What to and what not to wear while dancing

When we dance, it is not only about the swift moves we make. It has a lot to do with what we wear and how does it helps us dance better or even make the dance look and appear better. Wearing the right attire for a dance class, gathering or a show is extremely important.
When we go to the gym, we wear appropriate clothes or when we go for a swim, we buy great looking swimwear. Similarly, it is important while going out dancing it is essential to select and wear the correct clothing.
Men and women have different dance wear requirements. When selecting an upper body garment for dancing for women, it is important that it is cut high in the armpits and not have baggy or loose sleeves that can interfere with your partner getting a hand to your back.
Aside from the inconvenience, such garments can be dangerous as a leader might be looking for a way to get around your garment rather than looking to avoid other dancers. The waist and bodice should also not have excessive fabric, it is not important to wear skin-tight garments nor even tight-fitting ones.Long skirts that fly out when you spin can often be an interference. This is particularly true when they are cut so that they fly out from higher than mid-thigh. Although it is better to see long skirts cut to fly out from just above the knee, many women prefer to dance with near-to-knee skirts cut to fly from mid-thigh or higher. The shorter the skirt, the higher the fly-point can be. Long skirts provide the lovely sight of flowing fabric, they should be cut so as not to interfere with the dance. Excessive fabric can create problems so try avoiding long-flowing dresses. A short knee-length flared skirt or pair of pants is ideal.
You should also avoid lace, especially in the areas where the partner will hold and lead you from. Even jewellery that will not cut flesh can sometimes catch on lace or other loose weaves too.
Jewellery, of course, should be very carefully chosen. Be sure to check your earrings, rings, bracelets and belts for sharp edges or even small points that can catch in your partner’s clothing or accessories. Long necklaces can be hazardous particularly if you are a fast spinner. Same goes for long hair, particularly ponytails. A neat bun is the best bet.
Costumes mishaps happen not just on the ramp with topmost models. It even happens on the dance floor due to vigorous energy and swirls. Supermodel Alesia Raut, also a professional Latin & Ballroom dancer, says, “Wear whatever you like in a dance class but be aware that there are some clothes like knee-length skirts, sleeveless tops which are more comfortable to dance with your partner. If you are shy person then pants are the best. But no saris or salwar kameez on the Western dance floor. Remember to always keep safety pins and clips handy. You never know when you might need them.”

For men, a simple stretch trouser and a well-fit shirt or a T-shirt is best. Remember clothes like track pants and jeans make one feel casual about dancing. Many men have the habit of carrying small items like pens, wallets and mobiles in their pockets. Their movement too can interfere while dancing. Never take loose change, pencils or even pocket knives onto the dance floor.
Regardless of the gender, undergarments play an important role in dance wear. Remember to wear cotton undergarments as they are the best while you sweat, especially during the summers. The fit is equally important so that it can hold the required area correctly and no unwanted movements are created while we are absorbed in are dancing moves completely.
Remember dance is not just fun, it is serious fun. It is not the just the attitude that is important in a dance class, it is the entire appearance and approach to the dance that is important. Only when you take dance seriously is when you can have all the fun with it.

Sandip Soparrkar is a well known Ballroom dancer, a World Book of Records holder and a Bollywood choreographer who has been honoured with National Achievement Award and National Excellence Award by the Govt of India. He can be contacted on [email protected]