Dance shoes and dance costumes

Dance has been around since the beginning of history. Humans long for expression through movement. Dance is not only a form of exercise but also an art and a form of communication.

There are many various types of dance and the clothing worn varies depending on the style and the needs of the dancer. Leotards are needed for almost any type of dance. They fit snugly and allow for movement. They also allow instructors an unobstructed view of the body to make sure the student has proper form. Leotards that wick moisture away from the body and stay dry are the best, especially for the dancer that practices religiously.

All dancers will need a bag as well. It is best to not wear dance shoes on the street so they have maximum life. Most studios require that a dancer wear a cover up when arriving and departing. A bag keeps these items organized and also stores a few other necessities like music and personal hygiene items.

Most types of dance have specific shoe and costume or dancewear requirements. The varieties of dance can range from jazz and ballet to hip hop and belly dancing. Even exotic dancers have certain costume needs.

The dance clothes worn for belly dancing includes a leotard or form fitting camisole, a long skirt, and a hip scarf. The leotard or camisole allows one to watch the movements of their stomach so that a belly roll can be perfected. The long skirt enhances the dance experience. It flows softly around the body. Most skirts work best with a slit on each side from bottom to mid-thigh for ease of leg movement. The hip scarf accentuates the movement of the hips. This can be an inexpensive scarf tied around the waist or one of the more costly wraps designed specifically for belly dance. The less costly scarf can be cut into strips and decorated with coins or beads to add the provocative sound often heard during belly dancing.

Ballet dancers also wear a leotard. The leotard is simple, traditionally white, black, or pink. Young ballet dancers may wear small skirts or tutus. Older students wear just a leotard so that the movement of the body can be clearly seen. Ballet dancers need certain shoes. When in the beginning and moderate levels a ballet slipper is worn. These are designed to enhance a dancer’s technique as well as protect the feet and ankles. For long lasting slippers they should be made of leather. They can be either split sole to accentuate the arch or full sole to mimic Pointe shoes.

Pointe shoes are for the advanced ballerina. The feet and legs must be conditioned to dance on the toes and beginning Pointe too soon can result in injury. The shoes support the feet from underneath the arch by a stiff insole or shank. The front of the shoe has a toe box that encases the toes tightly and allows the body weight to be supported. A good Pointe shoe is critical to the stability and protection of the foot.

Jazz dancers should ask their studio about the dress code. Some studios prefer leotards while others prefer jazz pants and a camisole. Jazz pants are loose fitting and allow for maximum movement. They come is various lengths. Jazz shoes will be required. These are like ballet slippers but with a small heel. They can be full or split soled, and very flexible. They normally come in black or tan. Jazz sneakers have a split sole as well and look more like a tennis shoe.

For Latin and ballroom dancers, the dancers have to follow regulations for the costumes and the rules will vary depending on the association and type of dance. The shoes for the women are pumps or sandals with a two to three inch heel. They are usually made of leather. They are lightweight and flexible and have suede soles that allow for the proper combination of grip and slide needed for moving across the floor. The men usually wear light, flexible oxfords with a very small heel and suede soles as well.

Tap dancers practice in costumes that allows for movement and usually perform in tuxedo style costumes. The shoes are the crucial component in tap. The taps are attached with screws and the tone of the sound can be adjusted by tightening or loosening the screws.

Many other styles of dance such as hip hop and lyrical allow street clothes to be worn, with tennis shoes or a flexible dance sneaker. No matter what type of dance is being performed it is important to check with the studio to determine dress codes. Dancewear and gymnastic equipment can be purchased at specialized stores or online. Now get dancing!

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