Dance Equipment

While anybody can break out into dance spontaneously with no special dance equipment (not even music) necessary, many forms of dance do require special equipment and/or apparel. In some cases, dance equipment and apparel only helps create the mood, like the spiky high heels worn for Latin and ballroom dancing. In other cases, a special pair of shoes is a necessity; to dance a full-length ballet en pointe truly requires that one wear a pair of pointe shoes!

Dance Equipment and Apparel

Dance can be an expensive hobby to take up! For young children who only have class once a week, one leotard and one pair of tights and shoes will suffice (although don't underestimate how quickly children grow out of dance shoes). For the older dancer, especially depending on how many times he/she has class per week, several leotards and tights are needed. In addition, the shoes get progressively more expensive; while a child's leather ballet slipper can be bought for $25, expect to pay about $80 for a pair of pointe shoes. Ballroom heels can top $100.

Luckily for parents, the dance teacher provides most of the dance equipment dancers need inside the studio. While the apparel may cost a pretty penny, there are no helmets, no ice fees, and no golf clubs to buy. Everything a dancer needs can fit into one little bag. The barres, mirrors, and music are waiting for the dancers in the studio.

For Teachers

The information gathered in these pages about dance equipment advises teachers on choosing dance mirrors and the rest of the dance studio equipment that makes a studio an effective and safe place to learn how to dance. As recital time nears, you might be looking for new sources for costumes and information about pricing. Tulle ballet skirts can be expensive, but the resources listed here offer a wide range of prices so that you can find the right costume for your students as well as the right budget for your studio.

For Students

For students, dance apparel and shoes are the vital tools of the trade. Find out how clogging taps are different from tap dancing taps and where to buy dance necessities in all different price ranges. Choosing a ballroom gown can be mind-boggling because of the sheer volume of choice available on the market. Our clear information about dance equipment and apparel can clear up some of the confusion and help you find useful resources for all your dance equipment needs.

In addition, we love to hear from our readers! Please feel free to post comments and questions about dance related topics at the bottom of any article on the site.