Salsa City Forum » News and Chat » Clothing

What clothes are best to wear to salsa lessons?
I notice that a lot of women wear heels, is that sensible to wear to a first lesson?
Does it tend to get very hot and sweaty? Therefore, is loose clothing a good idea?

Not that I've tried it, but I gather it takes experience to dance in heels. (The famous saying about Ginger Rogers is that she could do anything Fred Astaire could do, but backwards and in high heels!) Trainers or loose sandals should be avoided. Shoes with smooth soles are best (so that you can spin). If you get really into salsa, the easiest shoes to dance in (for either sex) are Bloch dance trainers, but they're over fifty quid a pair. It does get hot and sweaty so relatively loose clothing is a good idea, but avoid anything with loops/knots that your partner's fingers can get caught in.

More important than looseness is that garments should be thin, to let the heat escape. Relatively natural fabrics are better; cotton and rayon are better than nylon and poylester, they are more breathable and are nicer to touch.

Just thought I'd give one girl's opinion, but I have always found it easier to dance in heels, so that you get into the habit of going onto your toes when you turn and not putting too much weight on your heels. If you could find a pair with a low cuban heel (1 to 1 1/2 inches) these are ideal if you aren't into big heels. Maybe worth a try when you start having to turn. Dance sneakers are ok but, as mentioned, a lot to pay out till you know you definitely want to carry on. Hope that helps. :)

Thanks, Vanessa. I was hoping a woman would chime in.

Another tip for new female dancers is: wear clothes that will stay on, even if you're moving a lot. It might spoil you evening if you have to keep stopping to push your breasts back into your top.

I always wear heels and tight clothing. That feels fantastic.

They make your movement clear!

Jazz shoes > dance trainers imo

They’re lighter (for faster footwork) and the thinner sole = better balance

I’ve noticed several of the women who dance regularly take 2 pairs of shoes with them - flats and heels and switch depending on the condition of the floor etc...

The point about “salsa proof” clothing is a valid one and one to test before you leave the house - skirts tend to ride up with multiple spins and tops tend to fall off shoulders. Low tops and body rolls can distract your dance partner...