Heading to your first salsa lesson, you might feel tempted to wear something glamorous for that fancy Latin dance look. But when it comes to dressing for a salsa class, you should always prioritize comfort over flash. You don’t want to wear something that’ll end up restricting your dance movements or make you feel too hot.
Look for tops that fit your form and drape nicely over your body frame without causing any restrictions on your movements. Tank tops, cropped tops, bodysuits, and sports bras are all good salsa dance outfits. Men can wear athletic shirts or tanks that are lightweight and breathable for salsa dance classes. Button-down or polo shirts are also good options, as long as they aren’t loose or heavy.
Stretchy and lightweight fabric that clearly contours your body shape is ideal for dancing salsa because the instructor can watch your form and provide appropriate feedback for your dance movements.
As for your bottoms, high-waisted leggings or joggers that aren’t too sheer or tight will ensure comfort and flexibility for your classes. If you prefer skirts or dresses, go for lightweight options that aren’t too tight, short, or flailing. Men can go for light cotton trousers, joggers, or athletic shorts that are not too baggy. It’s best to avoid denim, as it retains heat and will make you feel sweaty.
Proper footwear is as important as the dress when it comes to dance classes. You may have seen salsa dancers wearing Latin dance shoes with flared heels or suede soles that make it easy to pivot on the balls of the feet. But when you’re just starting out and don’t want to spend too much on salsa shoes, it’s best to go with low heels or flats so you don’t tire out your feet.
Look for lightweight and flexible shoes that fit comfortably and don’t rub or pinch your feet. You also need a stable sole with a good grip on the floor so you can spin or pivot easily. Flat dance shoes with leather soles, low wedge heels, lightweight dance sneakers, and suede dance shoes are some of the best options for your first salsa lesson.
If you’re planning to wear heels, make sure you adjust your feet to them before you start your salsa dancing classes. We suggest you invest in proper dance shoes as they’ll help you learn the right technique without the risk of injury.
When choosing your outfit and shoes for your first salsa lesson, there are some choices you must avoid at all costs. They wouldn’t just damper your dancing experience but may actually cause harm. Super tight clothes may rub against your skin and give you some nasty skin rashes, while baggy clothes might interfere with your or your partner’s footwork.
Speaking of footwork, you should also avoid certain types of shoes for a salsa dance class. Rubber-soled shoes would not let you spin or pivot gracefully, while flip flops are a strict no-no if you don’t want to slip on the dance floor.
Also, you wouldn’t want to wear your street shoes to a dance studio as they might leave marks or scratches on the dance floor surface. Avoid sharp or dangling accessories and jewelry that could injure you or your partner while dancing.
If you are still not sure what to wear to your first salsa lesson, give us a call or use the contact form, and we’ll be happy to answer any questions for you. And if you’re considering taking salsa dance lessons, make sure you check out our introductory offer for new students.
We’d also suggest that you do some research on the basics of salsa dancing, although our friendly instructors are always here to guide you at every step in our private or group lessons. Have fun at your first salsa dance class, and good luck!