Practicewear - I just don't get it.

IndyLady said:
I generally wear a t-shirt and yoga or other exercise pants. I do own a couple practice skirts that I break out maybe right before an event or for an outside coach technique lesson. I probably should upgrade my normal threads, one coach encouraged it (in a positive way), but I guess I feel pretentious and like an imposter, like I'm taking myself too seriously. Many at my studio wear normal work clothes (business casual), but I can't move well in dress slacks.
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I can so relate to your post- everyone at my studio wears normal clothes to dance class- I'm the only one in practice wear- and I felt pretentious too especially because I'm far from the best dancer- but in the end- practice wear for dance class feels as comfortable for me as gym clothes for working out- I tried yoga pants, normal work clothes, tops etc and didn't feel good- so pretentious or not- here I am in my practice dress or skirt and I've given up on trying to please anyone else.
 
I can't for the life of me imagine why anyone would spend energy judging what anyone else wears to a lesson unless they are in something so revealing as to border upon pornographic...

I know people who really feel strongly that they need to practice in clothing that mimics the properties of their dance costumes....and I know people who don't....I am in the camp of not needing to do that....it really doesn't throw me to not have worn my gowns or some sort of facsimile before a comp....I might do it once with a new costume just to make sure there isn't some unforeseen issue....but generally, it isn't an issue for me...I wear things that I can move in and which are as flattering to my body as I can find so that I am not distracted by that...usually that is a wraparound dress and footless tights or yoga pants and a scoop necked T....but it would never occur to me to judge someone else's preference
 
I can't imagine either- but having been made fun of for wearing practice clothes, I know some people have the time and energy to do that- in any case, I've stopped letting it bother me. I wear it because I like it and I really don't care what anyone else thinks at this point.
Which makes me ponder why so much energy in the universe is spent on worrying about other people's choices- if everyone just took care of themselves, a lot of problems wouldn't exist.
 
my only guess is that some people have so little going for themselves that they have to create ways to make themselves feel superior... and in their minds, the only way to do that is by finding fault with others...in my mind there are really only 2 scenarios under which I could care....1) if a person comes to me and asks for my perspective and 2) if their choice directly impacts me....but I think, for some folks, when decisions that are made that are different than the ones they make, they take it as a personal threat...
 
I would like to buy more practise wear, but I can't justify it for the prices they charge. There just isn't that much to it - simple patterns in black lycra. I got myself a Capezio mid-length Gore skirt a few years ago which I wear for most of my lessons. I think then it was about £20, I looked recently and the same skirt is now double that. I would like more variety, like the DSI or Chrisanne practise wear, but I could buy an evening dress or dance shoes for the same money.
 
I practice in workout gear, but am generally in practicewear and heels for lessons. On rare occasions - think injury - I might be in practice shoes and black pants. I feel like dressing up a little shows respect to pro/coach, and shows that I take this seriously. Nothing elaborate, but I have a few skirts that I rotate, and a collection of leotards/black t-shirts.

There is a pro that I often see who will teach (solo students or couples) in jeans and flat dance sneakers... and I just find it disrespectful, like they are telling the student that they're not really planning to work all that hard. Seriously, it takes 2 seconds to throw on a pair of dance pants/skirt and some shoes - practice ones are cool with me, as are the dance sneakers if you are injured. Plus, if you won't let the students you are teaching wear jeans (the studio has a dress code for kids and teens), then you probably shouldn't either.

When it comes to students, I'm more open on wardrobe choice. Wear what you can afford and lets you move, preferably not too skimpy. Wear a version of the same outfit every day if you like, or never repeat. Don't care.
 
No doubt the price for practice wear is high- but in my regular rotation is a skirt I bought for $40 at Dress Barn that is a great Smooth skirt- in the end, it's about what makes you feel good as well as budget.

I agree about the pro/coaching and respect thing- I would never dream of wearing jeans to a coaching session. I hope teachers feel the same way about their lessons.
 
2 of my 4 pros have been lax about what they wore...and I think it did reflect philosophy...I would never dream of being casual for a coaching...as for lessons, I let the pro set the tone
 
Just exploring what you mentioned- is a pro wearing a t shirt and jeans that's seen better days reflective of their interest in being a serious teacher? I don't feel it is- but I've seen folks think along those lines.
 
For me, the issue with a pro wearing jeans to a lesson is that s/he cannot dance above a certain level. The fabric just doesn't allow it.
 
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I echo @RiseNFall. If I show up for a lesson, and the pro is in jeans or the wrong shoes, it's like he's saying "I'm not going to give you your money's worth today, because I won't be dancing full out." And the undercurrent (to me) would be a lack of respect.

It really isn't an appearance thing - I don't care about a collared shirt, for example, and would be totally fine (and have been, with current pro) for our rare weekend morning stamina rounds when we are the only ones in the place to happen in workout pants and a t-shirt - it's about wearing something that lets him work.

Pro's usual outfit with me: dance pants, standard shoes, and a t-shirt. Not fancy. And I'm usually in a cap-sleeved leotard/t-shirt, tights, standard shoes and a practice skirt for lessons.
 
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