There are many different styles of dance out there, but amongst some of the most popular are ballet, contemporary, jazz, tap, hip hop and ballroom. These styles of dance require different types of clothing and costumes, all of which are suited to the types of movements undertaken.

The different styles of dancewear often reflect cultural tradition and nearly all require different types of shoes. If you’re new to dance, the following will give you an idea of what you or your child should wear to these different types of dance classes.

Ballet

Ballet is a classical style of dance that has been popular for centuries. This art form is claimed to be the core style of all dance. It is a progressive road that starts a young child in flat shoes, soft skin coloured tights and a leotard. Some schools ask children to wear a short chiffon skirt. Boys usually wear a white t-shirt and black shorts or tights to their ballet lessons and either black or white shoes.

While the ideal image of a ballerina always includes pointe shoes, they aren’t safe for very young growing feet and bodies. Dancers don’t usually start wearing these until they are a lot older and only for short time in class, to begin with. It takes several years and hours each week to develop the strength and technical requirements for Pointe Work to be safely commenced and should always be under the guidance of qualified knowledgeable teachers. A good school may also send you off for a full Pointe Work Assessment with a dance Physiotherapist just to make sure you are ready to commence dancing on Pointe.

Generally, a dance school will set standards for the colour of leotard and skirt which are to be worn. In the colder a months, a long-sleeved leotard or a woollen crossover in the appropriate colour can be purchased. Hair should be pulled back, preferably into a bun, with no parts loose.

Along with pointe shoes, many children dream of wearing tutus. Generally, these are reserved for performances.
Adult dancers learning ballet might feel more comfortable in activewear if they are not confident wearing a leotard. This is perfectly acceptable as long as the clothing is tight, to ensure proper form and proper instruction by the teacher.

Contemporary dance

Contemporary dance is a style of expressive dance that often strives to connect the mind and body through movements and can be danced to many different styles of music..
Students enjoy the opportunity to develop self-expression as well as exploring a wide variety of dance dynamics and new movements in their Contemporary dance classes.

When you learn Contemporary dance, your teacher still needs to be able to see what your body is doing so they usually ask students to wear a leotard with footless tights and bare feet and hair tied off the face in a pony tail..

Jazz

Jazz dance is funky and is influenced by many styles such as African dance, modern ballet, tap and hip hop.

Jazz incorporates special soled shoes for optimal movement and traction. Some jazz lessons ask for sneaker-style shoes, while others request a more simple, ballet-style jazz shoe.

As it is a high energy style, the requirements of jazz usually require hair pinned back in a ponytail. Generally, young students wear a leotard and some tight shorts and tights.

It can be fun to shop for jazz wear. Look for good quality fabrics that are breathable and have strong elastic.

Tap

In these classes student’s coordination and musicality is developed in progressive steps. The music used can be a mixture of traditional tap music alongside more modern approaches as well as that used in musical theatre. Musical awareness, timing and building on their sense of rhythm using a tap shoe which has metal plates on the toe and heel is used to strike the floor as a form of percussion.

It is also a high energy style and the requirements of tap usually require the hair pinned back in a ponytail. Generally students wear a leotard, tights and a skirt or some tight shorts and tights with their tap shoes..

Musical Theatre

In these classes student’s combine song, spoken dialogue, acting and dance and follow the story and emotional content from a musical.
Generally, a dance school will set standards for the uniform requirements to be worn in these classes, as it may depend upon the style of the musical being covered.

Hip Hop

Hip Hop is a raw style that is colourful and intense. In some schools the class wear required could be qualified as ‘street clothing’, in others they would wear the same as they do in their Jazz classes.

Ballroom dance

Last but not least, ballroom dancing is quite unique. Different styles of ballroom dance can culturally require different dance costumes. Typically, women wear a small heel to fit with custom and allow for quick, sharp movements.

When you learn ballroom dancing, your teacher needs to be able to see what your body is doing so they may ask girls to wear activewear tights instead of a skirt, or they may ask students to wear a leotard and a flowing practice skirt.

Before you or your child take up any style, have a chat to the teacher about the uniform, what is appropriate and what is unacceptable. You may be able to wear your street clothes during your first trial but committing to lessons will require some kind of special attire.

Dancing is an amazingly varied art form. From classical ballet to tap to hip hop, there is something for everyone.

To inspire some toe-tapping action of your own, take a look at some of the best and most well-known dance routines from the past up to the present. We guarantee they’ll get you moving!

“Singing in the Rain” Gene Kelly

Nothing beats the sheer joy and whimsy of Gene Kelly’s glorious performance in Singing in the Rain. Combining the lush tones of a Golden Era Hollywood song with the wit and humour of Kelly’s moves, no one has ever been so happy to be caught in a downpour. The next time a shower comes from nowhere, think of this song and dance and you will be transported.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D1ZYhVpdXbQ 

“Puttin’ on the Ritz” Fred Astaire

What could be better than Fred Astaire in all his tap dancing glory? Taking five weeks for the artist to perfect, “Puttin on the Ritz” is a wonder of rhythm, movement and control. Using his cane as much as an instrument as a dance partner, Fred Astaire’s effortless grace is amazing to behold and remains inspiring more than 60 years later.

https://vimeo.com/31922652

“The Chairman’s Waltz” Jaimie and Hok

Season 3 of So You Think You Can Dance showcased some truly excellent dancers, but one routine stood tall. Considered by many to be the best piece from the show’s long history Jaimie and Hok’s performance is mesmerizing. The contrast of Hok’s controlled, jerky movements with Jaimie’s beautiful flow makes it all the more astounding how in tune with each other they remain. Wade Robson’s challenging choreography pushes both dancers to their limits with spectacular results.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bMzdtMaTpDE

Contemporary Routine, So You Think You Can Dance

If you’re a dance fan, it is so easy to lose yourself for hours in SYTYCD videos. This one demonstrates the beauty of contemporary dance and the judges can’t get enough.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hZ0QrJaPFcQ 

“Swine Lake” Rudolph Nureyev and Beautiful Pig

Rudolph Nureyev may have been the greatest male ballet dancer of the 20th century, a performer of staggering talent only matched by his temper, but for many, his most memorable dance was with a pig. In 1978 Nureyev guested on The Muppet Show, helping cement the programme as the show to appear on in the late 70s. Showcasing not just his dancing talents but also a hidden gift for comedy, this wonderfully silly piece is a sheer delight.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aHbGqJ_MonU

“Don Quixote” Mikhail Baryshnikov 

After Nureyev, there is no doubt Mikhail Baryshnikov stands tall as a great of 20th-century ballet. With a grace that completely belies the strength required, Baryshnikov sails through the air. His control, skill and technique are evident as he soars through this astounding solo.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n8D8doKD8XA 

“Breakin’” Boogaloo Shrimp

You may have never heard of him but Michael ‘Boogaloo Shrimp’ Chambers was one of the pioneers of break dancing. His moves and style in the early 80s influenced generations of dancers and led to the hip hop and urban dancing that we are familiar with today. Chambers was, in fact, one of the first to introduce moonwalking to the scene. In this clip from the 1984 film “Breakin’,” Chambers shows off some of his best moves.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KQVRRH6kf_c

“Chandelier” Maddie Ziegler

From her beginnings on “Dance Moms,” Maddie Ziegler has taken the world by storm. The talented young dancer first broke away from reality television to showcase her enormous talent in the film clip for Sia’s “Chandelier”. Showing immense skill and maturity for her age, Ziegler is captivating.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2vjPBrBU-TM 

“Take Me To Church” Sergei Polunin

In 2013 Sergei Polunin brought 21st-century ballet into the spotlight with his astounding viral video. Combining the technical skills of classical ballet with a modern lyrical grace, Ukrainian dancer Polunin’s deeply personal piece is stunning to watch. Few modern dancers can capture the depth of emotions that he displays and the video was rightfully a huge success.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cYR_0ANLz4A 

“Town Called Malice” Jamie Bell

Though not technically perfect, young Billy Elliot’s furious dancing through the streets of his Yorkshire home town amazed and thrilled audiences in 2000. Jamie Bell showed us how dance could be an emotional release as he thrashed and kicked. Passion and emotion flow through the boy’s whole being at his frustration at not being allowed to dance.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KT6ZtUbVw1M

“Bret’s Angry Dance” Bret McKenzie

Showing that enthusiasm can far outweigh talent when it comes to pure entertainment, Bret McKenzie’s hilarious take on Footloose is fun and loose. “Flight of the Conchords” was a show that revelled in silliness but it still takes nothing from McKenzie’s vigorous performance. Dance need not be a serious and difficult affair it can also be fun and amusing.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XMjgSkfQPSY

“Strictly Ballroom”

“Strictly Ballroom” introduced us to the glitzy world of competitive dancing in Baz Luhrmann’s vibrant break-out film. The thrill of seeing Scott and Fran (Paul Mercurio and Tara Morice) continue their dancing after the music has been stopped is a real now as it was in 1992.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SZEeMP8tR1c 

Did you get goosebumps? These scenes remain timelessly magical and are an excellent inspiration to learn some moves yourself.

If you’re unsure about whether dancing is the right exercise for you or your child, you might be surprised to learn that this sport is one of the best physical activities you can take part in.

From flexibility, coordination, balance and control, to stamina, dancing regularly grows your skills and abilities in a whole range of ways. This form of movement also helps build the strength and endurance you need for other sports you may take part in.

Dancers are amongst the fittest athletes from around the world. A report from the University of Hertfordshire compared ballerinas from the Royal Ballet with a squad filled with both British and international swimmers. The Royal Ballet dancers scored higher in 7 out of 10 areas of physical fitness.

Here are some of the ways dance can benefit you:

Health benefits

As well as making you feel good in your mind and building a great physique, dance benefits your internal organs. In 2006, an Italian study concluded dancing is a very good exercise for heart patients when compared to other aerobic exercises.

Dancing helps control oxygen levels, lower bad cholesterol and is routinely suggested for those over 50 as an exercise for their mental health and organ health. Older people have found that it improves their bone density and strength.

Being low impact also means dance is ideal for growing bodies. Taking part in regular classes builds a healthy metabolism and strong bones.

Physical benefits

Dancing combines a range of muscles and body movement. It focuses a lot on core strength, which helps you maintain body symmetry and reduce the likelihood of injury.

And there’s no denying dancers look great! Putting so much work into their bodies means they are toned and healthy. They have the energy to tackle everything in life head-on.

Mental benefits

Beyond physical health, dancing has been found to make a huge difference to mental health in both adults and children.

A Swedish study of 112 teenage girls, all with a varying degree of problems; from chronic pain to depression, confirms this theory. Researchers found the girls who attended weekly dance classes reported improved mental health for up to eight months after the classes ended.

Other than this study, dance has been shown to improve focus, creativity, and even improve discipline.

Social benefits

There is also no denying that dance is a social activity. Whether in a class at a dance school or a gym, there will always be an element of interacting with others and improving your social wellbeing.

Dance is a great way to make connections and keep social interactions up and all in a friendly and happy environment. Moving in this way releases endorphins, so many find the entire atmosphere of a dance class a positive one.

It is rare to find such a varied amount of health benefits in such a low-level fitness class for all ages. This is truly the biggest advantage of dancing — anyone can do it and everyone can reap the rewards. With all these fitness and mental health benefits from dancing, there is no better time than now for you or your child to start your dance fitness journey.

Hollywood and dance have a long history. Even superstar Arnold Schwarzenegger took ballet classes to help his posing in Mr Universe competitions. Other actors trained or worked professionally as dancers before transitioning to acting.

Here are some of the biggest movie stars who ventured onstage as dancers first:

Amy Adams

The stunning Oscar Winner cuts a fabulous figure on the red carpet but ballet was her passion before acting. Amy Adams studied classical ballet all through her youth with the hope of dancing professionally. It was after a gig with a dinner theatre company that she caught the acting bug. When you watch her in ‘Enchanted’ or ‘The Muppet Movie’, you’ll notice her training shining through.

J-Lo

We now know Jennifer Lopez as a stunning and ageless songbird and actor but her roots are in dance. After first appearing in a New Kids on the Block music video, ‘Jenny from the Block’ became a house dancer for the sketch show “In Living Color”. At the same time, she worked as a backup dancer for Janet Jackson, appearing in the music video for “That’s the Way Love Goes”.

Charlize Theron

Attending the National School of Arts in Johannesburg and later the Joffrey Ballet School in New York, Charlize Theron had dreams of being a dancer. Sadly for the statuesque beauty, a knee injury meant a change in direction. However, she was always destined to have her name in lights and has gone on to win many awards for her acting prowess.

Penelope Cruz

Penelope Cruz maintains that her ballet studies taught her discipline, something that would be integral to her acting career. The Spanish beauty spent nine years of her youth studying classical ballet and a further three years studying Spanish Ballet. Eventually, her passion turned to acting but lessons learned in dance have stayed with her.

Ansel Elgort

Teen idol Ansel Elgort pursued dancing specifically to be better at it and build his all-round talents. He spent five years at the School of American Ballet to help towards a career in musical theatre. Though the “Baby Driver” star says dance comes third after acting and singing, he stills loves to dance and does so every day.

Christian Bale

Did you know that Batman can dance? In 1992 and 1993 a fresh-faced Bale appeared in “Newsies” and “Swing Kids”. Both films had significant song and dance components and the future Dark Knight trained intensively for ten weeks to perfect his moves.

Zoe Saldana

Zoe Saldana studied many types of dance growing up in New Jersey and maintains her passion for ballet first and foremost. In fact, Zaldana’s first big screen role was in the unforgettable 2000 ballet film ‘Centre Stage’.

Channing Tatum

Perhaps less conventional than some of the classically trained here, Channing Tatum is no less of a dancer. Before he hit it big, Tatum worked as a stripper at a local night club. Look closely and you’ll spot him performing as a backup dancer in the music video for “She Bangs” by Ricky Martin.

Tatum has claimed that his role in “Magic Mike” was directly influenced by his time as a stripper and his dance skills have held up to this day!

Christopher Walken

He may be well known as a Hollywood tough guy with villainous roles in “Batman Returns” and “At Close Range” but if you’ve seen the Fatboy Slim music video for “Weapon of Choice” you’ll know that this Hollywood legend can really cut a rug.

Before his on-screen career took off Walken trained in, you guessed it, dance. The Academy Award winner studied at The Washington Dance Academy before shifting to dramatic stage and screen.

Mads Mikkelsen

He terrorised James Bond in “Casino Royale” and terrified us in “Hannibal” but before this Mads Mikkelsen worked for eight years as a professional dancer. After training in gymnastics as a youth, the Danish actor switched to ballet. He is still married to choreographer Hanne Jacobsen, who he met as a young dancer.

While learning to dance may not lead to that as a career, it provides a foundation which many people rely on throughout later life. The above examples from Hollywood display how important this discipline can be for those who want to pursue the spotlight as adults.

All dance studios should aim to promote a positive, welcoming environment to motivate students to do their best and have a great time.

To put your mind at rest about dance studios and learning to dance, here are some myths and false ideas busted.

Myth #1: Dance teachers are demanding.

Many dance teachers will push hard to help their students achieve and keep progressing. They love to nurture their development and celebrate the many achievements, of their students along the way.

Dance teachers are passionate about dance and want to share their love for this beautiful art form.

Dance is a disciplined Art form and requires hard work and a consistent approach in order to progress and reach personal potential. Nothing pleases a teacher more than to have their students try hard and reach for goals and towards their dreams.

Myth #2 Other dance parents are pushy.

Most parents are caring and loving. Their main motivation is for their child to have fun, make new friends, while learning a skill.

Any parent who wants the best for their child should carefully choose a dance school based on the professionalism and expertise of the teachers and of the organisation, then step back and watch their child develop at their own pace, building life skills and confidence in order to thrive.

Wanting the best for your child is normal so make sure you get all the information you need to feel satisfied that your child is in the best environment for them to thrive then encourage and enjoy the journey with your child.

Myth #3 Kids who dance don’t do anything else

Often, kids who enjoy dancing are involved in plenty of other activities. Even for those truly obsessed with dance, learning gymnastics and swimming and musical instruments are all beneficial practices. It would be very rare to find a child whose only extracurricular activity is dance.

Learning to dance often improves academic results, develops problem solving skills, alongside the ability to focus, be disciplined, work consistently and cooperate well with others.

The only time you may find your child wishes to focus more on their dance lessons, is in the leadup to a performance or exam, when extra rehearsals may be scheduled to allow them to be adequately prepared. This is usually an exciting time for them and often the highlight of their year, where they get to perform for others.

Myth #4 Not everyone can learn to dance and is able to move in time with music

Everyone is born able to dance rhythmically and move in time to music. When a child hears music they usually dance spontaneously, with natural coordination, joy and no inhibitions.

If not encouraged from a young age and nurtured and developed by good teachers, dance can be harder to pick up later. Everyone should be encouraged to express themselves and experience the joy of dance at any age. It is so good for the body, the brain and the spirit.

It is never too late to learn to dance in some form or other, so start now and find what suits you best. You will be so pleased you did.

Myth #5 Dancers don’t eat well

If dancers don’t eat well, they won’t be fit and strong. Dancing requires strength, stamina and a very good general fitness level. This means eating a nutrient-rich and having a balanced diet is a necessity, to be able to dance well and perform at their best. Students need to be well-fed so they have the energy and the brain power, they need for all their lessons and performances.

Myth #6 Dancers are very competitive

As with many other competitive industries, like sporting groups, dancers train and do most of their work in an ensemble. When working closely with a small group of people, companies and dance troupes are often like close-knit families. Children who learn to dance together form strong friendships which can last for life. Being competitive in a nurturing environment, helps dancers to learn from each other and work towards their own goals, while being supported in a group. Friendly competitiveness is healthy and encourages everyone to do their best.

Myth #7 You have to be gifted to dance

Dance is an art form but all people have danced since the dawn of time. Everyone can learn to dance. Dance is about passion, rhythm and fun and it is for absolutely everyone.

If you want to, you should dance!

People who dance love it! Regardless of the style of dance, you and your child will develop skills for social interaction, spatial awareness, coordination, problem solving, concrete & abstract learning, development of gross & fine motor skills, music and rhythm and master so many life skills, which they can leverage throughout their lives.

Not all children go on to a career in dance, but you can often pick the ones who have spent time at a dance studio as they are well-rounded and thoughtful thanks to years of discipline and focus.

The following are some of the other life skills learned from dance:

Good posture

Knowing how to stand up straight is a skill for life and a straight spine makes you appear confident and can prevent the risk of back problems.

Dancers also get to know the names of their muscles and bones from an early age, something most children don’t start learning until they are in late primary or early high school.

Introduction to French

Allégro, Arabesque, Jeté and Plié are just a few of the French ballet terms that students will come to understand as they practice. Understanding French terminology can help when learning other languages or even studying English in detail.

Introduction to Music

Dance and music go hand in hand, so a student who wants to play an instrument will have an understanding of musical timing if they have experienced dance. Similarly, a student who learns music will have an advantage if they want to take up dance lessons.

Persistence

If at first you don’t succeed…

Dance is a lesson in patience as you do not go from your first class to Prima Ballerina status. Going over the same exercises can sometimes feel tedious, but dance classes teach that hard work, patience and persistence pays off, with the thrill of improving or mastering a new movement or by dancing an excellent performance.

Resilience

Sometimes to get the best from a dancer, the teacher may push them out of their comfort zone . This usually with gentle persuasion and encouragement, which helps build resilience.

Cultural awareness

Taking up dance opens the door to a whole world of cultural experiences. Young dancers are encouraged to learn different styles, and appreciate the artistry of each one.

As well as being closely tied to music, dance is connected to the visual arts. Photographers and painters all love to capture the movement of a dancer and your child is likely to be surrounded by beautiful images at their studio.

Good nutrition

A good dance school will encourage students to understand which foods are important for them, to help fuel the body and give it the energy it requires to dance well, as well as teach them how nutrition and hydration can aid recovery.

All that hard work! Now it is finally time to get on stage and show the audience or examiner what you have been up to in the classroom.

Performances, class showings and exams can be nerve-wracking, particularly for small children. However, they bring together everything they have learned and can help build confidence and stage skills. Plus it is an opportunity to have a new experience with their friends.

Here is what a dancer needs to be confident when the curtain lifts:

Plenty of practice

In the leadup to a performance, class showing or exam, it is essential to attend as many classes as possible. As the saying goes ‘proper preparation improves performance’ (and builds confidence). Going over the dance movements or routines repeatedly will improve technique and also create ‘muscle memory’, which allows your body to remember the next move on autopilot, allowing you to confidently focus on performing for the audience .

Attending every class and rehearsal is particularly important for a group performance, class showing or an exam. Teamwork is a big part of dance and having someone missing during the final rehearsals or classes can affect everyone, especially the group patterns and formations. This is also when all the final polishing and positioning is tweaked, so missing this important time can affect everyone’s confidence and performance.

A clean costume and shoes, in good condition

Pulling a costume out of storage or from a dance bag the night before a show or presentation, can be a recipe for disaster. There may be a stain, small tear or stitching coming undone or the elastic could have stretched to the point of no return.

Dirty marks, busted zips, rips and holes spell drama on performance day. Make sure your costume is clean, repaired and ready at least a week before going onstage or into a presentation or exam. And don’t forget to try it on to make sure it fits.

Plus check your shoes are prepared and clean as well. New shoes purchased in a hurry are not a good idea and can be disastrous for the performer, if they haven’t worn them before. They should also be prepared, worn in a little and ready at least a week or two, beforehand.

Hair and makeup essentials

Every dancer needs a kit with plenty of spares for a performance, class showings or exams. Include the following:

• Hair nets
• Hair pins
• Hair spray
• Eyeshadow 
• Blush
• Lipstick & Lip gloss
• Tissues

Older students may also require

• Foundation 
• Mascara
• Eye liner
• Lip liner
• Eyebrow pencil
• Face powder
• Hair gel (if the choreographer requires it)
• Makeup remover
• Cotton pads

Emergency kit

Unfortunately, things have a habit of going wrong on the day of the performance. Plan ahead so you will have all the following:

• Needle and thread
• Safety pins
• Spare shoe ribbons (for pointe shoes)
• Spare shoes (you never know)
• Spare tights (in case you get a ladder in yours before you go onstage)
• Shoe polish (if needed)
• Band-aids
• Headache tablets
• Nail scissors
• Lambswool (for wrapping sore toes)
• Leave jewellery & valuables at home

Food and entertainment

Exams, class showings and performances can mean long sessions or days. Dancers should come prepared with healthy snacks including fruit, yoghurt, sandwiches and muesli bars as there is often nowhere to buy lunch nearby. Fill two water bottles so there is extra if needed. Avoid sugary foods which can give a rush of energy but leave dancers feeling tired right before they are due onstage and oily food that could leave stains, on costumes.

A book, magazine or a deck of cards can pass the time between appearances on stage and prevent younger children from getting too restless. An iPad or other device will need headphones to prevent the sound from carrying to the stage.

Packing list

A few days before the performance, write a list of the things you will need. Include your costume, accessories, shoes and props, plus your makeup and hair kit, emergency kit, food and entertainment. You may also need to bring your own music. Tick everything off before you get in the car and double check nothing has been left in the garage or on the kitchen counter.

On the day

Plan to leave early so you are not rushing or panicking about arriving on time. Make sure you know where the venue is so you don’t get lost.

Label everything – the dressing room will be a flurry of activity and it is easy for things to become lost or end up in the wrong bag. Encourage children not to lend or borrow where possible as this leads to even more confusion.

Remember to smile!

Performances, class showings and exams are meant to be the highlight of learning to dance but they can sometimes be overwhelming. The most important thing is to smile and try to have fun. It is ok to feel nervous beforehand but this will melt away as soon as you get on stage if you are well-prepared.