New session starts tonight, and what to wear to class

We have a new session of classes starting tonight. In case you are wondering what is appropriate for class, here are some recommendations:

Feet:

I recommend dancing bare foot. If you prefer to wear shoes I recommend ballet slippers, jazz shoes, modern dance sandals or jazz sneakers. If you prefer high heels, ballroom dance shoes work well. You can find many styles of dance shoes at Foot Lights in Fairlawn Plaza or you can order them online at discountdancesupply.com.

I do NOT recommend tennis shoes as they are difficult to spin in and do not allow for much flexibility of the foot. However, if that is what you are most comfortable wearing, you may wear them to class.

Flip-flops, sandals or any other type of shoe which is not well secured to the foot and just socks or hose (with no shoes) are all not allowed for safety reasons.

Pants:

I recommend workout shorts or yoga pants. You can also purchase pants made specifically for belly dancing which is what I usually wear. You can purchase dance pants from lrosedesigns.com, desertdancer.com and melodiadesigns.com.

I do NOT recommend jeans as they do not allow for freedom of movement or skirts which can either hamper movement or make it difficult for me to see what your legs and feet are doing and therefore difficult to offer correction.

Top:

I recommend a tight fitting or midriff top. A sports bra is generally the cheapest option. I usually wear shirts specifically designed for belly dancing. Again, you can purchase tops from lrosedesigns.com or melodiadesigins.com.

I do NOT recommend overlarge t-shirts, bulky sweaters or bulky sweatshirts. All of these prevent me from seeing what you are doing and therefore make it difficult for me to offer correction.

Around your hips:

I recommend something tied around your hips, a scarf or sash will give you some movement on the hip it is tied over, a fringed shawl will exaggerate your movements and make them easier for you to see, a coined hip belt will give you auditory feedback as well as visual. I usually wear one (or two) fringed shawls and a coined hip belt.