BALLROOM ATTIRE
Practice Attire
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Make sure to wear something comfortable and breathable that doesn't restrict your movement.
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if you don't have dance shoes, most people typically wear socks during practice.
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Tennis shoes and sandals are not recommended.
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Try to avoid wearing baggy shirts or pants.
A helpful tip: Put on deodorant and have a mint to ensure dancing is a pleasant experience for everyone.
Competition Attire
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Leads, wear nice black pants and a collared shirt. Wearing a vest and a tie is suitable for Standard, and you can remove and unbutton the top buttons of your shirt for Latin.
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Follows, wear a long skirt (below the knee) for Standard and a short skirt (above the knee) for Latin. Everyone, you want to look nice and dressy for Standard, and you want to be flashy for Latin.
Ordering Options
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Capezio (workout clothes, dance shoes)
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Dance Dress Pro (Costumes)
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RAINBOWSHIU: Dance Wear Super Store (costumes)
Shoes
For social classes, socks are recommended for most dances. If you have shoes that won't mark the floor or ballroom shoes, those are fine as well. We don't want to scratch the studio floor, and socks make it easier to do the steps, which often involve tracing the floor.
Shoes are a must for those who want to participate in our International dance classes, but they can be pricey. As a start, girls can dance both Standard and Latin dances with a pair of Latin shoes, and guys can dance both Standard and Latin dances with a pair of Standard shoes. Eventually, many but not all will buy a pair of both types of shoes, but it is not required. You may also want to get a shoe brush, which you can share with someone else. Eventually, girls will also want to buy replacement heel caps, as they do wear out.
When purchasing your first pair of ballroom shoes, you should go into an actual store so that an expert can help you find your shoe size (many are sold in foreign sizes) and differentiate between Latin and Standard shoes. Be sure to specify that you dance International style. Girls, your Standard shoes should not have open sides - that's American style. Guys, your shoes all have similar styles, with the main difference being heel height (Standard has a lower heel than Latin).
Once you know your size, you can order your shoes in different styles online!
Ordering Options
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Supadance (great quality, though pricey)