Dance teachers’ outfits need to have certain qualities. After a long day of classes, you’ll realize certain clothing traits are indispensable. In other words, your studio apparel needs to do much more than be stylish.
What do dance teachers wear? Your outfits need to be durable and allow a wide range of movement. They must be lightweight and breathable. After all, you’re going to be wearing it all day. Practical factors are also important. It’s smart to invest in durable dance teacher attire. You don’t want to opt for cheap materials or poorly-made designs. Your clothes need to stand up to the rigors of the studio. They also need to endure regular washing.
Style remains vital, too. You’re a professional, and you need to look the part. Some qualities, like comfort and durability, are universal. Other traits will depend on the type of classes that you teach. Ballet attire is very different from hip hop dancewear.
In this article, we’ll look closely at what dance teachers wear for each different style of dance. You also see examples of each style to help you choose the ideal wardrobe to support your teaching career.
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Ballet Teacher Attire and Examples
Ballet dance teacher clothes have a very specific style. The look of these outfits is about more than tradition. There are reasons behind many of the designs that ballet dancers wear.
- Form-fitting clothes, like leotards and fitted tank tops, are tight at the arms and torso. This is because of the nuances in arm and body positions in ballet. Students need to be able to see the exact positions to imitate them correctly.
- Tights or form-fitting pants are popular in ballet for the same reasons. Baggy clothing will obscure your movements.
- Layered outfits, with leggings or warm-up suits, are practical for non-instruction times. These second layers don’t need to be form-fitting, but they should still allow a wide range of motion.
- Traditional footwear is the norm in the ballet studio. Slippers and ballet shoes are necessary. But you can also keep a pair of sneakers for stretching, cross-training, and comfort during non-class times. These other shoes will also help your ballet slippers last longer.
A classic long-sleeve leotard look will provide a stylish and classic outfit when paired with tights. The Ladies Premier Long Sleeve Leotard from Bloch is a good example. The brand’s Lady Calista Floral 3/4 Sleeve Leotard adds subtle style while still looking professional. Examples of breathable fabrics include Capezio’s Men’s Studio Collection Leggings. Such comforts are necessary for anyone teaching multiple classes in a row.
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Jazz Dance Attire and Examples
Jazz dance movements are more dynamic and diverse than ballet. That’s why jazz dance instructor outfits need to be a bit different. Also, jazz dance allows a little more freedom, in general, in terms of style. For example, brighter colors and eye-catching accents are popular. However, you shouldn’t lose sight of the fundamental qualities that jazz dance outfits need.
- Jazz dancers need a wide range of movement, especially at the knees, hips, shoulders, and elbows. Spandex and cotton pants work well. The fabric needs to be flexible, and, while they can’t be too baggy, the pants do not necessarily need to be form-fitting.
- Moisture-wicking materials can help keep jazz dance teachers comfortable during long days. These outfits can handle sweat and keep you feeling fresh even during evening classes after a full day in the studio.
- Jazz dance features lifts and jumps. You should avoid loose or dangling accessories or designs. These elements can get caught. In addition to being safety issues, they are likely to rip easily.
- This dance style puts unique demands on footwear. The shoes need to allow a range of foot motion. They should have some traction but also allow for turns and spins.
Balera Dancewear’s Zip-front Sleeveless Unitard is an example of a professional-looking jazz dance instructor’s outfit. It combines tasteful style and versatility in the dance studio. Capezio’s Studio Collection Cross-Front Pants uses nylon and spandex for flexibility. It also has a V-front waistband for comfort that doesn’t impede hip motion.
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Hip Hop Dance Attire and Examples
Style has a lot of influence when it comes to hip hop dance attire. This is even true compared to the clothes used in other dance styles. Clothing is a way to express individuality and freedom.
Aside from individual style, there are a few things to consider for hip hop dance teacher outfits:
- Mobility is important in hop dancing. However, the moves in this dance style are bigger. This allows for loose-fitting clothes that allow for freedom of movement during floor work, locking, and popping movements.
- Durability is also essential. Hip hop instructors spend time spinning and sliding on the floor. Thicker fabrics and reinforced stitching help clothes stand up to the repeated friction.
- Hoodies, jeans, sweatpants, and t-shirts are common hip hop dance teachers’ attire. You should consider varieties that have moisture-wicking capabilities. You’ll likely be perspiring throughout the day, so pants and shirts that keep you fresh are important.
- Like jazz dance shoes, hip hop shoes need to balance traction and the ability to spin and slide. Sneakers are streetwear shoes that are good options. But you should only choose varieties that offer plenty of cushioning and support for aggressive moves.
Quality streetwear shoes are ideal for hip hop dance instructor outfits because of their support and traction. Examples include the Converse One Star Academy Pro and Puma Suede Classic B-Boy Fabulous Sneakers. High-quality loose-fitting pants, like the Nike ACG “Wolf Tree” Plus, have the durability to withstand aggressive floor work. Printed patterns, like the ones on Nike’s Phoenix Fleece Oversized Printed Sweatpants, can bring individual style to your studio.
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Contemporary Dance Attire and Examples
Contemporary dance blends movements and techniques from other dance styles. It makes sense, then, that the contemporary dance teacher’s clothes need a mixture of qualities from other types of dance apparel.
- Lightweight, stretchable fabrics are ideal for contemporary dance instructor outfits. These fabrics provide the necessary freedom of movement for jumps, wide stretching, and twisting. There shouldn’t be any restrictions on the torso, legs, hips, and shoulders.
- Like ballet, body lines are important in contemporary dance. Body-fitting or semi-fitted outfits ensure you can demonstrate body positions to students.
- Layers are perhaps more important for contemporary dance teachers’ outfits than for those in any other dance style. Loose-fitting outer layers can provide warmth and comfort during warm-ups and some dance routines. You can then remove these layers when it’s time for more nuanced work.
- The outfits should be durable enough for floor work. Not only that, they should be able to slide across the floor without sticking. Long-sleeved tops are sometimes necessary for extensive floor work so that your skin doesn’t scrape on the floor.
Revolution Dance’s Scoop Neck Tank Top is a good base for a contemporary dance outfit. The brand’s Fitted Full-Zip Jacket provides an outer layer that doesn’t obscure arm and body positions. Meanwhile, subtly stylish outfits, like Balera Dancewear’s Twist-Front V-neck Top, can add some personality while still looking professional.
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Youth Dance Attire and Examples
Choosing youth dance instructor apparel is a balancing act. As a youth dance teacher, your clothing needs to look professional without making you seem unapproachable. Like other dance styles, youth dance teachers also need clothes that function.
- Kids are sensitive to their teacher’s image. Bright colors and fun patterns can make you seem approachable and fun. This is especially true for younger students. They are more likely to engage with a teacher who has fun-looking apparel.
- At the same time, it’s important to look professional. Avoid silly outfits and clothing that’s too revealing. Go for the same type of apparel you’d wear when teaching adults, but with brighter colors and without bare midriffs.
- Avoid overly baggy clothing. Even if you’re teaching a hip hop class, opt for fitted outfits. Why? Kids learn by copying. More than adult students, they need to see your movements.
- Safety is also essential. Avoid belts or dangling accessories that could rip or get caught in your students’ hair.
GK Elite Painted Sky Tank Leotard is a good example of a traditional dance outfit design with a splash of color. Also, consider fun patterns, like the Cosmic Leopard version of Lululemon’s Wunder Train High-Rise Tights. These tights give you a high-end look with a little bit of fun. The same idea can apply to your feet. Taygra’s Corrida tie-dyed dance shoes provide an example of colorful footwear.
Choosing the Right Clothes
Even if you know what dance teachers wear, it can take a while to build up a wardrobe. Here is what to think about as you go to the store or order your outfits online.
- Match the outfits with the style of dance. Whether it’s fair or not, students have certain expectations for how dance instructors should look. Knowing how to dress for your type of dance shows you understand what you’re teaching.
- Always prioritize mobility.
- Think about layers. You will likely have a specific outfit style. But you should also think about warm-ups and time between classes. Outer layers ensure that you look the part, even when you are not in front of a class.
- Professionalism is important. Look the part, and have outfits that appear neat and clean. Avoid clothes that are ill-fitting, cheap-looking, or don’t fit with the style of dance you’re teaching.
