Ladies Clothing
Make sure you wear layered clothing. You may start the night off quite cold but as the dancing progresses, you may want to remove a few layers.
Generally the evening group classes are "smart casual" morning classes tend to be more "workout" kind of gear.
Gents Clothing
Make sure you wear whatever is comfortable for you, usually guys wear pants and a shirt to the evening classes. Please avoid wearing thongs as these make dancing very difficult.
Please dont be afraid of bringing an extra shirt if you tend to perspire. A small hand towel placed discreetly near the dancefloor can help with removing any social awkwardness due excessive perspiration. Ladies will love you for it!
Shoes
Shoes that work best are those that are able to slide on the floor. Avoid rubber soled shoes (runners, gym shoes, thongs). These make turning, sliding and general movement difficult.
Ladies, most types of dress shoes are suitable for social dancing. Its important to wear something you feel comfortable in and you can have a high degree of control over. Sandals, boots, court shoes are all suitable options.
Avoid wearing overly strappy shoes that provide little support. Platforms are extremely dangerous for dancing. Avoid slingbacks and mules, any type of shoe that does not cling to your foot whilst dancing.
Ladies Dance Shoes
The best shoe to dance in is a dance shoe. Dance shoes are completely different to street shoes in many ways and they have been purpose designed for just dancing! Wearing dance shoes whilst learning, practicing and dancing can improve your ability drastically.
Often issues with balance and co-ordination are directly related to your footwear. Below is a little information about why dance shoes are different to street shoes.
Structurally designed to handle the rigours of dancing
Soft sole to allow the foot to move (huge impact on your balance)
Enclosed heel - alot of ladies latin dance shoes will be open at the front but keep a closed heel. This ensures the shoe stays on the foot and you get complete control over it
Straps - straps allow the foot freedom so the toes and bones in your feet can help stabilize and allow full movement
Heel height - This is important, avoid wearing a shoe that is too high for you. It effects your balance, control and ultimately your learning. If you are not used to high heels, start with a 1.5 inch heel
Suede sole - Dance shoes have a suede sole that ensures the base of the shoe remains soft and flexible, enhancing movement. However, suede soles mean the shoe is exposed to moisture and as a result, dance shoes should not be worn out on the street where they could get wet.
Leather v Satin. The new range of satin dance shoes is fantastic news for your feet! The suppleness of satin means you can avoid the uncomfortable phase of wearing a shoe in, avoiding blisters and other potentially damaging conditions.
Colour - Satin shoes are great because they can be dyed to match your outfit perfectly! They are most commonly found in flesh, white and black
Mens Dance Shoes
If you are comfortable with the concept of wearing mens dance shoes, then you will get so much more out of your dance. The control you get over your feet (and subsequently your dance) is astounding.
If you are ok with this idea, dont waste time, go and buy them now, you wont regret it. Mens latin shoes are great, you can have any colour you like as long as its black!
Recommended supplier
We purchase all our dance shoes from Dancewear Australia. They have the largest range of great dance shoes and their staff are incredibly knowledgable. Dancewear stock THE BEST dance shoes from all around the world, so if you're looking for a high end option, you'll find plenty of them. Alternatively, if you are just starting out and just want a pear of "cheapies" you can find some fabulous Chinese imports at Dancewear Australia and alot of sale items and even second hand options.
Ladies Dance Shoes
Mens Dance Shoes