If you need some help getting ready and preparing for dance class then this post all about how to get ready for dance class is for you!
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When you are starting to take dance class somewhere new, taking class for the first time, or just picking it back up it can be hard to know how to get ready. As a dancer with years of experience getting ready for a variety of dance classes, I’ve created this step-by-step guide to answer all of your questions about how to prepare for dance class.
In this post you are going to learn all about how to get ready for dance class, what you need for dance class, how to find dance classes, what to wear to dance class, and more!
After reading this post you will be more prepared than ever to attend your next dance class.
This post is all about how to get ready for dance class
How to Get Ready for Dance Class
How to find dance classes
If you haven’t already you need to find a dance class to take. The best way to find dance classes is to search “dance classes near me” see what pops up.
If you are looking for drop in dance classes, I recommend using the platform mindbody to find dance classes. This is a platform to help people find wellness classes and services, including dance classes in their area or online to stream.
Word of mouth and social media are also a great ways to find dance classes in your area. Try searching or looking at pages on Facebook or Instagram to find dance studios to take classes from.
What do I need for dance class?
Of course you need a variety of things to be prepared for dance class. Below is a list of things you might need or want to be prepared for dance class.
- Dance Shoes
- Dance Clothing
- Water Bottle
- Dance Hair Accessories
- First Aid Kit and Bandages
- A positive attitude
If you want more information for what you need for dance class, you can check out some of our other posts all about what to pack in a dance bag and how to prepare for your first week of dance class.
How to Prepare for Your First Week Back to Dance Class
7 Items You Need to Carry in Your Dance Bag
What do I wear to dance class?
Start by looking at the class details when you sign up for class to see if there is any dress code or dance clothing that is recommended for you to wear to your first dance class. There are different things you have to consider for different genres of dance classes.
What to wear for beginner dance class
If you are taking a general adult beginner class, it is probably safe to wear athletic clothing that you can easily move in. Try clothing items like leggings, tank tops, form fitting t-shirts, and yoga pants for your dance class.
What to wear to a ballet class
Ballet is all about lines and technique. This means you want to be able to demonstrate those with your outfit choice. Ballet also has a pretty specific uniform of a solid colored leotard, pink or black tights, and sometimes a skirt. You will want to wear some version of this outfit description to ballet class.
What to wear for a modern dance class
For a modern dance class, modern dance is all about moving through space and exploring the shapes of the body. You want to make sure you clothing compliments that and what you are doing. Modern dance tends to bring more variety in clothing choice to the dance studio than ballet. However, you want to check and see if your studio has a dress code for modern classes before sticking with an outfit. For modern dance class, you can wear a leotard and black tights or a t-shirt and leggings if the dress code is flexible.
What to wear to a jazz dance class
Jazz dance usually requires a wide variety of movement. You could be doing everything from a full body warm up in the center to leaps and turns across the floor. In jazz class, you need to be able to move in a variety of movement qualities and dynamics, and your clothing should help impact that. In jazz class you can also just wear a leotard and tights or try a tank top and leggings.
For more specifics on what to wear to dance class, check out our post all about what to wear to different dance classes.
You Might Also Like: Dance Inspiration: How Find the Inspiration to Keep Dancing
What shoes do I wear to dance class?
For most dance classes, the shoes that you are supposed to wear will be named after the dance genre you are taking. Tap shoes for tap class, ballet shoes for ballet class, and jazz shoes for jazz class.
Some dance studios will have the type of shoe required for each class on their website or in their studio handbook.
If you are taking an open sign up class, for example in New York City at a studio like BDC or Steps sometimes people in jazz dance classes will wear character heels for jazz classes but this is all up to personal preference.
No matter what genre of dance you are taking you need to make sure you are comfortable and can move in whatever dance shoe you are wearing for dance class.
What time should I arrive to dance class?
For any dance class it is best to arrive early. I recommend 15 to 20 minutes before class begins. This will give you enough time to get ready, prepare yourself, and stretch or warm up beforehand.
However, if you can’t arrive early, make sure you are prepared before you arrive at the studio. This means you should be dressed, have your water bottle filled up, and are mentally ready for class to start.
What should I do once I get there?
Once you arrive to dance class, you may have to wait in a waiting area depending on how early you are. This will give you the chance to go to the restroom or changing area and change or get whatever you need to ready.
You should also go fill your water bottle up if you haven’t already. That way it is ready to keep you hydrated in class. Make sure to also go to the restroom at this time.
When you are waiting, you can also get to know your fellow classmates and catch up with your friends. Once class gets started you probably won’t get the chance to do this.
If you can, try and find a space to stretch and warm up before class starts. This way you can get your body ready to start moving. If you have shoes for class, you should also put those on at this time.
When the studio opens you will have the chance to go inside and prepare for dance class. Find a space that works for you and let yourself get ready for class.
Before you go:
This post was all about how to get ready for dance class. I hope you have found all of the information you needed to get ready for dance class.
Comment your favorite way to get ready for dance class!
This post was all about how to get ready for dance class
