African Dance: History, Attire, and Cultural Significance

Everyone who starts learning a dance style always wonders what to wear to highlight the dance's unique features and fully express its culture.

African dances have ancient origins, initially performed as religious ceremonies with minimal clothing—only loincloths—and vibrant body paint. Red, blue, and white stripes on arms and legs symbolized the energy of the sun and water.
But times have changed, and nobody dances naked anymore. Painting your skin for a look is only suitable for festivals or competitions. So how should you dress if you choose African dance as your direction? Africa is a bright, lively, joyful, and contrasting country.

All clothing is light due to the hot climate, and footwear is often woven from ribbons and vines. You might not find a bright top or a rope skirt right away, but you can make various accessories yourself.

Why African Dances Were Created

Often they were held as "bride-viewing" ceremonies for choosing a bride or groom, so it was important to attract attention. The brighter you are, the more bands and threads you have, the better. Since Africa is a free country, hair is worn loose or in dreadlocks even while dancing. To avoid obstructing movement, headbands, colorful bandanas, or ropes are used, and strands are secured with beads.

Such bands were also worn on legs and arms, often with jingling elements to ensure you get noticed. Natural necklaces, feathers, bone beads, and light fur wraps are popular.
In Afro dance, you have complete freedom in choosing clothing. You can dance in bright shorts or a rope skirt—even men can choose a skirt, wear a bikini top, or a long shirt.

The key is that the clothing should be comfortable and not too hot, because the range of motion is very wide. Africans often dance with bare stomachs, and legs should not be covered in long garments, as they need to move the most—even the loosest clothing restricts movement. The main thing is to have plenty of flowing garments and pendants; when you move, they add sensuality and amplitude to your movements.

Africans didn't always wear shoes, and if the floor allows, you can go barefoot or wear ballet flats. But if shoes are needed, choose something woven, bright, with beads and fringe. Shoes are usually open with thin soles. Beginners can start with sneakers and then transition to more style-appropriate footwear. Beginners often use single-color soft shoes or canvas sneakers.

Although heels were never worn in Africa itself, nowadays some women try dancing calmer Afro styles in heels, stamping the rhythm. You can't start in heels right away, but if you like it, be sure to try!

How Comfortable and Familiar African Clothing Can Be for Us

All African clothing is unusual for Europeans; you have to get used to it. If you're shy about switching to a bright costume right away, start with bracelets or a new hairstyle to immerse yourself in African culture. When you begin transitioning to traditional clothing, don't immediately abandon sports shoes—you might develop flat feet. To get used to the new style, start by walking around the house in them, then try dancing, but begin with simple moves.

Don't buy what everyone else has; look around—maybe something else suits you. Try new things! Remember that clothing should be comfortable and appropriate for the dance. For usual styles, a skirt is atypical, especially for men, but if you have the chance, why not try it! Choose carefully, and soon you'll be beautifully dressed!