What To Wear To A Social Dance Club

At Arthur Murray Crows Nest, we understand it’s important to feel comfortable with both your footwork and your outfit for your first foray onto the social dance floor, so as well as offering dancing lessons we’ve compiled some key wardrobe suggestions too.

Comfort is paramount

The most important criteria for any dance attire is to be comfortable. This means wearing something that’s stretchy enough to allow you full range of movement – there’s nothing worse than a constricted spin due to a tight shirt or skirt. As well as physical freedom, you should choose an outfit which won’t fuss you. You’ll be nervous enough about the dance and the steps without having to make constant clothing adjustments because your top isn’t quite long enough when you lift your arms up, or your trousers require hitching up before a leg raise.

Temperature control

You should try to wear something light so that you don’t overheat when you get moving, however you may find the dance hall cold when you first arrive. Therefore it’s a good idea to work the layered look so you’re not shivering at first, but can easily cool down once you start spinning!

Don’t bare it all

While you might be tempted to dress skimpily to combat the heat, if you intend to dance all night, it’s not very pleasant for your partner to have to touch your damp skin. A cool, but covering top is preferable to a sleeveless shirt, and low-backed dresses should be avoided. Equally, a low cut top that may reveal more than you imagine with a daring dip – so try a few moves at home before you settle on something.

Fancy feet

Never try to dance in trainers or other rubber-soled shoes; not only will you squeak and stick to the floor, but you could suddenly stop mid-spin and cause a knee or ankle injury. Gents, to ensure a smooth slide, choose a leather-soled work shoe. Ladies, only wear high heels if you know you can dance in them… all night. It’s advisable to choose shoes with a strap so they don’t fly off mid kick or flick, and likewise avoid sling backs or mules.

Hair care

Consider tying a fringe back if it’s likely to get in your eyes and tame long locks in a bun, or a style close to the head; a pony tail can still whip someone in the face as you spin around the dance floor.

Don’t accessorise

Whatever style you’re dancing, it’s best to keep your outfit as slimline as possible. Avoid floaty scarves, baggy sleeves, big watches, chunky bracelets, large rings, long necklaces, prominent belt buckles, or anything which can get caught as you turn; it might hurt you or the other person, and will certainly cramp your style. Gents, try not to have keys or money in your trouser pockets, but if it’s unavoidable, keep them in the left-hand side to minimise any bruising to your partner.