Practising Standard or Smooth in Jeans

[tuxedosam]

I've heard people say that practising in jeans for Standard or Smooth was a bad idea but I've never really understood why. Does it make a difference for the guy more or the girl more?

 

[fascination]

meh...not a problem for me unless they are so rough that you can't move in them...otherwise I find a skirt far more annoying

 

[tanya_the_dancer]

This time of the year I am practicing in jeans most of the time, in summer it is a latiny skirt for me.

 

[latingal]

If you can move in 'em (do developes and the like), I'm okay with it (though I prefer something stretchier). But I would think the belt buckles could be murder....

 

[Peaches]

I love wearing jeans, and wear them every chance I get.

They don't seem to be a problem, but all of mine are stretchy. I have had issues, when they're longer (for wearing with heels), with stepping on them or stepping in a cuff. I almost took myself and my teacher down to the floor that way. (Not that that's necessarily a bad thing, lol, but context is everything. KIDDING!)

I haven't had any issues with belt buckles. Maybe they're annoying to him but he hasn't said anything. No reason, though, why you couldn't shift the belt around so the buckle isn't in a problematic location.

 

[fluffy]

I've known people to lock buckles!
If your jeans restrict your movement in anyway, don't wear them. Otherwise wear what's comfortable.

 

[fenixx]

There is something to be said about practicing in attire similar to what you are competing in. For this reason, my studio has a strict practice attire policy. Latin in latin pants, latin shoes, and a tight shirt. Standard in Standard pants, an oxford, and standard shoes. This not only mimics the feeling but allows you to see the proper lines. As I always like to say, control what you can!

 

[jschaab]

I practice in jeans frequently. I've never noticed that it restricted my movement, but I've heard people recommend against wearing jeans for that reason. For me its an issue of whats practical. wearing things that need to be either dry cleaned or hand washed more than a 3 or 4 times a week gets annoying...

 

[reb]

I haven't had any issues with belt buckles. Maybe they're annoying to him but he hasn't said anything. No reason, though, why you couldn't shift the belt around so the buckle isn't in a problematic location.

right on . . .
jeans or not, we guys have the belt thing going on and it works if we're considerate about it

 

[Peaches]

There is something to be said about practicing in attire similar to what you are competing in. For this reason, my studio has a strict practice attire policy. Latin in latin pants, latin shoes, and a tight shirt. Standard in Standard pants, an oxford, and standard shoes. This not only mimics the feeling but allows you to see the proper lines. As I always like to say, control what you can!

But what if you don't compete?

I can understand a teacher/coach wanting to be able to see lines, but why should the studio give a fig? And, personally, I'd resent being told that I'd have to shell out yet more $$ for the privilege of practicing, on something like clothing.

Seems more like an image thing, IMO. I'd be finding another studio, pronto.

But, hey, if it works for you...great!

 

[misteria]

I am always wearing either stretchy jeans or other stretchy pants. I hate skirts and it's enough that I have to wear them for comps and performances.

 

[fenixx]

But what if you don't compete?

I can understand a teacher/coach wanting to be able to see lines, but why should the studio give a fig? And, personally, I'd resent being told that I'd have to shell out yet more $$ for the privilege of practicing, on something like clothing.

Seems more like an image thing, IMO. I'd be finding another studio, pronto.

But, hey, if it works for you...great!

I understand if you dont compete, but the studio I belong to is strictly competitive. I embrace this policy for the same reason I don't wear jeans to soccer or tennis practice. There is something to be said about being properly attired. Practice wear doesn't have to cost much... a pair of practice pants is less than $100 and a t-shirt or tank top is less than $20. A strech oxford is less than $40.

 

[Gingi]

I understand if you dont compete, but the studio I belong to is strictly competitive. I embrace this policy for the same reason I don't wear jeans to soccer or tennis practice. There is something to be said about being properly attired. Practice wear doesn't have to cost much... a pair of practice pants is less than $100 and a t-shirt or tank top is less than $20. A strech oxford is less than $40.

I agree my coach basically said don't bother coming in jeans because it can restrict movement a lot. I just wear black work pants from target (which are actually cheaper than my jeans).

 

[samina]

There is something to be said about practicing in attire similar to what you are competing in. For this reason, my studio has a strict practice attire policy. Latin in latin pants, latin shoes, and a tight shirt. Standard in Standard pants, an oxford, and standard shoes. This not only mimics the feeling but allows you to see the proper lines. As I always like to say, control what you can!

there's something to be said for wearing something approximating your competition costume for practice... you just feel so different. like wearing a costume on stage... you feel like it's the "real deal" and can assume a certain demeanor more wholly.

makes me want to make some practice gowns, actually... although i'm generally a "loose & stretchy black pants" sorta gal, myself

 

[Joe]

Denim is rougher than most other fabrics, which causes more friction between your legs and your partner's. I'd rather not deal with that. It's also a lot heavier than the fabrics used for almost every other pant. If I sweat buckets into my slacks, I'm gonna sweat a river into jeans. Finally, there's no way jeans are not more restrictive than slacks, since the fabric is simply stiffer.

I subscribe to the policy fenixx espouses.