The Perfect Dress

Even the least fashion-conscious person will find themselves contemplating their dancing get-up. So, in this post I am going to give you some ideas on what it is that makes dancing an exciting wardrobe experiment.

Rule of thumb: when you see that perfect dress or skirt, buy it!

What is the perfect dress or skirt?

The perfect dress or skirt is a plain, bright colour made from heavy material (not cotton). This skirt should either flare or be wide enough that you have plenty of space to stretch your legs. Most importantly, it must be straight at the bottom - no wavy bits or long and short bits. Plain is good because you are not allowed to wear patterned, sequined or reflective material at medal tests. Bright is also good because it helps you to stand out on a crowded dance floor.



Most importantly, the Perfect Dress has straps and a comfortable bust area. You don’t want your dress to fall off (which jives are very good at inducing), and neither do you want to spend the whole night adjusting your dress.



Where do you find the perfect dress or skirt?

We wish we knew. Girls who have great outfits have generally been looking out for perfect clothing wherever and whenever they have been out shopping. Most of my skirts have come from alternative shops (like Ska, Gypsy or from craft markets) but you can find a great skirt or dress just about anywhere. Be aware that some dresses can rise too high, especially if you have a skirt that flares past the top of your underwear. You have been warned.

The Perfect Formal Dress

The Perfect Formal Dress has a skirt that is not too tight and generally has straps. Corseted dresses also work, but then they need to be super tight. Try on your dress at the shop, bearing in mind that if it is too long (if you can’t step backwards without standing on it), then you need to get it taken up. A little bit shorter than normal is better, even if you are wearing high heels.



Our theme for the formal this year is A Night in India, so look out for something that suits the theme (head dresses, make-up or “Indian” colours/styles).


What are the other important clothing items you need?

Hotpants! Yes, it is not appropriate to show off your underwear to judges; or fellow dancers for that matter. Preferable colours for hotpants are natural or neutral colours like black, beige or brown, or alternatively the colour of your favourite skirt.

Hot pants are not as easy to find as you think – but just keep checking out the underwear section of stores. I once found some brilliant ones at Pick’nPay clothing. You can also find them at dancing shops. Make sure they are “full” – the underwear known as “boypants” don’t work!

It is also a good idea to buy a few pairs of tights, especially for winter when you want to wear skirts but the cold makes your legs turn all sorts of horrible colours. As a suggestion, long skirts and jeans are not a good idea for dancing, and I seriously recommend knee length skirts. Iliana also likes to see what your knees are doing, so wearing a skirt is the best way of showing off your technique. I have recently discovered The Tights. They are the “cropped” ones found at Foschini. Albeit expensive at R95, they are a wonderful silky material and are light and stretchy.

What to keep in your dancing bag at all times

1. Your shoes
2. A brush for your shoes (ask fellow dancers for ideas)
3. Plasters (important for the very beginning when your shoes still give blisters)
4. Safety pins
5. A spare pair of hotpants or a pair of tights
6. A water bottle
7. Spare change for the vending machines

Other items of clothing to look out for

Dress up items for socials
Leg warmers (great for winter)