What Should My Child Wear to Dance Lessons?

Are you wondering what your kids should wear to their first dance lesson? If so, then you are in the right place. We have mentioned the most common dance types and the best attire to pick for your boy or girl. This way, you’ll know what to buy for your kids’ dance lessons. Just make sure that their clothes fit them right. Let’s get started by covering the different dance classes that kids take, followed by appropriate clothes for lessons.

Ballet

The attire children need to wear for their ballet classes should be nonrestrictive but fit. Loose clothes are not suitable for this dance type. If your children have a leotard, then your daughter can wear it or a tight-fitting top and leggings. Additionally, a t-shirt or snug-fitting singlet and legging or shorts is an ideal option for boys.

You also need to know that ballet slippers can be quite expensive. So if you don’t want to spend a lot of money on them, your kids can wear socks or stay barefoot while practicing. The instructor can help determine which is best for your child.

The following are some things that you can opt for your children for their first ballet practice.

Girls

You can pick the following attire option for your little girl.

Clothing

  • Tights
  • Leotard
  • T-shirts
  • Leggings
  • Singlet
  • Bike pants
  • Long-sleeve t-shirt

Shoes

  • Tights/socks
  • Barefoot
  • Soft-soled shoe

Hair

  • Plait and ponytail
  • bun

Boys

The following are some options for your boy if you want something for your son.

Clothing

  • legging
  • shorts
  • bike pants
  • singlet
  • t-shirt
  • long-sleeved t0shirt

Shoes

  • socks/tights
  • barefoot

Jazz

Jazz is modern-day ballet, but your child will still need to wear something simple to perform. Like ballet, your kids need to wear tight clothing. However, make sure that the costume is not uncomfortable and annoying. For both boys and girls, simple leggings and barefoot can do the trick. So, don’t worry if you have to put in a lot of effort to search for suitable attire.

The following are some options that you can opt for for your little ones. You also need to know that attire for both genders is somewhat similar. Therefore, most clothes for boys are also for girls.

Clothing

  • t-shirt
  • long sleeve t-shirt
  • singlet
  • leggings
  • bike pants

Shoes

  • socks
  • barefoot
  • sneakers

Hair

  • ponytail
  • hair of the neck and face

Tap

Tap dance is one of the most appealing dances, as it involves patterns of slow and quick tapping. Your child will need to focus on their movements, so they don’t need poor clothing to disturb them. They should wear something that doesn’t disturb them as they dance. In that case, go for tight clothing that is also comfortable.

The most important things are that you need to opt for are shoes that have a hard sole. Shoes with small heels are ideal for tap dancing, as they help produce tapping sounds while dancing. For the first tap dancing lesson, you can purchase boots or dress shoes. Just make sure that the shoes fit well so that they don’t accidentally fall off while dancing. If they wear something that is even a little tighter or looser, performing will be much harder.

The following are the option for your children which you can choose for both of your girl and boy.

Clothing

  • t-shirt
  • singlet
  • leggings
  • shorts
  • long and fit sleeved t-shirts

Shoes

  • boots
  • hard sole shoes

Hair

  • high ponytail
  • hair off the neck and face

Hip-Hop

When it comes to hip-hop, people usually think that they can wear anything during practicing. Well, that’s not true. It is important to understand that clothes give you the freedom to learn and practice dances quickly and easily. Your kids have multiple options to wear the “right clothes.”

They can wear track pants with a zippered track jacket or t-shirt. You can also opt for shorts and a t-shirt. Furthermore, shoes that make your children look good will be perfect for hip-hop dancing. Looking good is part of the performance when dancing.  In that case, you can go for sneakers or trainers.

The following are the things that you can pick for both of your girls and boys.

Clothing

  • toddler harem pants
  • t-shirt
  • singlet
  • shorts
  • track pants
  • tight pants

Shoes

  • sneakers
  • joggers

Hair

  • high ponytail
  • hairband with ponytail
  • hair off the neck and face

Belly Dance

When it comes to belly dancing, the first thing that comes to your mind is a hip scarf. It’s true that belly dancers look great and appealing with it. However, the hip scarf is not compulsory, and your kids can practice without it. When belly dancing, people usually prefer to wear tight-fitting clothes to see if the body is moving right.

Most importantly, showing off the stomach depends on your preferences. If you want your kids to wear something that leaves their stomachs visible, look for short-length shirts.  You can also purchase flat ballet pumps for your children to keep their feet safe.

The following are some things that can help you prepare your kids for the first belly dancing class.

Clothes

  • tight short T-shirt
  • long t-shirt
  • hip scarf
  • shirt with long sleeves

Shoes

  • flat ballet pumps
  • socks
  • flat shoes

Hairs

  • tie their hair away from the face
  • open lose hairstyles

Partner Dancing

Partner dancing involves different dance lessons that usually include two people dancing together. These can include salsa, ballroom, tango, and jive. You can pick any clothes that your children love, but these clothes should be comfortable. This is the only dancing form that allows you to wear anything from jeans and tight pants to shirts and blouses.

Furthermore, no dress is necessary unless your kid’s dance studio asks them to wear something particular. Heels are a common part of a girl’s attire in these different dances. Boys can go for any dress shoes that have a smooth and relaxing sole.

The following are something that will work for your boys and girls.

Girls

Here are clothes and shoes for girls.

Clothing

  • blouse
  • frock
  • shirt
  • pants
  • skirt
  • jeans

Shoes

  • shoes with heels
  • pumps
  • ballroom shoes

Hairs

  • open hairs
  • ponytail
  • bun
  • breed

Boys

Similar to the girls, you have multiple options for the boys.

Clothing

  • t-shirt
  • suite pant
  • trouser
  • jeans
  • button-down shirt

Shoes

  • sneakers
  • leisure trainers
  • dress shows
  • joggers

Dress Code of the Dance Studio

Many dance studios have their own dress coats or uniforms for both girls and boys. Whether you enroll your kids in ballet, hip-hop, belly dancing, or partner dancing, you need to follow the studio’s rules. They can ask your kids to wear certain types of clothes or specific colors. They usually do this to add uniformity among their students.

Moreover, they may also have strict rules to wear certain types of soft shoes for various types of dance lessons. For instance, some ballet dance studios ask their students to wear ballet pumps or shoes. In this case, you need to purchase them if you want your children to participate in these lessons.

However, not every dance institute has uniforms. So if you don’t want your children to wear uniforms, you can simply avoid enrolling them in that particular studio. In that case, you can check their rules and regulations. Most dance studios have a strict policy when it comes to their uniforms, so it is hard to miss. You can even discuss the possibility of a separate dress code for your child with the instructor. While this is quite rare, they can usually make exceptions.

Bottom Line

When it comes to your child’s dance lessons, you need to pick attire that represents their type of dance. For instance, pumps are perfect for children who want to practice ballet. But if your kid is taking hip-hop classes, they will need to wear some sneakers. A similar strategy goes with their clothes and hair.

If you don’t know what your child should wear, simply ask the studio itself. Some studios may also have separate rules for clothing among both boys and girls. Lastly, you also need to keep in mind that some dancing institutions only allow children with uniforms to practice. Therefore, make sure that your kid has the uniform if you have enrolled them in this type of studio.