If you have just become a member of a dance school, you'll probably be asked to get a suitable wardrobe for your classes. Girls usually wear leotards combined with skirts. The skirt is very important since not only will it allow you free movements, but also will prepare you for the stage performance. Sure, most beginners (especially children) will start their lessons wearing only leotards and tights, but as time goes by the skirt becomes mandatory.
This way the student learns how to move with clothes on, without feeling distracted from the fabric. This will be helpful for the big stage moments. Besides that, dance skirts dancewear allows the dancer to get into the dance vibe, feel the music and express themselves better.
Types of Dance Skirts
Choosing the right dance skirt may be overwhelming, but keep in mind that most dance schools will tell you exactly what model of skirt you need. Various dances require various skirts. Sometimes, even after you got your suitable skirt, you might need to get some other model to help you for the upcoming performance.
For example, not every ballet dancer wears tutu skirts only, just as not all tap dancers will wear only hot plants. There are some standard skirts for dances such as ballet or jazz of course. Here are some of the most common skirt models that will help you find the exact one you need.
Wrap Skirt
The wrap skirts are usually slightly transparent; they are made of light material such as chiffon (also known as georgette). These skirts have a long rectangular piece of fabric sewn onto a ribbon or binding which is wrapped and tied around the waist. These skirts come in various lengths (from very short to mid-thigh). These are perhaps the most common for ballet dance classes. Their length and the transparent material will allow the teacher to see how the student moves and positions their legs.
Tutu Skirt
The tutu skirt not only looks gentle and elegant, but it's also the first synonym for ballet. This adorable skirt is often a choice for performances or ballet dance competitions. However, some dance schools may require the students to have one for their final rehearsals before the show. Made of numerous tulle layers, this skirt varies in length, but is usually short and doesn't go over the thighs. The classic ballet tutu skirts are stiff (depending on the used type of tulle). The skirt is tightly wrapped around the waist, showing the dancer's legs and their movements and technique.
Character Skirt
This type of dance skirts dancewear can be worn in various styles. Also known as circle skirt, it forms a circle shape especially during big spins (seen in swing). It can go to knee-length or almost to the ankles. Usually, in ballet, the dancers wear these skirts for rehearsals when they will be wearing long dresses on stage. But besides ballet, these skirts are worn by jazz, tap, and Broadway dancers. Flamenco dancers are also known to wear these skirts (ankle-length). Long circle skirts can be worn for standard ballroom classes. The knee-length is more common for rhythm dances such as swing.
Pull-on Skirt
These skirts are made of various fabrics, such as jerseys, chiffon, cotton or spandex. Some of these are 'faux wraps' which means they look like wrap skirts, but they come with a waistband instead of a tie. Pull-on skirts have various lengths and are common for jazz and ballet, but also Irish dance and tap.
Rehearsal Skirt
The rehearsal skirt is a wrap made of chiffon that falls a bit over the knee. As the name suggests, it's usually worn for rehearsals for ballets where the dancers will wear some longer skirts or tutu when they perform on stage. Sometimes these skirts are the first choice for taller or curvier ballet students. This type of skirt is only worn on ballet classes.
Flamenco Skirt
The traditional flamenco skirt is a must if you're learning this dance. These skirts have a bell shape (not-so-much a circle, even though in some schools the students may wear the circle or character skirt). The flamenco skirts have ruffles on the bottom that flies between the dancer's feet when they perform. The performance flamenco skirts are colourful and rich in accessories such as ruffles, feathers or tutu (sewn on the ruffles), but the class versions are much simpler.
Latin Skirt
If your choice is Latin dances, then a short ruffled skirt should be your first choice. The ruffles give a flirty vibe to the already short skirt. Such skirts can also be worn for jazz and burlesque styles.
Teaching Skirt
As the name suggests, this type of dance skirt is usually worn by teachers. Usually, such a skirt is a wrap (sometimes it can be a pull-on) made of heavier and darker fabric that gets down to the knee. Most ballet teachers prefer this skirt style, however, it's not uncommon for other dancer teachers such as tap to wear it as well.
