Proper Attire | The Promenade Dance Studio Llc | Milford Mill (2024)

What to Wear, to What Event

This is a guideline and explanation of Dress Codes, which you may see posted on invitations and announcements to Public and Private Special Events.

White Tie..... The most formal category of dressing. For the Gentlemen it means a black tailcoat with matching trousers trimmed by a ribbon of braid or satin on the outside of each trouser leg, a white pique tie, white pique single or double-breasted vest, and a wing-collar shirt with a stiff pique front. White gloves are nice optional accessories for Gentlemen. The Ladies appear in a ball gown, which is an evening dress with a full skirt, possibly with open back. Elbow-length gloves are also a nice addition for the Lady.

Black Tie..... Gentlemen in black tuxedo coat, trousers trimmed with satin ribbon along the outside of the leg, cumme*rbund and bow tie. The phrase "black tie" does not refer to the color of the tie. In fact colorful ties with matching cumme*rbunds are very popular. Ladies appear in ball gowns.

Black Tie Optional.....Same as above, except Gentlemen have the option of wearing a regular suit with a tie (bow tie preferred), and Ladies wear a co*cktail gown or dinner dress. Long to full-length skirts are preferred; short skirts are not recommended. This is the attire we require for our Annual Nutcracker Ball. All other Special Events are usually Semi-Formal.

Formal......Gentlemen in suit and tie (a sport coat is often acceptable), Ladies in a co*cktail dress or evening dress.

Semi-formal..... Gentlemen in dress slacks with a dress shirt and tie, jacket is optional. Other options include a vest or sweater that shows the tie. At the lower end of formality these events can be attended without a tie, e.g. with a turtleneck and jacket. Ladies in evening dress or dinner dress, but other chic outfits are also acceptable, like flowing pants, etc.

Dressy Casual..... This is the most common attire for social dancing. It calls for dressed-up versions of casual looks. For him, it could be trousers and a sportscoat, for her, a dressy pants look. This is the typical dress for The Promenade's regular Social Dances. Jeans, shorts, T-shirts and other casual looks are NOT appropriate for Dressy Casual Events.

Casual..... This generally means anything goes, jeans included. At The Promenade the only time jeans are appropriate is for Swing Dance Events.

Proper Attire | The Promenade Dance Studio Llc | Milford Mill (2024)

FAQs

What shoes to wear for dance lessons? ›

Shoes with leather or suede soles are the best choice, as they'll allow you to glide easily across the floor. However, a pair of dress shoes will do in a pinch. Try to avoid sneakers or gym shoes because the rubber soles are built for traction rather than the smooth moves of dancing.

Do you need a jacket for semi-formal? ›

Semi-formal attire is slightly more relaxed while still requiring a blazer with matching dress pants or a 2-piece suit, along with a dress shirt and in most cases, a tie.

What do you wear to dance class? ›

Clothes - loose fitting clothes, leggings are great. Anything you can move freely in. Layers are always good to keep your body warm. Shoes - bare feet or contemporary half shoes or foot gloves (these help to protect the feet especially in more advanced classes).

What do guys wear to dance class? ›

Male dancers should wear loose fitting clothing for all dance classes to allow for stretching. For male ballet dancers: form fitting pants & sleeveless tank. Adult students should wear comfortable clothing.

What should I wear to my first day of dance class? ›

I always suggest that first time students wear dance attire (leotard and tights) if they have them, or a comfortable t-shirt and leggings.

What can I wear if I don't have ballroom shoes? ›

Regular sneakers or training shoes will also be fine, though those might be a bit too grippy to dance in, especially if you practice turning in them. You can also wear any comfortable pair of heels, flats (for women) or dress shoes (for men).

What is semi formal attire for a woman? ›

Feminine semi-formal wear is a broad category that includes midi dresses, maxi-dresses, wrap dresses, co*cktail dresses, pantsuits, and jumpsuits. If you choose to wear a dress, your hemline can fall below the knee.

What should you not wear to a semi-formal? ›

What should you not wear to a semiformal event? Clothing like evening gowns, tuxedos, jeans, and sneakers aren't appropriate for semiformal events. Instead, opt for something you feel rides the line between casual and formal.

What is semi-formal dress code female? ›

Semi-formal outfits should be sophisticated and polished. They are less formal than black tie events but smarter than co*cktail attire. The balance should fall somewhere in between. While you should wear an evening gown to formal functions, you can also wear a dress that falls at the knee or below for semi-formal wear.

Can I wear sneakers to dance class? ›

At the most basic level, a regular pair of sneakers will allow your student dancer to attend classes without much problem. However, sneakers are designed to help people walk firmly and surely, and aren't made for the special spins and movements associated with this type of dancing.

What should you avoid before a dance class? ›

What not to eat right before you dance. Sugary high-fat snacks are easy to grab on the go, but will make you feel sluggish while dancing and can cause cramping. Avoid candy bars, cookies, potato chips, and French fries. Even some granola bars are full of sugar and provide little nutrition.

What should a girl wear to a dance? ›

You can wear whatever clothes you like, such as jeans and a t-shirt, slacks and a blouse, a skirt or dress, or even shorts and running shoes. To really make an impression at a casual dance, consider wearing something that nobody else will be wearing, like a bold new fashion, or a themed outfit.

What is dance class etiquette? ›

The Basics of Dance Class Etiquette. (Common Sense) Dress appropriately and come prepared. Don't chew gum or bring food and drinks (a closed water bottle is okay) into the studio. Never wear dance shoes outside the studio or wear street shoes in the studio.

Is dancing a good form of losing weight? ›

Dancing is an excellent way to exercise, burn calories, and lose weight. Aside from weight loss, dancing can also increase muscle strength and stamina, improve flexibility, balance, blood flow, and sleep, and reduce stress, depression, and the risk for certain chronic conditions like diabetes and heart disease.

Which of the following male attire is appropriate for formal dance? ›

Actually men dancers should wear a tail suit, however sometimes beginners prefer a simpler and cheaper alternative - a basic standard shirt. It must be a white colored long sleeved "classic style" shirt with collar and cuffs. For Standard Program the shirt must be solid without patterns or reflecting insets.

What do adults wear to dance class? ›

For most classes, leggings, yoga pants, or athletic shorts with a tank-top or fitted T-shirt are great. For ballet classes, you certainly can wear a leotard and tights, but you also won't be alone if you skip that. For hip hop classes, you can go with looser-fitting athletic pants or sweatpants.

What is best to eat before a dance class? ›

The trick is to eat a meal high in good carbohydrates 1-2 hours before you plan on dancing. A good place to start is whole grain foods like oats, rice, veggies, or pasta. Good carbohydrates are one of the bodies primary sources of energy. They're absorbed slower, making the energy last longer.

What should you not do in dance class? ›

21 Things To NEVER Do In Dance Class
  • Compare yourself to others. ...
  • Stretch without being warm. ...
  • Put another dancer down.
  • Ask to go to the bathroom during the first two minutes of class. ...
  • Do your hair in a way that you know will fall out when you're turning.
Feb 9, 2019

What are the don'ts in terms of outfit and shoes in dance etiquette? ›

Do not wear sneakers or other shoes with rubber or spongy soles. They can stick to the floor during turns and spins and cause ankle and knee injuries. Avoid sleeveless shirts and strapped dresses, especially for active dancing: It is not pleasant to have to touch the damp skin of a partner.

Can dress shoes be dance shoes? ›

Dress shoes work really well, and so do sneakers, although sneakers tend to grip the floor a little too much, which can making turning difficult. Avoid heavy boots or anything with a rubber sole that can leave black marks on the floor. And especially avoid flip flops or clunky shoes.

Can you wear dance shoes as regular shoes? ›

Can You Wear Dance Shoes Outside? Traditional dance shoes have suede soles and undersides and can snag or catch easily on rough surfaces, so it is always recommended to keep them just for stage or studio use. The bottom of the shoe is designed to be smooth for that essential sliding and gliding across the dance floor.

Do you wear dress shoes to a semi-formal? ›

Women should wear pumps or high heels; however, stylish wedges and booties with heels can look good. If you're not a fan of heels, elegant sandals with embellishments or simple flats are fine. Men attending a semi-formal wedding should wear dress shoes, loafers, leather brogues, or oxfords.

What do you wear to a 4pm wedding? ›

In general, daytime weddings are more casual, so lighter fabrics, festive colors, and less-formal attire is the rule. For women, a nice daytime dress, skirt, top, or jumpsuit are good choices. For men, a well-tailored suit in a mid-to-dark neutral color like gray, blue, or charcoal is appropriate.

Can a woman wear dress pants to a semi-formal wedding? ›

Semi Formal Dresses For Wedding

While dress pants and jumpsuits are totally acceptable and chic options for semi formal wedding attire, we'll take any chance we can get to rock a breezy, on-trend dress. And, since semi formal dresses aren't too (dare we say) dressy, you can easily wear them over and over.

Are jeans OK for semi-formal? ›

The short answer is no, jeans are generally not considered appropriate for semi-formal events. Semi-formal attire is a dress code that is less formal than black tie or white tie, but more formal than business casual or casual. It typically involves a suit or sport coat and dress pants, a dress shirt, and a tie.

What is dressy casual for a woman? ›

What does dressy casual mean? It's a way to describe an overall aesthetic that is basically not-all-the-way-formal-but-please-don't-wear-jean-shorts. Swann explains that dressy casual is typically requested for daytime weddings—and the earlier the event, the less formal the attire.

Can a woman wear slacks to a semi-formal event? ›

Semi-formal bottoms can be either dressy pants or skirts, and should be sleek and paired with the right blouse. In terms of pants, it's always good to go for black slacks that can be adapted to fit a variety of shoes and tops.

What is semi-formal attire vs co*cktail attire? ›

co*cktail attire is a smidge more formal than semiformal attire, and is often for weddings held later in the day, while semiformal is usually for afternoon weddings. Avoid a tuxedo and go for a well-tailored suit with a solid shirt—tie optional but encouraged.

What's the difference between semi-formal and casual? ›

What is semi-formal dress code? Semi-formal dress code is attire that is more casual than formal but still considered “'dressy. ' A casual collared shirt or blouse with nicer pants or skirt would be appropriate for a semi-formal event.

Can you wear a pad to dance class? ›

A lot of dancers find it most convenient and comfortable to wear a tampon, but some girls, especially younger girls, opt to wear a thin pad. Wearing a pad is perfectly fine, just make sure to choose one with a high absorbency level and wear black dancing attire.

Why do dancers wear baggy clothes? ›

Baggy clothes are part of the fashion and culture that influenced hip hop, but loose-fitting clothes allow dancers to perform a wide range of acrobatic moves without restrictions.

Are dress sneakers acceptable? ›

After all, dress sneakers and sneakers, in general, are supposed to be more of leisure footwear and really shouldn't be combined with fine tailoring. Dress sneakers are more of a casual shoe and are not appropriate for tailored clothes meant for more formal wear.

What is the best beverage to drink while dancing? ›

Hydration: Great Drink Ideas For Dancers
  • The Simplest of Drinks: Lemon Water and Infusions.
  • Juice.
  • Coconut Water.
  • Tea.
  • Coffee.
  • Milk and Non-Dairy Drinks Fizzy Treats.
  • Probiotics.
Jul 24, 2013

Why dance class have a dress code? ›

Most dance studios have dress codes so that dancers can move properly for the type of dance. A hip-hop class might require dancers to wear loose-fitting pants so that the dancers' legs can perform the moves correctly, while a ballet studio might require dancers to wear a certain color of leotards and tights.

What can I wear to a dance besides a dress? ›

Pantsuits and jumpsuits, for example, are a great way to make a statement at prom without wearing a skirt. If gowns are more your style, you can change things up by choosing a dress that features a geometric print or eye-catching ruffles.

What is ladies styling in dance? ›

Very simply, lady styling occurs in both salsa and bachata and refers to the sophisticated and elegant moves that the female dancer makes. It's centred on dancing in a way that suits you and the way you move naturally whilst characteristically fitting smoothly with the dance.

What do you wear to casual dance? ›

For casual dances, you can forego the tie, but still try to dress better than you do for class. A polo shirt is a great option, along with dark wash denim. Make sure your shoes are scuff-free and your shirt is ironed. You want to look well-groomed when you bust a move in the center of the dance circle.

What are the six dance etiquettes? ›

There are six aspects of social dancing etiquette.
  • Asking for a dance.
  • Saying “no”
  • Personal hygiene.
  • Partner's ability.
  • Floorcraft.
  • Group classes.
Mar 30, 2014

Why is a dancer not supposed to wear loose clothes in a dance class? ›

Keeping legs covered with tights/pants and bellies with shirts helps keep dirt and sweat off the dance floors. Especially with COVID-19, it prevents us from spreading nasty germs. The same goes for shoes.

Can you dance away belly fat? ›

Not many people know that dancing can serve as a calorie-burning aerobic exercise that helps toning your belly. Opt for dancing classes if you hate to go to the gym or walk on a treadmill! Latin dance forms like Cha-Cha, Salsa, Rumba and Reggaetón are ideal for trimming belly fat.

Does dancing reduce belly fat? ›

If you want to get rid of the stubborn belly fat, we suggest including an hour of Cha-cha dance in your daily routine. This Latin dance form involves quick movements of every part of your body (arms, hips, legs and waist) and will serve as a rigorous work out when done correctly.

What is the difference between casual and business casual? ›

A casual dress code is generally considered less formal than business casual. Employees may wear more relaxed, informal clothing but not necessarily what they wear on the street or lounging at home. For example, a casual dress code may let employees wear jeans every day but still discourages sweatpants.

What does mens formal wear look like? ›

For men, formal clothing includes trousers, a dress shirt (and maybe a waistcoat or vest), a suit or a tuxedo jacket, some form of neckwear suit accessory, and dress shoes.

What is smart casual dress code? ›

What does Smart Casual Dress Code mean and what is it exactly? Smart Casual is a style halfway between formal and casual. Therefore, it is neither an elegant look with a jacket and necktie, nor an overly sporty outfit with sneakers, t-shirt and jeans. Smart Casual stands for 'simple, but elegant'.

Do you wear shoes to dance class? ›

Typically, if dancers aren't barefoot, they'll wear a leather jazz shoe to class. A nylon gym slipper is sometimes worn in the beginning years.

Can I wear sneakers for dance? ›

You can wear some regular sneakers for hip hop, but in general, many street shoes lack the flexibility and targeted support that dance sneakers offer. If you'd like to wear a street shoe for hip hop, choose lightweight sneakers without thick treads, that have some flexibility and a cushioned insole.

Do you need special shoes for dancing? ›

Dance shoes are designed for physically active movement, while most street footware can't handle that activity. If you want your footwear to last you many rehearsals and performances, it's best to invest in a pair of dance-specific shoes so they won't hold you back.

Do you wear socks under dance shoes? ›

They protect the feet and allow for the proper movements when dancing. However, one common question that arises is whether or not it is acceptable to wear socks with ballet shoes. Yes, it is acceptable to wear socks with ballet shoes. Thin socks are typically worn by children with their ballet shoes.

Can girls dance with heels on? ›

Yes, dancing in heels is a technique and an art. And dancing in heels should be earned, just like earning the privilege of wearing pointe shoes. A dancer MUST have good technique, and this means advanced ballet training. Strength, alignment and length are needed to support the heel, and this comes from ballet.

Are Walking shoes good for dancing? ›

Regular walking shoes are made for walking, not so much for dancing. If you want to feel comfortable on the dance floor, supported, and be light on your feet, you need to wear proper dance shoes.

How tight should dance shoes be? ›

The fit of a dance shoe needs to be tight.

The materials that your dance shoes are constructed of will stretch as you wear them and you want them to fit your foot like a glove. A dance shoe needs to fit snug and tight, but not painful. When you first put on a brand new pair, they should hug your foot.

What is the difference between dance shoes and regular shoes? ›

The difference between ballroom shoes and regular shoes is in the sole of the shoes that is flexible allowing the dancer to glide on the dance floor. The heels of ballroom shoes look like wine goblets. The top of the heel is wide and narrows slightly flaring at the bottom .

Are dance shoes too small? ›

If you're struggling to fit your toes in the shoe, then it's too small. Remember, your dance shoes are there to keep your feet safe while performing. Without the right fit or style, you could slip and hurt yourself or others around you.

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