Are you looking to take the leap into that adult hip hop, ballet, or contemporary dance class you’ve been saying you’ll try? It’s always a bit nerve-wracking honing a new skill among new peers, and questions abound. But there’s one that is always asked: what do I wear?! 

Don’t sweat! You don’t need a wardrobe full of rhinestones, dance shorts of all colours, and wrap skirts galore. While figuring out the right beginner dance outfit for yourself, this guide will walk you through the basics for each dance style or discipline, so you can show up confident and ready to move.

For Adults New to Dance

More and more adults are discovering (or rediscovering) the joy of dance later in life. Maybe you didn’t have the chance to take lessons as a kid, or perhaps you’re looking for a new, joyful way to stay active. Either way, you’re not alone. Adult dance classes in Canada, from ballet and jazz to contemporary and heels, are welcoming and inclusive spaces for beginners and adult return dancers.

what to wear ballet class asian woman barre beginner

What to Wear to an Adult Dance Class

Ballet

  • Ballet Dancewear: Many think you need a leotard and ballet tights — that is classical and ideal, don’t get us wrong, but they are not required. In the absence of the above, try bike shorts or leggings with a fitted tank top or t-shirt. With ballet, it’s critical to avoid baggy clothing so your form can be checked and corrected by your instructor as well as by yourself in the mirror. Real ballet shoes are usually required. 
  • Ballet Bun & Accessories: For ballet hair, it’s best to stick to the norm. A slick low ballet bun (ballet bun video tutorial) is the way to go, made easier with So Danca’s Bun in a Box Kit. Ballet accessories are great for barre, while you’re still warming up your muscles. Check out The Dance Store’s ballet legwarmers, booties, and wrap sweaters. 

Hip Hop

  • Hip Hop Dancewear: What to wear to a hip hop class? Let’s take a look: you’re likely familiar from music videos or TikToks that there’s a tendency towards baggier clothing. A good rule of thumb with the pants or shorts you choose, if that you should be able to grab a handful of them and hold them, a common stance in hip hop. Sweatpants are common and a great choice, but make sure to avoid a fleece-y pair that will get sticky and overheat you. Try a thinner pair of sweatpants, sport pants, or basketball shorts paired with an oversized t-shirt and clean indoor sneakers.
  • Hip Hop Hair & Accessories: You may notice, more prevalent in hip hop than in other dance disciplines, the presence of jewelry like hoop earrings and hair claw clips. While you’re just starting out, we’d advise against dangling earrings and the like, as the last thing you want while getting familiar with dance is to catch your hands in your accessories and injure yourself. Keep hair back in a ponytail or bun, or leave it down for some good ol’ hairography. 

Contemporary/Lyrical/Modern Dance

  • Contemporary Dancewear: When it comes to Lyrical, Modern, and especially Contemporary dance, feel free to get a little looser in your dancewear! As these dance styles often promote more organic, free-flowing, and experimental movement, many opt for a larger t-shirt and and looser pants. That said, leggings, bike shorts or dance shorts, and tight tank tops are still perfectly fine. Bare feet works for many, but Foot Thongs or Foot Undies give you a better surface to turn on. 
    • Pro Tip: Get knee pads! It’s likely you’ll be doing floor work in this dance disciplines, and without knee pads you may get heavy bruising and soreness in your knees. Try Bunheads Gel Knee Pads for comprehensive protection. 
  • Hair & Accessories: Take off long necklaces, dangly earrings, and loose bracelets. Stick to a hairstyle that will stay out of your face, like a high or low ponytail or a bun. 

Jazz Dance

  • Jazz Dancewear: In such a dynamic and active style, you’ll likely want fitted clothing. Go for dance shorts, bike shorts, or leggings on the bottom, and a tight t-shirt, tank, or sports bra on top. Grab some jazz shoes, and you’re ready to go!
  • Hair & Accessories: More than nearly any other style, it’s essential to avoid jewelry or accessories that you or other dances can get caught on. In jazz, you’ll likely being turning and jumping and executing quicker movements, where dangly accessories become a hazard. Following that reasoning, make sure your hair is tied back tightly with multiple dance hair elastics so it doesn’t become loose and need redoing during class. 

what to wear contemporary dance class adult

Conclusion

Starting something new can be intimidating. But here’s the truth: nobody in a beginner adult dance class expects you to show up with the perfect pirouette or a designer leotard. The most important thing is to wear dance class clothes that make you feel confident, comfortable, and ready to move. If you’re an adult beginning your journey or returning to dance, just showing up is the win.