What Should I Wear For My First Private Dance Lesson Or Group Dance Class?

Are you getting ready for your first adult dance class at Hearts In Rhythm Dance in Rehoboth Beach? We’re so excited to dance with you! You might be wondering what the most appropriate attire for your first visit is – don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Keeping just a few simple tips in mind will set you up for success, comfort, and confidence when you come to dance with us:

• It’s a good idea to dress in layers for your dance class or lesson. Ballroom dance studios are notoriously chilly environments: the combination of a large, open space and the preparation for groups of people moving around the room means we keep it pretty cool in the studio. You’re definitely going to heat up as you start moving, though! The increased blood flow that occurs as a result of moving your body will raise your temperature – in a good way! We recommend you pair a tee shirt or tank top with a sweatshirt or hoodie – one with a zipper in the front is the easiest to transition in and out of as your body temperature adjusts.
  
• Okay, so the top of you is covered, now what to wear on the bottom? If you plan to wear a skirt, make sure the fabric is free of your foot area and loose around the thighs and knees. We love the look of a classic pencil skirt, but when you attend a dance class or dance lesson, styles like this will restrict your movement and make it hard to maximize your potential. If you love the flowy, boho look, make sure your hem hits your ankles at the longest – we don’t want you to trip yourself up on fabric while you’re making moves out on the floor!
  
• If pants or trousers are more your style, make sure you wear a pair that won’t inhibit your range of motion. You don’t want your pants so loose that they’ll fall down or trip you with excess fabric, but if they’re too tight you won’t be able to experience the full range of motion that dancing requires. We recommend a material with some stretch to it – heavier fabrics like denim can not only get hot, but can also hold you back and weigh you down when you’re trying to boogie!
  
• And what about footwear? Do you need to purchase dance shoes right away? Dance shoes are not required for the first few lessons or classes, but the sooner you can get your feet in a pair, the safer and easier your experience will be. Dance shoes are specifically designed to support the feet and ankles, and minimize friction with the floor without being too slippery. We understand, however, that you might not want to invest in a pair right away while you’re figuring out whether dancing is the activity that suits you best. For your first few visits to the studio, we recommend a low-traction shoe with a closed toe. If you’re preparing for a special event, try to wear a shoe similar to what you’ll be wearing that day. No sandals or flip-flops (for safety reasons), and while sneakers are okay for the first few times on the dance floor, the traction of the rubber sole against the floor can put strain on the joints as you move (especially during turns). Ballet flats are a great option if you like that style!

The most important things to bear in mind when choosing your dance outfit are comfort and confidence. If you wear something you feel good in, you will definitely dance better than if you are constantly adjusting your clothes or worrying about how they fit. You’ll see all different kinds of ensembles in the studio: some people like to dress up to make their lesson a special occasion, while others prefer athleisure wear for its comfort and maneuverability. It’s okay for your style to evolve over time as you dance – feel free to express yourself and, as always, remember to have fun!