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What to Bring/Wear to Dance Class, Part One

Clothing

The most important thing to remember when dressing for class is that this is a form of exercise. Fancy costumes are wonderful for performance, but they will get in the way for class. Therefore, you should dress for class similarly to how you would for going to the gym.

I feel that pants or shorts are best as opposed to skirts when you are first learning, because it is important that the shape of your legs and knees are visible to be sure that you have the correct posture, stance, and movement. If you are comfortable with it, pants or shorts that sit lower on your hips will accentuate the line of the movements in belly dance and make it easier to see what you are doing.

As far as a top, a t-shirt or tank top is fine, either full length or cropped, or any of the standard "fitness tops" that are available. In general, the more fitted, the better, because the looser your top is, the more difficult it will be to see some of the movements. However, above all, you should wear something that you are comfortable in. If your top covers your hips, you may need to tuck it in so that they can be seen. This is not just so that the instructor can see what you are doing, but so that you can too!

No matter what you wear, be sure that the fabric breathes so that you are comfortable. Remember, this is excercise and you probably will sweat!

In general, I prefer to practice in a pair of yoga pants and a tank top.

Shoes

Most people are probably used to seeing belly dancers in the US dance barefoot. Many people even consider this an important part of belly dancing. As a result, I do not require that students wear shoes in my classes.

However, in other parts of the word, belly dancers often wear shoes. This is not only for costuming reasons (would you go barefoot in a sequined ball gown?), but practical ones. Dancing barefoot leaves you more open to cuts, blisters, and even broken toes and twisted knees. As a result, I wear shoes when I practice, and whenever possible when I perform, and I highly recommend it for my students. I believe your feet will thank you for it!

If you wish to wear shoes, ballet slippers or slip-on jazz shoes with soft soles are good ones to start with (look for an article on specific shoes in the near future). If you are in Colorado Springs, Assemble Dancewear ((719) 596-8443) is a good place to look. They can help you make sure that your shoes fit properly.

Continue to Part 2...
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All content © 2007, Neisa Salima, unless otherwise specified.
Neisa's picture in page header by Cynthia Holling-Morris, Gallery West Photography
All rights reserved.

 

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Home

What to Bring/Wear to Dance Class, Part One

Clothing

The most important thing to remember when dressing for class is that this is a form of exercise. Fancy costumes are wonderful for performance, but they will get in the way for class. Therefore, you should dress for class similarly to how you would for going to the gym.

I feel that pants or shorts are best as opposed to skirts when you are first learning, because it is important that the shape of your legs and knees are visible to be sure that you have the correct posture, stance, and movement. If you are comfortable with it, pants or shorts that sit lower on your hips will accentuate the line of the movements in belly dance and make it easier to see what you are doing.

As far as a top, a t-shirt or tank top is fine, either full length or cropped, or any of the standard "fitness tops" that are available. In general, the more fitted, the better, because the looser your top is, the more difficult it will be to see some of the movements. However, above all, you should wear something that you are comfortable in. If your top covers your hips, you may need to tuck it in so that they can be seen. This is not just so that the instructor can see what you are doing, but so that you can too!

No matter what you wear, be sure that the fabric breathes so that you are comfortable. Remember, this is excercise and you probably will sweat!

In general, I prefer to practice in a pair of yoga pants and a tank top.

Shoes

Most people are probably used to seeing belly dancers in the US dance barefoot. Many people even consider this an important part of belly dancing. As a result, I do not require that students wear shoes in my classes.

However, in other parts of the word, belly dancers often wear shoes. This is not only for costuming reasons (would you go barefoot in a sequined ball gown?), but practical ones. Dancing barefoot leaves you more open to cuts, blisters, and even broken toes and twisted knees. As a result, I wear shoes when I practice, and whenever possible when I perform, and I highly recommend it for my students. I believe your feet will thank you for it!

If you wish to wear shoes, ballet slippers or slip-on jazz shoes with soft soles are good ones to start with (look for an article on specific shoes in the near future). If you are in Colorado Springs, Assemble Dancewear ((719) 596-8443) is a good place to look. They can help you make sure that your shoes fit properly.

Continue to Part 2...
About
Instruction
Performances
Gallery
Contact
Links

All content © 2007, Neisa Salima, unless otherwise specified.
Neisa's picture in page header by Cynthia Holling-Morris, Gallery West Photography
All rights reserved.