Ballroom Dance Shoes And Dance Clothing

You need a lot of preparation before you dress up for a ballroom dance. You just can't throw on any old thing and go out there. There is a code of dress that is adhered to and if you're a guy, it will have to be a tux or a formal suit and if you are a girl, you have to have the right dress and have your shoes matched and your hair and make-up in perfect place. Unlike getting ready for say, a prom night, getting dressed for a ballroom dance requires a little more attention. This is because you need to pick the right clothes and the right shoes.

This doesn't mean to say that there is a particular dress code for ballroom dancing – just that there are the right clothes. You do have the freedom to choose from a wide range but do remember that if you are doing a ballroom dance – whether it is a fast jive or a slow waltz, you need to wear something that flows well and does not get tangled in your partner's shoes or around his legs. What is of course ideal is something made of flowing material like silk which does not tangle easily.

Your dress needs to be formal but it does not need to be like an evening dress embellished with beads, sequins, bows or feathers. These could come in the way of your moves and could be uncomfortable. The dress should be formal and fashionable without being too ornate or causing discomfort in any way.

Now the shoes are important too. So you should choose carefully. The choice will depend on the kind of dance you are thinking of performing. There are shoes made especially for the jive, the swing and for the more formal dances. So you need to know what exactly to buy. Ballroom dancing shoes need to be light so that you can move easily. If the shoes are heavy, you could end up with sore feet not to mention the fact that you can't move very easily on the dance floor. Take a good look at the height of the shoes as well. For men, it should not be over an inch and a half and for women, three inches.

Don't choose your shoes for the way they look but the way they feel. Sure, you need them to look good but they need to be comfortable to help you dance your best. You'll find that a lot of shoes for dancing have an open-toed style but you might just be more comfortable in a closed shoe style. Then, even if you get stepped on, it isn't too bad. You can also get insoles just in case you find the high heels a bit uncomfortable. Ill-fitting shoes can be the cause of a lot of aches and pains so choose wisely and well.

Make sure the shoes are elegant and simple without embellishments that can cause soreness or blisters. It helps to choose a good brand as well as most of them are made to make feet feel good. Spending a bit more on good shoes will be well worth it. Ballroom dancing means clothes and shoes that not only look good but are comfortable too.

SENIOR TRIPS AND EVENTS

Union City is holding a Valentine’s Day Senior Citizens Party on Saturday at noon at the Jose Marti Freshman Academy, 1800 Summit Ave., Union City. Live music and lunch will be served. Admission is free. All seniors are invited to attend. For more information, call (201) 348-5701.

Calendar — Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2012

Raleigh County Democrat Women regular meeting, 5 p.m., Raleigh County Library, downstairs. Call 304-252-5203 or 304-252-1156. AARP Tax-Aide, free tax help, every Tuesday until April 9, Oak Hill Public Library, 12:30 to 4 p.m., by appointment only.

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