More than ever, adults are seeking exciting ways to stay active, and dance classes have become a popular choice. While some are returning to dance, others are discovering it for the very first time. For adult newcomers, walking into a dance studio can be intimidating, and deciding what to wear can be just as tricky.
DRN spoke with five recreational dancers to learn what they’d love to see in their local dance stores when shopping for their classes.
Amy Kossoy
Location: New York, NY
Dances at: Ballet Academy East
Styles: Classical ballet, character, pointe, variations
How do you dress for ballet class? I typically wear a more traditional uniform of tights and a leotard. I usually go for a black leotard, though sometimes I’ll choose a darker color like purple, depending on how I’m feeling. I usually wear pink tights, sticking to the more traditional colors since that’s what I’ve always trained in.
Where do you shop for your dancewear? Either at Capezio or BLOCH, and sometimes Yumiko if I want to treat myself. I like to go to their stores in person. Not everything they carry is listed online, but I do like to surf the web for cool stuff, too. I tried buying something online from Amazon once and was very dissatisfied.
What do you look for in an adult leotard? I tend to avoid leotards that expose my back, though I’ll occasionally wear one if I can throw a T-shirt over it. I’m not a fan of leotards with cap sleeves, and I steer clear of anything that’s difficult to get into, like the ones with twisty backs.
Do you ever have any concerns about the dancewear options available to you? One of the criticisms I have is with tights. They are really tight, and when I’m sweating it is hard to put them on. I wish they came in a more flexible fabric.
Caileigh Scott
Location: New York, NY
Dances at: Angela Trimbur Dance
Styles: Contemporary, theater dance, ballet
Where do you typically shop for your dancewear needs? Bloch and Capezio’s stores are convenient for me. I also love On Stage Dancewear. In terms of online shopping, Bodile, Elevé, and Discount Dance are favorites of mine. And, I’ll admit it, I shop on Amazon, as well.
What’s your favorite dancewear outfit? I love simplicity and juxtaposition in dancewear and fashion. My go-to outfit is a Fosse-esque leotard with oversized black workout pants. It’s comfortable, I like the way both pieces make me feel, and I can move freely well.
Did your teacher give you any direction on classwear? She gives optional themes that are very fun (i.e., wear something Chappell Roan–inspired, dress like a ballerina in a movie), but there are no strict guidelines in terms of formal dance attire. It’s just about what folks feel comfortable in, feel most like themselves in, and, of course, can move in!
Ricki Marking-Camuto
Location: St. Louis, MO
Dances at: Infinity Dance & Acro Company
Styles: Hip hop and ballet
What do you typically wear to class? I usually wear a tank top with a fun saying, a supportive sports bra, bike shorts or capri leggings, dance socks for hip-hop class, or turners for ballet.
Where do you shop for your dancewear needs? I get my footwear from a local dance store: Head to Toe Dancewear in Kirkwood, MO.
Have you ever had any struggles getting dressed for the class? I’ve been lucky for the last two years because I could find a sports bra to go under my costume. This year, we have super-open backs, and finding a supportive dance bra with clear back-straps in my size was difficult. The one I ordered is technically one size too small, but it was the largest I could find.
Is there anything that would make dancewear shopping easier for you? It would be nice if dance retailers had a section for adults who are newbies and may never have danced before, with suggestions of what they might need for class and feel comfortable in.
Lexi Cuesta Jaffe
Location: Montclair, NJ
Dances at: Angela Trimbur Dance
Styles: Pop, jazz, hip hop
What do you typically wear to class? A vintage leotard with shiny dance hosiery and dance sneakers. My favorite outfit to wear is a vintage leotard that is high-cut—Gilda Marx & Jacques Moret are faves—with a thin belt to accentuate the waist, as well as shiny nude tights, legwarmers, and Capezio dance sneakers. I’m usually going for a Jane Fonda or Jamie Lee Curtis workout moment.
What items do you have trouble finding? I’m in search of ultra–high-waisted and high-cut dance briefs! They have been very hard to find new. There are vintage ones out there in the world, but they’re rare. I wish some dancewear companies would make them.
Do you ever have any style struggles getting dressed for class? Getting dressed for class is an extremely fun component of the experience. I struggle a bit when we don’t know what song we’re going to be dancing to—the vibe of the music informs my outfit choices. For example, when we dance to Robyn I want to wear neon and bold prints.
Name: Erin M.
Location: Madison, CT
Dances at: Waves Academy of Dance
Style: Hip hop
What do you typically wear to class? Leggings, a high-impact sports bra, a loose shirt, and sneakers. As long as I’m wearing leggings that don’t roll down, a breathable top, and an effective sports bra, I’m happy!
What’s your biggest frustration with shopping for dancewear? It’s hard to find leggings that stay put when moving around. It can be frustrating having to adjust my outfit throughout the class. It’s also tricky to find a really good, high-impact sports bra in a busty size.
Libby Basile is a former editor for Dance Retailer News and a specialty-retail storeowner based in Cheshire, CT.