The dance world can be fickle and there is such a variety of dancewear on the market that it can be confusing for beginners to make the right choice. Fortunately, dancewear is frequently designed with both looks and functionality in mind. In this article I’ll cover some of the key items you should look for when purchasing dancewear for your class or practice.
Ballet shoes are designed for dance floor routines, but are often used in other situations as well. Most dancewear that would typically be found on the dance floor is often covered in fabric. Fabric covered shoes are called leotards, while leotards which are designed to be worn outside of the dance floor are called ballet flats. Dances with large audiences, like Pointe work or ballet barre, will usually call for different styles of footwear than a dance routine with a small group of friends.
Fabric covered shoes are common in many dance classes and have been popular for many years. Leotards, with their flexible stretch fabrics and elasticized waistbands, are great for students who get a lot of physical exercise. Vinyl dance floors provide a great surface for practicing dancing and they’re easy to clean between dancing sessions. These surfaces also help to protect dancer’s legs and feet from cold floors in dance studios. Whether practicing on vinyl or flooring, dancers should always wear warm, dry shoes with rubber soles to avoid injury.
