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Dancewears and Dance Shoes

1. Dancewear

The most formal category of dressing is "White Tie" or "Black Tie". In the dance competitions and the most formal dance party, the dress code is falling this kind of class. It is an important dance etiquette to follow with the suggested dress code.

White tie:
White tie is the most formal category of dressing. For the gentleman, it includes a black tailcoat with matching trousers trimmed by two lines of braid on the outside of each trouser leg, a white pique' tie, white pique' single or double-breasted vest, and a wing-collar shirt with a stiff pique' front. In many cases white gloves are worn. The lady appears in a ball gown, which is an evening dress with a full skirt, possibly with open back and low neck line. Elbow-length gloves are a nice addition.

Black tie:
Gentlemen in black tuxedo coat, trousers trimmed with satin ribbon along the outside of the legs, cummerband and bow tie. The phrase ``black tie'' does not refer to the color of the tie. In fact colorful ties (with matching cummerbands) are very popular. Ladies appear in ball gowns.

Black tie optional:
Same as above, except gentlemen have the option of wearing a regular suit with a tie (bow tie preferred), and ladies wear a cocktail gown or dinner dress. Long to full-length skirts are preferred; short skirts are not recommended.

1-1. Ballroom Dance Party

1-2. Dance Competition - Modern (Standard) Dancing

In the competitons, man wears tailsuit and wing collar shirt with bow tie. In the dance party, man usually wears tuxedo and wing collar shirt.

Lady wears ballroom dress (or called ballroom gown), which is usually of open back and low neckline. Sometimes the elbow-length gloves will be a nice addition.

1-3. Accessories for Men's tailsuit or tuxedo clothing
Purchasing Info: Men's Accessories


Collar	Collar Studs	Bow Tie	Dress Studs



Cufflinks	Waistette + Handkerchief	Braces

1-4. Ladies Ballroom Dress (Ballroom Gown)
Purchasing Info: MARABO Competition Ballroom Dress

1-5. Clothing for Latin Dancing (for Men and Ladies)

1-6. Ladies Competition Latin Dress
Purchasing Info: MARABO Competition Latin Dress

1-7. Ladies Practice Wear
Purchasing Info: Ladies' Dancewear (Skirt, Bodysuit, Ladies' Standard, Ladies' Latin)

This applies for taking dance lessons or practising. For modern (standard) dancing, long skirt and bodysuit are normal. For Latin dancing, short skirt or trousers (pants) with top will be good.

Ladies Standard Practice

Ladies Latin Practice

1-8. Men's Practice Wear

This applies for taking dance lessons or practising. Man wears dress slacks with dress shirt and tie, jacket is optional. Other options include a vest or a sweater that shows the tie. Sometimes, solid T-shirt will be all right, if it is allowed by the rule of the studio. (but not the kind of Print T-shirt.),

2. Dance Shoes

2-1. Men's Dance Shoes
Purchasing Info: Men's Shoes (Standard, Latin, Practice)

Men's shoes for modern (standard) dancing is usually of Black Patent material, with Low Standard Heel (1 inch heel). For Latin dancing, usually non-glossy Black Leather material shoes with 1.5" cuban heel is worn. The competitiors usually like the very flexible sole shoes.


Men's Standard	Men's Latin

2-2. Ladies Dance Shoes
Purchasing Info: Ladies' Shoes (Standard, Latin, Practice)

The Ladies dance shoes are really of variety in the styles, materials, colors, and heel styles and heights. Usually 2.5" heel is accepted. But, some person likes 3.0" heel. Or, if she likes to balance in the height with her partner, or do not like to be tired of high heels, she may take 2.0" lower heel.

In case of Ladies Court Shoes (= Ladies Standard Shoes), the fabric material, Flesh Satin, Tan Satin or White Satin is preferred. Traditionally, the Slim type heel was accepted for the modern dancing. But, these days, the fashion is a little bit changing and the Flare type heel is also adopted for the modern (standard) dancing. The most demanded heel height is 2.5", and then 3.0".

For the Ladies Latin Shoes, 2.5" or 3.0" Flare Heel shoes are usually preferred. The color and material which is usually selected are: Flesh Satin, White Satin, Gold Co-ag, Silver Co-ag, or others. (remark: Co-ag: a kind of synthetic material or coating, with shiny surface.)

Ladies' Practice Shoes or Teaching Shoes are worn for comfortableness for long hours or dancing practices or teaching.