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Ballroom Dance Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What should I wear?
A: Dressy-casual clothing, loose-fitting enough to allow freedom of movement. After a several fast swings and hustles you’ll quickly warm up, so removable layers are recommended. Loose-fitting jewelry that could fly off and get lost on the dance floor and/or jewelry with sharp edges is not advised.
Q: What about shoes?
A: Be kind to your feet! Wear to lessons and practice sessions what you intend to wear to dances. This way you can break in your dance shoes slowly and enjoy an evening of dancing without blisters and Band-aids. The best shoes are flexible with a leather (hard or suede) sole and a small heel. Tennis shoes (and other rubber- or crepe-soled shoes) are not recommended because they tend to stick to the dance floor.
FAQ on ballroom, character, jazz, and other types of dance shoes.
Q: I saw a dancer brushing the bottoms of their shoes. Why do you need to keep the bottoms good-looking?
A: Ballroom dance shoes are flexible shoes with soles made from chrome leather (suede). These fuzzy-bottomed shoes quickly attract dirt, dust, and other undesirable substances. Dancers use small wire brushes to clean the soles of their dance shoes. Dance stores sell these brushes, or if you are on a budget, a stiff wire brush such as used for cleaning barbeque grills will also do the job!
Q: What’s the deal with the special shoe bag?
A: The shoe bag is to protect your dance shoes. Never, ever wear your dance shoes outside. The chrome leather soles (the “fuzzy bottoms”) are are designed for indoor use only, are not waterproof, and will pick up dirt and grit (which will scratch the dance floor) like a magnet. A dance shoe bag is a convenient way to protect your shoes, and to carry them to and from dances.
Q: Why is everyone so preoccupied with changing partners? Can’t I stay with the person I came with?
A: Of course! Dance with whomever you choose. Dancers change partners (during the lesson and during dance parties) for a variety of reasons, including:
- By dancing with other people of varying skill levels, you improve your own skill at leading/following.
- It presents an opportunity to make new friends.
- You’ll be able to dance with anybody.
Q: The music they play the The Pavilion is great! I know some songs that would be great to dance to. Any chance that they’d play them?
A: Thanks! And, yes, we’re always looking to expand and update our music collection. If you have any suggestions, send them in!
Q: What’s a Jack and Jill contest?
A: A Jack and Jill contest is a dance contest in which the man and woman are matched by a random selection. On a good day, Jack won’t fall and Jill won’t come tumbling after.
