Ballroom dancing is a beautiful world where what you wear matters a lot. When you’re learning to dance, choosing the right ballroom attire is very important. It’s not just about looking good – it’s also about feeling comfortable and moving easily.
Your ballroom dance class outfit is unique; it helps you look good and dance better. Therefore, picking the right dress code is a big deal.
So, in this guide, we will talk about the clothes you should wear for ballroom dancing classes. We’ll look at different ballroom dance practice attire for men and women to help you choose the right one.
Top Picks for Women’s Ballroom Dance Attire
Basic Ballroom Attire Female for International Standard and American Smooth
Women can choose a two-piece basic ballroom standard dress for low-level competitions, combining a skirt and a shirt. Alternatively, a full ballroom gown is the standard dress for ladies. These basic gowns are typically solid-colored and simple, avoiding patterns and decorations. These long dresses lack embellishments like gloves and floats to maintain a clean and sophisticated look.
Advanced Ballroom Dance Class Outfit for International Standard and American Smooth
Advanced gowns for International Standard are more sophisticated. It includes embellishments such as floats, gloves, rhinestones, and sometimes feathers. These dresses have a classical style with long, fluffy skirts.
In American Smooth, advanced dresses combine the Standard gown and Latin dress elements. These full-length dresses don’t include floats, so you can easily do solo spins with the arms.
Outfit Choices for Latin and Rhythm Ballroom Dancing
The dress code for these programs is more open, sexy, and passionate than Standard and Smooth traditions. Women can choose between a one-piece dress or a two-piece outfit, typically shorter to highlight body movement and leg action.
Basic Women’s Dress Code for International Latin and American Rhythm
Basic dresses for Latin and Rhythm dances are shorter than Standard/Smooth dresses and can be solid gowns. Two-piece sets with a shirt and a skirt are also allowed. The dresses aim to show leg movement, sometimes featuring slits in the back to prevent catching heels. Additionally, dresses may have frills or skirts to highlight hip and body movement during the dance.
Advanced Women’s Dress Code for International Latin and American Rhythm
Advanced Latin dresses are designed to be more sexy and extravagant. They may have rhinestones and other embellishments. Some dresses make it look like you can see through them or show parts of the body by using different colors.
Top Picks for Mens Ballroom Dance Wear
Basic Ballroom Attire Male for International Standard and American Smooth
Shirt
Men usually wear a basic white shirt without a tailcoat for standard ballroom dancing. The shirt resembles a leotard with attached pants to maintain a neat appearance during complex dance moves. The shirt must be long-sleeved, classic-style, and solid white for the Standard Program. Moreover, the shirt is worn with a bow tie, and additional accessories like cufflinks can enhance the overall look.
Pants (Trousers)
The International Standard and American Smooth pants are straight, normal-waist, black trousers without stripes. They have a special cut to appear freshly ironed and polished.
Vest or Waistcoat
Vests are optional and typically black for International Standard. In American Smooth, the vest can match the color of the shirt or be more creative, such as having vertical stripes. Occasionally, dancers choose cardigans or pullovers instead of vests, though this has become less fashionable.
Bow Tie and Necktie
The bow tie is black or white for International Standard, while the necktie is black. The necktie and bow tie can be any solid color in American Smooth.
Advanced Ballroom Dance Wear for International Standard and American Smooth
Men’s Tail Suit
The tailsuit is pure black (sometimes dark blue), considered essential for high-level competitions in International Standard. It differs from regular tailcoats, including straight sleeves to maintain shoulder level during arm movements. Moreover, accessories include a white bow tie, cufflinks, shirt studs, and a white handkerchief.
Men’s Tail Shirt
The tail shirt, designed for a tailcoat, can have a built-in or separately detachable collar. It isn’t a regular shirt but a leotard with attached shorts or pants.
Men’s Waistcoat
The waistcoat, always white, adds a stylish touch. It’s a small fabric piece beneath the tailcoat, creating a full vest design.
Collar
For International Standard, a white collar is usually attached to the shirt. When removed, it becomes flat, making it convenient for storage.
Advanced Ballroom Attire for American Smooth
The American Smooth style is similar to the International Style but allows men to choose from shorter tuxedos, vests, and creative outfits. Suits for American Smooth have a special cut, typically black, dark gray, or dark blue. Also, it consists of a jacket, pants, shirt, long tie, cufflinks, and an optional pocket-handkerchief.
Basic Men’s Dress Code for International Latin and American Rhythm
Shirt
Latin shirts are usually sexy and open, sometimes including a turtle neck. These shirts are leotards so that they look tidy during dances.
Pants (Trousers)
Solid black pants with a sewed-in look are standard for Latin dances. They may have a vertical stripe outside each leg and the waistline.
Advanced Men’s Dress Code for International Latin and American Rhythm
Shirt
Advanced Latin shirts can have different textures, patterns, or even be semi-transparent. Some shirts may include rhinestones for a brighter appearance.
The difference between basic and advanced styles is mainly in the shirt. Advanced shirts appear fancy and are often more expensive due to unique designs and trendy elements.
Ballroom Dance Practice Shoes for Men and Women
When it comes to ballroom dance, choosing the right shoes is crucial for comfort and performance. Here are some tips for men’s and women’s ballroom dance shoes:
Tips for Mens Ballroom Dance Shoes
- Suede Soles: Suede allows for smooth movement and pivoting while maintaining control.
- Low Heel: Men’s ballroom dance shoes usually have a low, sturdy heel to maintain balance and stability.
- Flexible and Lightweight: Shoes must be flexible and lightweight to prevent fatigue during extended dance sessions.
- Closed-toe or Open-toe: dance style. Standard and smooth dances often require closed-toe shoes. While Latin and rhythm dances may involve open-toe designs.
Tips for Women’s Ballroom Dance Shoes
- Sole Type: Look for shoes with suede soles. Suede provides the right grip on the dance floor, allowing smooth movements and turns.
- Heel Height: Common heel heights for ballroom dance shoes range from 1.5 to 3 inches.
- Strap Style: Ankle straps or T-straps can help secure the shoes on your feet. Make sure the straps are adjustable.
- Materials: Shoes must be made from breathable materials like leather or satin.
- Arch Support: Adequate arch support is essential for comfort and preventing foot fatigue.
- Toe Shape: Rounded or pointed-toe shapes are common in ballroom dance shoes.
Conclusion
In short, choosing the right ballroom attire is important as it helps you look good and dance better. For women, there are basic and advanced options for different types of ballroom dances. For men, we’ve explored what to wear for standard, smooth, and Latin and rhythm dances. We’ll also give tips on choosing the right shoes for both men and women because it’s crucial for comfort and good performance.
Share your favorite dance class outfits and suggest tips for more outfit ideas!
