Dance has been and still is one of the important activities for recreation, entertainment, health, preserving social interactions, celebrating events and more. It’s of utmost importance particularly for the development of young people. And there are many reasons why dance is important for children and young adults. Above all, children need to move more than ever, given that we are living in a digital world. Going to dance lessons is a great way for children to move their bodies while also learning a new skill set. Dance strengthens muscles, improves balance and increases flexibility. But it also helps children develop skills necessary for learning such as creativity, critical thinking, communication and collaboration. Overall, dancing is a good workout that will keep children active.
If you registered your child’s very first dance session or you just scheduled a trial dance class, you probably want to be prepared. However, chances are, you have no idea what to expect or what to bring on their first dance class. Well, this mainly depends on what kind of dancing your kid will be doing. There are lots of different styles of dance for both girls and boys to choose from. And dance studios usually have dress codes for most classes so that young dancers can perform the moves correctly. Proper dance apparel is a must, even if there is not an official dress code.
What Kind of Dancing Will You Be Doing?
Dance has been a staple of human culture since civilizations have existed. With centuries passing by, different types of dances have changed, merged and evolved into what we know today as the most popular dance genres or categories. Each dance is unique and has different moves, from leaps and turns to move your body in ways you could never imagine. Hence, it’s important to wear the proper clothing so you can move freely and comfortably.
Whether it’s a classic ballet or more contemporary dances such as modern or hip hop, what you wear to a dance class changes depending on your style of choice.
Ballet
No doubt, ballet is one of the most highly technical of all performance dances with many subgenres including classic, romantic, neoclassical and contemporary. Traditional ballet dance attire is unique and very elegant. Ballerinas should wear black leotards, soft ballet shoes or slippers, light pink dance tights, pointe shoes and uniforms to show off their technique. Also, it’s usually acceptable for little ballerinas to wear a short ballet skirt in pastel colours. Whether or not this is the required attire, it will be up to the teacher or dance studio of choice. Good quality yoga clothing such as a T-shirt and leggings also works well for ballet, especially for beginner dancers. In fact, anything which is enough tight fitting so the posture can be checked.
Contemporary vs. Modern
What is a contemporary dance these days might be a little bit confusing. To the average dance enthusiast, the terms modern and contemporary might appear to be synonymous. However, these terms mean two different styles of dance. While modern dance is codified and has common movements that are set in a particular style, contemporary dance is somewhat unbound by much rigidity and rules, it’s expressive and embodies different styles. Contemporary dance can be balletic or wholly abstract, jazz-influenced or lyrical, structured or unconventional. It can be performed barefoot, with pointe shoes, naked, or fully clothed. Comfortable loose-fitting clothes, leggings or fitted sweatpants, sneakers or tennis shoes would be great. Or anything you can move freely in.
What to Wear to Dance Class?
The dance studio you choose should tell you whether or not they have a dress code. If they do, dress code items for some classes might be available for purchase in the studio. Or, you can find online all girls dancewear for your baby girl to look and feel like a star. Be it leotards, tights, leggings, crop tops, ballet shoes or sneakers, you will find a range of dance clothes for girls to steal the show. More often than not, dance studios don’t allow wearing shoes that have been worn outside, including tennis shoes for hip hop, so it’s recommended to have a dance bag for shoes and belongings. Depending on the dress code or the style of dance, some additional accessories might be required to complement the look.
Dance Wear
There is a wide variety of dancewear for girls to wear during dance lessons. Whether it’s leotard or a stretchy movable pants and a comfortable top, it all depends on your style of dance. But whatever is your style of choice, always make sure you are wearing dry, clean, comfortable clothing that allows mobility and is not getting in the way of every move.
Leotards and Dance Tights
Leotards and tights are traditional ballet attire. Leotards are one-piece garments that cover the torso from the crotch to the shoulder, allowing you to feel, look and perform your best. These garments are what most girls wear to gymnastics class too. From classic to modern, there is a huge selection of leotard styles for girls to wear to dance class or shows. There are so many different materials, brands, some expensive leotards along with some cheaper ones.
More often than not, studios also require dancers to wear tights for class and performances. From footless to fully-footed to convertible ballet tights, there is a stunning range of tights options for girls. Available in a variety of lengths, thicknesses and fabrics, there is basically something for every little ballerina.
Stretchy Movable Pants
Leggings, flared pants aka yoga pants, joggers, or sweat pants, take your pick of any style you feel good in. Opt for comfortable, loose-fitting and non-restrictive pants unless you are taking a style-specific class. Make sure you choose super soft, breathable fabrics so that you can perform your moves comfortably. Wear shorts of any length, but make sure they aren’t too long for safety.
Comfortable Tops
A comfortable top is also a must-have girls dancewear. From sleeveless, crop tops, long-sleeved shirts, sweatshirts to zip-up hoodies, there is something for everyone and any style of dance. Opt for stretchy and breathable fabrics. If you tend to sweat a lot, go sleeveless.
Dance Shoes
Comfortable, supportive, lightweight shoes are a must, regardless of the dance style. Whether it’s sneakers or runners, or ballet slippers, your dance shoes should be properly fitted so that you have a shoe that works best for your foot and allows you to move freely and comfortably. Wear anything that keeps you pain-free and moving with style, hence enhancing your enjoyment of the dance class.