]

kat that is a good idea... it's my birthday coming up may ask my boyfriend to buy me a nice new out fit :-D lol
oh and if its black or red it can always work well for a tango show :)

[lil glam gal]

good point :-D lol

[kimV6]

as a leader.. I tend to wear black trousers, and a black tight t-shirt, under some nice button down shirt w,w/o tie. that way I can switch between latin/rhythm and standard/smooth type appropriate practice wear easily... (tie because its often used in several drills to check head/hand position... and I think I'd look silly wearing a tie over just the t-shirt :)

out of curiosity, am i the only guy who puts no other thought into practice wear outside of loose-fitting pants? which in my wardrobe, means just no girls jeans. everytime i go to rounds, everyone always seems to be wearing their work clothes, or at least that level of dress... meanwhile i'm usually coming from class, so i have on a t-shirt and jeans.

[mamboqueen]

Don't feel too clueless. All this time I thought you were the one wearing the pink dress. *doh*

[NielsenE]

Well I'm almost always coming straight for work, so I dress for dance in the morning :)

[DancinAnne]

DancinAnne, I'm in the St. Louis area.

Cool... that's not too far from my corner. I'll be in St. Louis in September for the Meet Me in St. Louis swing comp. DH and I compete on the WSDC circuit.

[samina]

i love the long very wide-legged pants my pro & his coach wear for lessons & coaching. dear lord, what a great look.

[lil glam gal]

Cool... that's not too far from my corner. I'll be in St. Louis in September for the Meet Me in St. Louis swing comp. DH and I compete on the WSDC circuit.


Well, I'm all the way from England :-) x

[SPratt74]

Don't feel too clueless. All this time I thought you were the one wearing the pink dress. *doh*

Um *cough* um... I did too lol! Lovely picture either way though lol! ;)

[Kitty]

I wear fitted yoga pants or a practice skirt for standard practice.

For latin I prefer to wear a short or knee-length skirt (can see legs better), or sometimes also yoga pants.

I bought a beautiful standard practice skirt in England that is too big on me (I'm tiny) and I'd like to get rid of it, asking a very modest price. The skirt is new, Sapiel brand, size 6, black stretch fabric with lace decoration on the bottom.

[Chris Stratton]

out of curiosity, am i the only guy who puts no other thought into practice wear outside of loose-fitting pants? which in my wardrobe, means just no girls jeans.

Well first I think we have to ask how many guys have girls jeans in their wardrobe.

(and I don't mean because someone forgot to take them home)

[DancinAnne]

I wear fitted yoga pants or a practice skirt for standard practice.

For latin I prefer to wear a short or knee-length skirt (can see legs better), or sometimes also yoga pants.

I bought a beautiful standard practice skirt in England that is too big on me (I'm tiny) and I'd like to get rid of it, asking a very modest price. The skirt is new, Sapiel brand, size 6, black stretch fabric with lace decoration on the bottom.

What's the waist measurement? Can you send me a pic?

[etp777]

Heh, I try not to comment on that trend in general Chris, but it's definitely not unique. Comes up pretty often on style.com's forums. :)

[DancinAnne]

Well, I'm all the way from England :-) x

Bragger. ;) I LOVE your corner of the world. Have visited a few times and am anxious to go back!

[DancinAnne]

Well first I think we have to ask how many guys have girls jeans in their wardrobe.

(and I don't mean because someone forgot to take them home)

I wondered about that...

[lil glam gal]

Bragger. ;) I LOVE your corner of the world. Have visited a few times and am anxious to go back!

Well the downside is obviously the weather :-( grr it's been raining so much lately and it's supposed to be summer over here :-( But, the good side is that we have Blackpool :banana:hehe
lol
xxxxxxxxxx

[SPratt74]

Well first I think we have to ask how many guys have girls jeans in their wardrobe.

(and I don't mean because someone forgot to take them home)

I actually know a male dancer that does have girl jeans in their closet. He tried to get the other guys to go with him at the time of his next shopping trip, and they all said no lol. I've seen girls wear guy stuff, so why can't guys wear girl stuff lol? Maybe we shouldn't go that route lol. :p

[lil glam gal]

I was thinking of getting some of them practice shoes but I think it's just easier to wear the shoes that you will be wearing for your competitions now.

[Katarzyna]

I use my old competition shoes for practice..

[SPratt74]

I use my old competition shoes for practice..

Yeah. Even though I'm going to be looking for a new pair for competition, I'm not going to wear them for practice. Maybe once or twice, but shoes wear out. I'd rather keep my old ones around and use them for everything else.

[kimV6]

Well first I think we have to ask how many guys have girls jeans in their wardrobe.

(and I don't mean because someone forgot to take them home)

not too many, especially amongst dance males, who already have enough tight latin pants in their lives. but i have an equal amount of girls jeans as guys jeans in mine, which i think is an indication of what looks good on my figure as opposed to any commentary on what guys have in their closets. my partner gives me so much grief though when i accidentally come to practice space with them on though.
although my general comment was more about dancing in jeans in general, which i do all the time, gender sizing regardless. for instance, my partner doesn't complain when i wear loose-fitting jeans to practice, but amongst other dancers at rounds, it's rare i'll see anyone with jeans on. is this just me being a snot-nosed twentysomething? (that's an admittedly awkward adjective-noun combination)

Um *cough* um... I did too lol! Lovely picture either way though lol! ;)

it's okay, i get that a lot, probably about once a week. it's what happens when your ethnic parents give you a name that's easily confused with a girl's name (although to be fair to them, it isn't my whole name either).

[Chris Stratton]

I actually know a male dancer that does have girl jeans in their closet. He tried to get the other guys to go with him at the time of his next shopping trip, and they all said no lol. I've seen girls wear guy stuff, so why can't guys wear girl stuff lol? Maybe we shouldn't go that route lol. :p

Who says they can't (http://www.dance-forums.com/album/photos/photo-1702.html)?

[etp777]

Chris, that is a little disturbing. :)

[Chris Stratton]

Sorry to offend, but I insist on campaigning for the social acceptance of comfortable practice shoes, even if they don't match the dress.

[meow]

Anyone wearing jeans, male or female, is frowned upon at our studio. Serious practice should be done is attire that allows full movement. Baggy jeans look sloppy and if you are working in front of a mirror alot of movement is hidden. It also looks 'bad' to people who may come in off the street to make enquiries about taking up dance for people to be looking overly casual. Black pants, t-shirt and/or shirt (males), Practice skirts and any top for the ladies. And definitely dance shoes. I've seen some people who think they can practice in sneakers or flip-flops. They are soon set straight.

[mamboqueen]

Sorry to offend, but I insist on campaigning for the social acceptance of comfortable practice shoes, even if they don't match the dress.

It may have been the hairy legs ;)

[Terpsichorean Clod]

It may have been the hairy legs ;)
Apparently, mamboqueen wants Chris to shave his legs. Or wax.

[mamboqueen]

Apparently, mamboqueen wants Chris to shave his legs. Or wax.

Whatever works... :uplaugh:

[mamboqueen]

and frankly, I'm a bit surprised that he would wear shoes that are so in need of a good polishing.

[samina]

the hair goes well with the shoes.

that is not a compliment. ;)

[mamboqueen]

I'm almost tempted to start a thread called "Give this Photo a Caption". I bet we'd come up with some doozies.

[samina]

lol... great idea.

[SPratt74]

Sorry to offend, but I insist on campaigning for the social acceptance of comfortable practice shoes, even if they don't match the dress.

I am all for that! ;)

[SPratt74]

it's okay, i get that a lot, probably about once a week. it's what happens when your ethnic parents give you a name that's easily confused with a girl's name (although to be fair to them, it isn't my whole name either).

I understand that. At least it's not a hard name to pronounce. ;)

[fascination]

I try, when pro and I are at a studio, to dress in either my workout clothes or a wrap around dress if coaches are coming and he will wear a collared shirt and slacks...out of respect...but at pro's house....everything is fair game for both of us...shrug...guess it all depends on one's circumstance...

[Terpsichorean Clod]

Whatever works... :uplaugh:
Well, if you have an issue with it, then it's up to you to do something about it. ;)

[mamboqueen]

So you're suggesting that *I* should wax or shave him?!!

[Terpsichorean Clod]

Hmmm...maybe you'd prefer to tweeze him?

[reb]

Hmmm...maybe you'd prefer to tweeze him?
twop tweazing her

[fascination]

twop tweazing her:uplaugh:

[Terpsichorean Clod]

twop tweazing her
I'll twop when she waxes me to.

[Peaches]

Generally, I'm dressed like a bum. T-shirts and jazz pants. I can move, I don't burn up, and I don't have to worry about problems with my clothes. (Though, on my flared jazz pants, sometimes my heels catch.) I am generally the most underdressed person in the room, but I am dressed for function. When I go to dance socials I wear dresses, so I think most people know that I do have some fashion sense... at least, I hope they think I do...I'm the same way. All of my pants are either dress-for-work pants (most of which need to be dry cleaned, and/or are too long for my standard shoes, and/or are wide leg so they won't show anything anyway) or jeans. Jeans it is. They're light weight, stretchy, show lines (b/c they're stretchy and form fitting), and go in the wash. Done and done. Or shorts.

I like my gauchos as well, b/c they're cool and comfy...but after a relatively recent lesson where I was told that he couldn't see if my legs were straightened b/c my, quote, "legs were too curvy" and he couldn't see them in the pants...well, I don't wear them anymore.

For me, it's the shirts that i have a hard time with. I won't wear t-shirts b/c they don't show lines. Most of my things are sleeveless (or backless), or they're too short and expose too much in any sort of dance hold, or they really show sweat, or (and this is a much lesser consideration) they're awfully low cut. I've kind of stopped caring about the low cut thing because it's one among many considerations, and has the least impact, functionally. (And, after dancing close embrace, it's kind of hard to get prudish all of a sudden.)

[reb]

I'll twop when she waxes me to.
alwight

[Ampster]

When dancers go to practice, what kind of clothes do they wear?

If its a hot day, I wear this: http://utilikilts.com/

Actually, I wear them anytime I can. Its so "Cool." :cool:

[Chris Stratton]

I hope you don't wear them, er, authentically.

[samina]

I'll twop when she waxes me to.

careful... this greek has a wax pot & knows how to use it...:cool:

[samina]

I like my gauchos as well, b/c they're cool and comfy...but after a relatively recent lesson where I was told that he couldn't see if my legs were straightened b/c my, quote, "legs were too curvy" and he couldn't see them in the pants...well, I don't wear them anymore.



thought of you fondly yesterday, as i wore black stretchy gauchos to my studio practice w/ pro... with black nike zippy jacket over it... love that look. i should have a wardrobe of two dozen just for dance lessons & practice...
(hmmm... wonder if i could more like that... my secondary summer mantra, it seems...)

[samina]

If its a hot day, I wear this: http://utilikilts.com/

Actually, I wear them anytime I can. Its so "Cool." :cool:

oooo... i like those.

[samina]

I hope you don't wear them, er, authentically.

for ballroom purposes they'd have to have built-in utilipanties...:cool:

[reb]

If its a hot day, I wear this: http://utilikilts.com/

Actually, I wear them anytime I can. Its so "Cool." :cool:
I started having flashbacks to Chris' hairy legs-in-a-dress picture:shock:

[reb]

for ballroom purposes they'd have to have built-in utilipanties...:cool:
:doh:

[samina]

yep... he posted a link to that a couple pages back... ergo the waxing discussion... lol :)

[Peaches]

thought of you fondly yesterday, as i wore black stretchy gauchos to my studio practice w/ pro... with black nike zippy jacket over it... love that look. i should have a wardrobe of two dozen just for dance lessons & practice...
(hmmm... wonder if i could more like that... my secondary summer mantra, it seems...)I hear ya. But it only takes one comment like that, then...not so much.

[samina]

then...not so much.

not so much what...?

[kimV6]

I understand that. At least it's not a hard name to pronounce. ;)

unfortunately it is. it's spelled kim, but pronounced keem. and like i said, it's not even my full name, which i had the pleasure of hearing school teachers mangle every year since i was six.

[SPratt74]

for ballroom purposes they'd have to have built-in utilipanties...:cool:

Lol! I laughed so hard when I read this. You are hilarious lol! :p

[SPratt74]

unfortunately it is. it's spelled kim, but pronounced keem. and like i said, it's not even my full name, which i had the pleasure of hearing school teachers mangle every year since i was six.

Lol! You poor thing. I have the easiest name to pronounce, so I'm a lucky one. But people that have like 20 letters in their name I have to feel for. Especially trying to learn how to spell that kind of name when you are like 5 or 6 years old lol!

Hmmm... trying to get back on topic. I can't because I keep laughing at Samina's remarks about Chris lol! ;)

[Joe]

amongst other dancers at rounds, it's rare i'll see anyone with jeans on. is this just me being a snot-nosed twentysomething?
Yes.

[Joe]

Interesting. I almost never have problems stepping on practice skirts, but often have that problem with ballgowns. Sounds like my problem is more expensive to fix than yours. ;)
Your practice skirts are also shorter than your ballgown(s)...and it costs you the same, i.e. nothing. :razz:

[Yliander]

If its a hot day, I wear this: http://utilikilts.com/

Actually, I wear them anytime I can. Its so "Cool." :cool:
thats what my dance partner wears - well not utilikilts - just normal kilts in a variety of weird and wonderful fabrics

I tend to wear jazz pants as they are comfortable, cheap and easy to wash, I add to them a variety of singlets and t-shirts - and top it off with a fitted zip front sweat shirt.

[Katarzyna]

has anyone seen this dress live? is it wide enough in the skirt to actually dance in?

http: //danceshopper.com/dance-clothes.Dance_America_Long_Tie_Back_Gown_Silk_E1
(paste into browser and delete space after colon) [moderated: latingal - inactivate commercial link]

[skwiggy]

So pretty. If it weren't grossly expensive I would buy it in a heartbeat.

[skwiggy]

Your practice skirts are also shorter than your ballgown(s)...and it costs you the same, i.e. nothing. :razz:

True, I am fortunate enough to have the holes repaired for free (thank you). But they don't do any favors to the resale value of the dresses.

[Katarzyna]

Yes I wouldnt' hestate if it was under 200... but... still tempting. does anyone konw if its good quality? is it worth the price? anyone seen it live..

[skwiggy]

Haven't seen it live. Tempting to buy it, stone it, and call it a costume. :)

[Katarzyna]

it would work as a costume or for shows.. really want this one, but wouldnt buy without seeing it first.. seen too many bad quality practice outfits to risk

[samina]

it's very pretty... i'd love to see how that skirt looks when it's moving...

[Katarzyna]

me too, that's why I am asking here. looks like a regular evening gown. doesn't look like a ballroom skirt, but cannot really tell

[lil glam gal]

this skirt is lovely how much do you think it would be if you transfered it into english pounds? x

[Katarzyna]

about 120 pounds I think

[lil glam gal]

ok i can see what you mean now it is quite a lot of money to depart with without seeing the skirt first x

[Katarzyna]

indeed. and I've seen some good products by this company, and some bad ones, so I wonder where does this one fall

[Chris Stratton]

Email and ask the circumference of the hem?

[lil glam gal]

http: //danceshopper.com/dance-clothes.Dance_America_%20Peasant_Top_T12
(paste into browser line and remove space after colon) - [moderated: latingal - commercial link inactivation]

that is really cute... i may consider getting that x

[Katarzyna]

I could do that chris, but danceshopper is just SO SLOW with responses..

lil glal gal, that's cute for latin :)

[dancesportgirl21]

indeed. and I've seen some good products by this company, and some bad ones, so I wonder where does this one fall

Same here. It's very pretty, but that brand is a bit of a toss up. If it looks as good in person, it would make a great dress for shows!

[Ampster]

I started having flashbacks to Chris' hairy legs-in-a-dress picture:shock:

My legs are naturaly smooth. :D

[Ampster]

for ballroom purposes they'd have to have built-in utilipanties...:cool:

Spandex/lycra compression running shorts by Nike, or Under Armour. That way, if someone chases me, I can just rip-off the Utilikilt and do a hundred meter dash unhampered... in dance sneakers.

[samina]

That way, if someone chases me, I can just rip-off the Utilikilt and do a hundred meter dash unhampered... in dance sneakers.

that would make for an interesting tanda...:cool:

[kimV6]

Yes.

you know what? the next time we see each other at rounds... i'll be dressed up. i'll even wear a tie. maybe even a tie bar...

[SPratt74]

has anyone seen this dress live? is it wide enough in the skirt to actually dance in?

http: //danceshopper.com/dance-clothes.Dance_America_Long_Tie_Back_Gown_Silk_E1

I think that dress would be very pretty. Although, since I have no rear end, it might not look that good on me lol. And even if I did, I don't know if I would want my rear end to look like that in a dress lol. But that's just me though lol. I do think it's very pretty if you have the right figure for it! ;)

[vcolfari]

Where did you get your dance trousers... have been shopping for a pair for DH, but have been unsure about what to get and where... long enough is an issue for him as well, as he tall and thin. And georgeous. But I digress... send/post a link for me?

I've been really happy with the pants I ordered from http: //www.dancesportballgowns.com/ [moderated: latingal - inactivate commercial link]. Although the site only lists Latin pants, they made me a pair of Smooth/Standard pants.

[latingal]

Hey all,

Just a gentle reminder, please do not post active commercial links in this thread. We generally test a link for "commercial" status by seeing if there is a "buy" button for the product being discussed on the page.

Thanks!

[vcolfari]

Sorry. I didn't realize that was the policy. Won't happen again.

[DancinAnne]

I've been really happy with the pants I ordered from http: //www.dancesportballgowns.com/ [moderated: latingal - inactivate commercial link]. Although the site only lists Latin pants, they made me a pair of Smooth/Standard pants.

Thank you for that link... I'll go check them out!

[latingal]

Sorry. I didn't realize that was the policy. Won't happen again.

No worries...thank you for understanding!

[lil glam gal]

yes I'm sorry about that too latingal :(

[Joe]

you know what? the next time we see each other at rounds... i'll be dressed up. i'll even wear a tie. maybe even a tie bar...
See you in September
See you when the summer's through...

[latingal]

yes I'm sorry about that too latingal :(

no worries, glad to have you here....

[sewbusy]

I have them for sale. rcfranks@frontiernet.net

[sewbusy]

When dancers go to practice, what kind of clothes do they wear?
For latin I wear leggings under a short skirt and a form fitting stretch top. My instructor wants to see my rib cage, hip movement, and ankles for turn out. When we move to smooth, I just pull a circle skirt over the short skirt.

[sewbusy]

have skirts if you would like to inquire. pm

[lil glam gal]

Hi Could you please email me or PM me pictures of the skirts?

[pnoisette]

Back Bay Dancewear online (we aren't allowed to post URLs but you can Google the) has a good selection of clothes for practise.

Scroll down to the Ballroom Apparel selection.

[Ginger]

Could I ask what footwear people are wearing to ballroom practice. I have an injury and need full support for my feet any suggestions.

[waltzgirl]

Could I ask what footwear people are wearing to ballroom practice. I have an injury and need full support for my feet any suggestions.

Welcome to DF!

When I hurt my foot, I wore dance sneakers for a while. I don't like them otherwise--balance is too different from heels--but they allowed me to dance while my foot was healing.

Depending on the injury, a regular pair of low-heeled lace-up practice shoes might work, too.

[latingal]

Welcome to DF Ginger. Yes, I think it depends on the inujury you have and what type of dancing you are doing. When I injured my foot, I actually had problems with shoes that had lower heels (rather than higher).

[Ginger]

Thanks so much for your very kind welcomes and advice. I have a condition called plantar fascia. It is very painful and it is recommended that you do not over use the foot while you have it but my love for dancing means I tend to ignore the good advice. I am attending an orthopaedic clinic weekly. Thankfully I have gone from 3 visits down to 1 per week but while walking is far less painful I have no results yet when I am dancing. The first half hour is excruciating and can bring me to tears. Its effecting my timing and consintration. We are starting competition next month and egar to find some comfort for our practice sessions and the comp itself. [/FONT]

[Beccajelly]

When I first started, I thought that I would need to get some great practice wear off the Capezio or Chrisanne website...however, I was advised to check out all the teenage stores et voila! I found jazz pants (capri and regular) at Charlotte Russe for $10 each, t-shirts and the practice skirt, I found at Macy's in the junior section. Be creative :) x x x I think I got 4 pants, 1 skirt, 3 t-shirts for about 70 bucks or so. Not bad I thought when a "real" skirt can run you up to $100.

[latingal]

Welcome to DF Beccajelly!

[samina]

ok, so what not to wear... lightweight white cotton pants... dang. wore these little capri type pants from express -- so not what i normally wear, but i was out running errands and this is how things wound up -- and for someone who sweats as much as i do, it was the stupidest thing to wear for a double lesson in uber-humid weather.

ended up looking like i peed myself. verrrry attractive. take heed... leave the sheer white pants at home!

[Standarddancer]

Usually black top (long sleeve for winter and short or sleeveless for summer) and practice skirts (prefer Chrisannen or Espen) or pants (anything stretchy but found a good one from Santoria)...

For me black skirt or pants the easiest, can't go wrong with any color top

[Standarddancer]

Welcome to DF!

When I hurt my foot, I wore dance sneakers for a while. I don't like them otherwise--balance is too different from heels--but they allowed me to dance while my foot was healing.

Depending on the injury, a regular pair of low-heeled lace-up practice shoes might work, too.

I injuried my ankle last year so I wore black practice pants with low heel supa dance teaching shoes so I could wear an ankle support inside my practice shoes. so this allowed me to practice when healing

[Standarddancer]

When I first started, I thought that I would need to get some great practice wear off the Capezio or Chrisanne website...however, I was advised to check out all the teenage stores et voila! I found jazz pants (capri and regular) at Charlotte Russe for $10 each, t-shirts and the practice skirt, I found at Macy's in the junior section. Be creative :) x x x I think I got 4 pants, 1 skirt, 3 t-shirts for about 70 bucks or so. Not bad I thought when a "real" skirt can run you up to $100.

Certainly creativity saves $$$, I think for practice top, much easier to find in junior stores or fashion boutiques on street - anything stretchy with some style would work for both standard & latin, also for Latin skirt and stretchy pants, it's possible to find in regular boutique or junior section of department store, but it's quite hard to find a nice, lightweight and flowy standard skirt from fashion boutique...I've only had luck once at forever 21, a stretchy long skirt but fabric kinda of cheapie and with inserts showed too much legs, getting back to Chrisanne now for standard practice skirt, but still searching around for tops/pants whenever possible:)

[tanya_the_dancer]

For some reason, even though I mainly dance standard, I do not like to wear long skirts for lessons or practice. I prefer either pants or shorter latin skirts, or even shorts (especially if I am practicing by myself, shorts have a pocket where I can put my mp3 player).

[and123]

ok, so what not to wear... lightweight white cotton pants... ended up looking like i peed myself. verrrry attractive.

*snicker* Sorry. *snort*. Really, I don't mean to laugh. *bwahahaha!*:lol:

I generally wear pants, and the only issue I've run into is if they hang low enough to expose my bellybutton. I've almost gotten my belly ring caught on my partner's belt a few times :shock:

[Standarddancer]

For some reason, even though I mainly dance standard, I do not like to wear long skirts for lessons or practice. I prefer either pants or shorter latin skirts, or even shorts (especially if I am practicing by myself, shorts have a pocket where I can put my mp3 player).

pants definitely have its advantages - sometimes I wear pants in lessons just that I want the instructor to see my leg action better to make correction; long ballroom skirt covers bad leg actions. So I think pants better for lessons and long skirt better for comps;)

[Twilight_Elena]

My practicewear outfit consists of dance fishnets (not my gorgeous 30 quid Capezios, those I keep for comps and showcases. The cheaper ones I got for everyday practice. Do you know how many times I've sewn the holes? Gah. A lot.). They MUST be worn. Only way I feel my feet working in my shoes.
Apart from that, dresses and skirts.

[Purr]

ended up looking like i peed myself. verrrry attractive. take heed... leave the sheer white pants at home!

*have to laugh* Sorry. *ok, one more laugh.* Sorry. :tongue:

[tanya_the_dancer]

My practicewear outfit consists of dance fishnets (not my gorgeous 30 quid Capezios, those I keep for comps and showcases. The cheaper ones I got for everyday practice. Do you know how many times I've sewn the holes? Gah. A lot.). They MUST be worn. Only way I feel my feet working in my shoes.
Apart from that, dresses and skirts.

Just curious, how do fishnets make it better? I found that I actually prefer bare feet.

[samina]

*snicker* Sorry. *snort*. Really, I don't mean to laugh. *bwahahaha!*:lol:


Go ahead, laugh. It's either that or die of embarrassment for me. At least I had the sense to wear a white thong...

the only issue I've run into is if they hang low enough to expose my bellybutton. I've almost gotten my belly ring caught on my partner's belt a few times :shock:

Ouch...makes me think of teenagers getting their braces stuck together! ;)

[Peaches]

OMG, Sam, that is awesome! And that's one reason why I'm anal about stuff that doesn't show sweat.

For lessons...
Currently enamored of skorts. I think the ones I've got are Champion. As comfortable as shorts, show legs, built in bike shorts, look good with sneakers or sandals, can be dressed up or dressed down so it's good for doing stuff before/after a lesson...don't show sweat at all. Nice, flattering, A-line skirt look.

For tops, usually a cami or a cami+lightweight crop hoodie. Something that's form fitting.

I'm also a fan of cutoffs, or jeans for winter. What can I say? I like to be comfortable. I just have to be careful that the pants are short enough that my feet can be seen, without cuffing the pants (b/c I always get a heel caught in the cuff and come close to falling).

[samina]

*have to laugh* Sorry. *ok, one more laugh.* Sorry. :tongue:

It's ok...worth a snicker. Or two. :)

[QPO]

I wear stretch pants with a fitting top, but would love to find a nice skirt. something that gives flexible movement

[soshedances]

Usually a skirt (often black, length depends on what I'm dancing) and a fitted t-shirt. Never stockings...they drive me nuts. In the winter, sometimes dress pants.

[chocolatchica]

Only thing that I don't like about the Flamenco skirts for ballroom (mind you I'm not a standard major so I may be talking rubish) is that they tend to be very very bottom heavy. As to allow th Flamenco dancer to use the skirt for movement with her hands and still have some skirt at her legs. So they have heavily layered. I know because I have two Flamenco skirt and have found them to layered for ballroom. Any take on this?

[chocolatchica]

Oh my goodness I found the perfect latin skirt for my lessons at Emerald and almost had a heart attack when I saw the price....$280. Darn!!! It was sooo perfect. I knew it was too good to be true. I've had a hard time finding a good latin skirt for practice/lessons and at time wear jeans which doesn't sit too well with my teacher.

[Becca]

I have also found two perfect Latin skirts . . . both by Espen International . . . one is £125 and the other £95 . . . too bad I maxed out my credit cards in Blackpool!

[_malakawa_]

i need to buy here a sewing machine.

i know how to make them. i saw that ESPEN clothes - but that is expencive.
http://www.cosgan.de/images/midi/konfus/a045.gif

[Twilight_Elena]

Just curious, how do fishnets make it better? I found that I actually prefer bare feet.

It's definitely a personal preference. I have narrow feet, so the fishnets hold the toes in and make the shoe feel snug as it should. I've tried and tried with bare feet. It's too much of a bother. Added bonus, they make my legs look non-pasty and they prevent any jiggling.

[NoDayButToday]

Oh man, there's tons of threads about this.... you can never go wrong with wearing something comfortable and form fitting.

[Standarddancer]

Some standard girls in our studio hired a tailor to custom make their practice dress - the tailor does nice job, but each dress cost like $300:(:( they say this price ensures the dress is unique, no one on the floor would have the same thing, but my opinion is "who cares if someone else has the same top or skirt as you on practice floor?" of course, if it's comp, it's a different story...$300 for a practice dress is a lot!!!

I can look decent in a Chrisanne skirt cost around 70 pounds matched with trendy top from street boutique for $20 or $30, almost half of the price of custom made practice dress:)

[soshedances]

I've discovered that I can wear girls' ballet skirts with dance pants underneath for practice as well, it's definitely cheaper than buying ballroom ones!

[tanya_the_dancer]

OK, a question to those who wears yoga pants to practice/lessons. I found that occasionally I catch my heel in the other pant. It's not happening that often, and in one case it highlighted the mistake I was making (I was stepping across too much), but that's not the safest way to discover mistakes. Anyone else has any experience with this?

[j_alexandra]

OK, a question to those who wears yoga pants to practice/lessons. I found that occasionally I catch my heel in the other pant. It's not happening that often, and in one case it highlighted the mistake I was making (I was stepping across too much), but that's not the safest way to discover mistakes. Anyone else has any experience with this?

Yup. Why I hardly ever wear pants to lessons.

[fascination]

if you wear a 3/4 length yoga pant you are all good......but yes, i have occasionally caught a heel in a hem and volleyed myself across the room...good fun...but I am well padded

[katherinejh]

Yeah I do that rarely enough that I just deal with tripping sometimes. I really strongly dislike skirts, and I'm so short that I have to hem the pants anyway, so its never a length thing because if I didn't hem them I'd be tripping just walking.

[fascination]

I will wear a skort for latin...I don't have a long skirt with built-in underbits for smooth/standard...and therefore have no intention of over-sharing KWIM?

[latingal]

I do not wear stretch pants with flared bottoms for latin since I normally practice in latin heels; way too much opportunity to catch a heel and end up flat on my - ahem. I will wear pants for smooth and standard when I wear cuban heels.

[jjs914]

I wear a capri pant with leg warmers if i'm cold for most practice with heels. Tend to wear my full-length pants more when I have practice shoes on, which have the thicker, lower heel.

[AMeader]

I do not wear stretch pants with flared bottoms for latin since I normally practice in latin heels; way too much opportunity to catch a heel and end up flat on my - ahem. I will wear pants for smooth and standard when I wear cuban heels.

Hahaha, I have wiped out at least twice doing that! Learned my lesson :)

[musicchica86]

Okay, I don't know what it is about this simple question about yoga pants that's brought me out of lurkdom, but here we go:

FWIW, I dance Bronze/Silver Latin, with a healthy smattering of open for showcases and open scholarships. I have 2 pairs of yoga pants. A pair of regular cotton knit ones, and a pair I got last-minute from NY & Company (had a lesson and forgot to bring a change of clothes with me, that was the easiest place to get to). I catch my heel ALL.THE.TIME. in the regular pair, to the point where I almost refuse to wear them to lessons.

But the nylon-blend pair from NY&Co. are awesome. They're much stretchier than the cotton pair, look much more "expensive," fall nicely along my leg and ankle, and (best part) don't stretch out at the knee after I've been wearing them for a few minutes. I *never* catch my heels in these pants. I don't know whether it's a function of the material or the stitching used on the hem or just what, but even in my 3" competition heels I don't have to worry about tripping on them. Unfortunately it doesn't look like NY&Co. has any of that type of pant available right now, but if you can find a style similar in that kind of material, I'd definitely try them out before you give up on yoga pants entirely.

Just my $0.02, in any case!

[katherinejh]

I've wiped out occasionally, but not often enough to stop wearing pants. My legs are stumpy, capris make them look stumpier. Like I said though, I do hem my pants so they are physically not long enough for me to step on.

[fascination]

a)welcome music chica :)
b) I too am a woman of the stumpy legs....but, usually a 3/4 length yoga pant is flared just below the knee rather than tight light most capris so it isn't as offensive...but am with you about capris...will not be caought dead in them...they are for skinny people...as are leggings...no matter how much I wish it was otherwise....

[tanya_the_dancer]

I've wiped out occasionally, but not often enough to stop wearing pants. My legs are stumpy, capris make them look stumpier. Like I said though, I do hem my pants so they are physically not long enough for me to step on.

For me, it's not stepping on the pants, it's when I do something where the heel of the free leg comes into proximity of the standing leg (by mistake or by design). Then it has a chance of getting caught in the fabric. I don't recall this happening when I wore jeans or dress pants. They either fit snuglier, or I did simpler stuff in my dancing.

[latingal]

I don't recall this happening when I wore jeans or dress pants. They either fit snuglier, or I did simpler stuff in my dancing.

Know what you mean, I can wear jeans and heels because the flare of the jeans material does not stretch and envelope the heel to create a "catch".

[harp34552]

But the nylon-blend pair from NY&Co. are awesome. They're much stretchier than the cotton pair, look much more "expensive," fall nicely along my leg and ankle, and (best part) don't stretch out at the knee after I've been wearing them for a few minutes. I *never* catch my heels in these pants. I don't know whether it's a function of the material or the stitching used on the hem or just what, but even in my 3" competition heels I don't have to worry about tripping on them.

This is how I feel about my favorite jazz pants - I wear them essentially every day, and they are AWESOME. (Body Wrappers V-front jazz pants no. 0696) The only time I catch a heel is when I am being sloppy with my feet. So that's my bad anyway. I have definitely never wiped out in these (although I have in other similar flared-leg yoga or jazz pants).

[katherinejh]

Yeah I usually wear capezio short-inseam jazz pants or soffee jazz pants and it isn't the length, its being sloppy.

[latingal]

I think there are instances where you can catch a heel with the correct foot work (especially if there are large flares on the pants). The speed and position of the feet in multiple three step or chaine type turns tends to wrap the flare portion of the pant around the heel (dangerous with stretch material).

[musicchica86]

Yep. Any movement where one foot comes up above the hem of the pants but the foot stays close to the leg can result in catching the fabric. Again, I've only had this happen with my basic pair of yoga pants and never with the higher-quality pair. Seriously, look for a thicker nylon-blend pair and you shouldn't have any issues.

[Standarddancer]

I don’t prefer flared pants for standard practicing, very easy to get fabric caught in the heel. Fitted pants / Yoga pants with thicker high quality fabric should be ok. Usually pants with thin and stretchy material are the worst. Sometimes skirt made of thin & stretchy material could be a problem too if skirt is too long.

[laylamah]

I've wiped out occasionally, but not often enough to stop wearing pants. My legs are stumpy, capris make them look stumpier. Like I said though, I do hem my pants so they are physically not long enough for me to step on.

One day, after having just wiped out, I decided to put an end to the wipe-outs once and for all! I sat down and (while still wearing my shoes) used the heels to rip some smallish holes in my dance pants... now I just put the heels through the holes several times, until the fabric is nice and snugly wrapped around the heels - no more qs/vw wipe-outs! :)

[sonrisas2010]

Hi everyone!

Quick question; does anyone know where to buy practice wear in London, UK? Ideally I'd like to try stuff on in store rather than ordering online, but it just seems so difficult to find ANYTHING...or am I just unaware?

I went into Capezio the other day, but they only had 2 styles of skirts available?! There must be somewhere good in London!

Any help is appreciated :)

[roxie333]

Hi everyone!

Quick question; does anyone know where to buy practice wear in London, UK? Ideally I'd like to try stuff on in store rather than ordering online, but it just seems so difficult to find ANYTHING...or am I just unaware?

I went into Capezio the other day, but they only had 2 styles of skirts available?! There must be somewhere good in London!

Any help is appreciated :)

Have you ever tried Dancia International?

I don't want anyone to think I am spamming the site with ads so I can't post full details but do a web search for that store. They have one in north London and one in central I believe. Good luck.

What style of skirt are you looking for?

[latingal]

Welcome to DF sonrisas2010!

[sonrisas2010]

Thank you Roxie and Latingal!! Will try out Dancia ASAP.

I'm looking for latin dancewear primarily, do you know anywhere that specialises in that or where you can find a big range of latin skirts? To start with I'm looking for a red fringe skirt :)

[roxie333]

I'm looking for latin dancewear primarily, do you know anywhere that specialises in that or where you can find a big range of latin skirts? To start with I'm looking for a red fringe skirt :)

Dance Sport UK is another place you might want to search for.

What are you planning on wearing with the red fringe skirt? ...... red tank top? black tube top? black tights? suntan tights? ..... I am curious how other dancers put together their outfit :rolleyes:

[polishbloo]

I'm always stuck on what to wear for dance practice/lessons. What outfits/clothing is appropriate?

[Zhena]

I'm always stuck on what to wear for dance practice/lessons. What outfits/clothing is appropriate?

Assuming you are talking about ballroom, because performance type dances (ballet, contemporary) have their own styles and requirements ...

The usual advice is to take your cue from the more experienced people at your studio ... but as long as it doesn't constrict your movement or get in the way of your partner, and doesn't fall off when you move, and looks reasonably pulled together, it's probably good. It's also good if the material is breathable and moves nicely.

Dance supply stores and websites have a lot of nice practice clothes, but if you shop carefully you can find suitable things in ordinary stores.

There are lots of possibilities. What do you like to wear? What issues do you have with what you have been wearing in the past?

[pygmalion]

Ditto what Z said. And welcome, polishbloo. :-D

I'm a big fan of t-shirts and jazz pants or inexpensive knit skirt, just because it's comfy and fairly inexpensive. I find that anything labeled ballroom tends to be overpriced, at least in the US (Not asking where you are. Just clarifying.)

Stretchy, swingy suitable-for-dance skirt from discount store? Twenty dollars. Stretchy, swingy "ballroom practice" skirt from ballroom specialty shop? Way more than twenty dollars. *sigh*

Gotta be careful with the skirts, though, because of the whole underwear issue when you spin. It's easier to wear pants.

[fascination]

for latin, black skort, sports bra, tank top and multiple shrugs to change into and out of due to what a sweaty mess I am


in smooth/standard; either a long skirt with leggings or black yoga pants, and same upprer body options as latin

[pygmalion]

Hmm. Skorts. :idea:

[latingal]

Welcome to DF polishbloo!

[mindputtee]

Personally I like gaucho pants in some kind of synthetic for practice. They're stretchy and breathable while giving you the movement of a skirt but the protection a pair of pants afford. I'll also sometimes wear a lightweight skirt, but wear a pair of bloomers or hotpants underneath to protect against wardrobe malfunctions.

On top I usually wear a t shirt or a tank top because it's generally ridiculously hot where I practice.

[dancerdol]

Sport bra, black tank style leotard, black yoga pants with slight flare but, hemmed slightly shorter so that I don't trip in smooth practice in my 2" heel shoes- depending on how cold studio is - I add on a ballet shrug or a colorful DSI practice top. As I get closer to a comp - I wear a black Danskin, Capezio or Dance America full circle skirt (similar to skirt on comp dress) with a split to incorporate performance "skirt work" into choreography rehearsals

[hereKittyKitty]

For standard-Dress pants from The Limited or my favorite pair of grey boot cut trousers, with a nice practice top and practice shoes. I used to dress up more, but now I just like being comfortable and feel I can focus more. It helps that I found practice shoes similar in feel to my comp shoes- cant stand wearing practice shoes with a skirt lol:D
If I'm in a lesson with a coach I wear a black peasant skirt that I found at Tj Maxx- they had a ton of them this year and it works great as a practice skirt.
I find a lot of my practice tops at Ami Clubwear. Their online site has a lot of tops that are real dance wear quality for a fraction of the cost. You can also find great practice wear for latin there.

[itsthisgirl]

i wear dance pants and a tank top, tight t-shirt, or a tight turtle neck (depending on weather) so the instructor can see my lines.

[debmc]

I wear short capri yoga pants with casual tshirt or leggings with practice dance skirt. I also try to show my leg lines more with latin. Also I used to wear long yoga pants and got my heel caught in them too often. Plus they did not let me see my feet/ankles very well.

[ktia85]

I usually wear a shorter skirt with leggings and a form fitting top. This has become my new favorite. Which my instructor prefers at the knee or above the knee skirts or pants so he can see what the feet are doing.

[ViviDancer]

Standard lessons I wear a long sleeved swimsuit cut top and dance pants, complete with cufflings.

Latin lessons I wear a tight fitting t-shirt and dance pants.

Practices are with shirts and dance pants basically, tried sports pants and etc but never felt the same =/

[debmc]

What are dance pants?

[ktia85]

I call dance "panties", dance pants (dance shorts). But typically like yoga type tighter fitting pants.

[fascination]

my practice wear;

in summer or warm weather, for latin I wear a black skort and and a scoop tank or T (occasionally a practice dress)...and have several shrugs on hand....for std/smooth; usually black yoga pants and shirts similar to latin outfits...occasionally I will do long skirts with leggings underneath in cooler weather for either smooth or latin

[debmc]

Dance pants (shorts) would not work for me.. but a skort! That might work. Any recommendations for where to buy a skort?

[fascination]

in the tennis section at sporting goods stores...kohls also carries them in sportswear in the summer, as does target...in the summer

[debmc]

Thanks!

[ajiboyet]

I try to wear things that DON'T hide my lines. Shorts sometimes, in fact.