Salsa City Forum » News and Chat » What to Wear for Salsa?

Hi, I am an ABSOLUTE beginer, but would love to get started. Could you please give me some advice as to what to wear for the first few times. (Female and not petite!) Also, would you advise that I just come and watch the first time?

Thanks
Kaz

I wrote a few lines about what to wear in the FAQ, but it would be interesting to hear any other information and advice.

I would say go along and dive right in. A salsa class does not cost much so even if you hate it you won’t have lost much.

The FAQ advice looks fine for the first few times. When you get dancing, I’d add the following practical (lead-oriented!) comments for ladies:

• avoid long flapping sleeves (infuriating when lead wants your hand quickly...)

• avoid loose bangles, unrestrained long necklaces, other jewellery that might get it the way (I once dislodged a lady’s wedding ring, even; but that happened only once and she was divorced anyway LOL we had a good time looking for it on the floor)

• avoid tops or dresses with lots of holes and/or strings round the back (lead’s fingers can get stuck...)

• avoid long heavy skirts (make spins harder; too hot also)

• if you have long hair consider tying it back (else lead gets-hair-whipped in close-quarter spins)

• avoid hair combs / grippers that stick up, and probably caps / berets are better avoided for similar reasons, unless they are very compact and very secure. Preferably no tiaras...

And For Men?! Black is good - sweat shows up less. But come on ladies - practical comments on what men should wear / not wear?

Hi Kazoline

Hope you have as much fun at salsa as I do. Don’t get too hung up on what to wear - you will see ladies in all sorts at salsa! Some people wear dresses/skirts with dance shoes, others wear jeans and a t-shirt or light top with dance trainers. Don’t wear normal trainers, you will not be able to spin. I started off in my favourite, comfortable black boots - every lady has pair of these - not too high. The ladies, I guess, wear what is their style - I'm not a skirt wearer in general so tend to wear trousers. If you have a light top - like chiffon - that’s comfortable, as it does get hot, that would be ideal. One more tip, don’t wear a blouse/shirt, I have had one pop open before now! Highly embarassing!!!

At salsa anything goes!!!

In answer to the men, wear what you like - I met one guy at a salsa weekend who told me he only wore tactel shirts to salsa - as they felt so soft for the ladies! As if we all were just going to rub our hands all over his body!! I did find it funny though!

Useful advice, XY. Getting a faceful of heavy braids when you spin a woman can hurt, as I discovered at Pontins. A faceful of hairspray isn't much fun either. And some moves are impossible with long skirts.

Couple of tips for men. Coloured cotton shirts look disgusting if you sweat a lot. M&S do black lycra T-shirts that are cool and don't get sweaty. Technically they are sold as sports underwear, but they're fine for dancing if you have the figure for them - I don't at the moment : ( Their black sports socks are also good. Both of these are in their 'view from' range.

I thought I’d resurrect this thread with a plea to the men.

Gentlemen: wear something that shows off your backside!!!

What is the point of getting that slinky Cuban motion going if all we see is your baggy shirt tails? Tuck it in and let us females see whatcha got!

Hi Guys - thanks for all your comments. I’ve learnt a valuable lesson already - when you find a forum you like bookmark it immediately! My PC crashed before I’d bookmarked the site, and typically I couldn’t find the forum again ;-)

Again, cheers for all your replies and I’m sorry for not getting back sooner.

I’m planning on going to a class tonight, but don’t worry your toes are safe as I’ll probably only ‘watch’ this eve. No doubt that’ll make me breathless enough - especially if the guys have taken the advice in the previous message ;-)

Hi

I’m quite interested in having a go at this salsa thang. Unfortunately I only have jeans or the bottom half of suits. Do I need to go and buy some ‘casual’ trousers or can I wear jeans?

Also, with regard to shoes, I’ve got some smooth bottomed work shoes, will they do?

And, where do you get these dancing trainers I’ve seen mantioned? Can you get them in standard trainer/sportswear shops like JJB, and if so, how much do they cost?

Jeans are fine so long as they aren’t too scruffy, though they can get a bit warm: I find linen trousers are best. It’s best not to be overdressed.

Smooth-bottomed work shoes should be fine to start off with.

You can only get dance trainers in specialist dance shops. Bloch, the best make, are around £50 or £60 a pair. Don’t buy any until you’re sure you like salsa.

Cheers Tom.