What do I wear to a beginners ballroom class?

Question:General wear is casual and not restrictive. You won't be working on extension of your steps to start, but steps in Standard/Smooth are somewhat longer than a normal walking stride, so even your most comfortable jeans and some dresses/skirts will be uncomfortable while dancing. The most challenging and important thing is the shoes. Ballroom shoes have a thin sueded leather sole to give enough traction to avoid slipping, give a good feel of the floor, and at the same time they have enough slip to allow you to pivot on either the ball or heel. You don't want to invest in them yet, of course, but use this as a guideline. You want a sole that isn't rubber or rubberized. Some of the synthetic soles are very slick. If you have something with plain leather soles, that's close enough. Also, you need a back or at least a slingback on the shoes. Your feet will be busy enough not to worry them about having to scrunch your toes to stay in the shoes. Any decent compromise you come up with will be OK for your first series of lessons. And if you have a good pair of shoes to do, you should build up from there for your clothes rather than matching less suitable shoes to more desirable clothes. Your feet will be important!

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: General wear is casual and not restrictive. You won't be working on extension of your steps to start, but steps in Standard/Smooth are somewhat longer than a normal walking stride, so even your most comfortable jeans and some dresses/skirts will be uncomfortable while dancing. The most challenging and important thing is the shoes. Ballroom shoes have a thin sueded leather sole to give enough traction to avoid slipping, give a good feel of the floor, and at the same time they have enough slip to allow you to pivot on either the ball or heel. You don't want to invest in them yet, of course, but use this as a guideline. You want a sole that isn't rubber or rubberized. Some of the synthetic soles are very slick. If you have something with plain leather soles, that's close enough. Also, you need a back or at least a slingback on the shoes. Your feet will be busy enough not to worry them about having to scrunch your toes to stay in the shoes. Any decent compromise you come up with will be OK for your first series of lessons. And if you have a good pair of shoes to do, you should build up from there for your clothes rather than matching less suitable shoes to more desirable clothes. Your feet will be important!

A practice ballroom skirt, and heels check the following sites:
Discountdance.com
Allaboutdance.com
Just forkix.com
Dancewearsolutions.com
Happy Dancing!!! :)

Casual but not grungy. You can still wear jeans but they have to be nice. T-Shirts are acceptable. If you have ballroom/character shoes wear them. If not just wear heels that have a closed toe or ankle support.

a beautiful gown dress in ur closet or borrow it from ur friends or family. u can use a crown for ur ballroom class!

I use to help teach beginner & intermediate ballroom dance clases and was always stunned by the footwear people chose. WWD gives a good answer - casual, comfy clothes are fine - not too restricting. The ***most*** important thing is your shoes. If you are not in a position to buy a pair of suede soled dance shoes, then wear what shoes you plan on dancing in - likely heels. Just make sure they have a strap across the top of the foot or ankle... slip-on shoes will not make the cut!

Good luck and have fun!!!