How to Choose Clothes and Shoes for Solo Jazz

Solo Jazz, or that branch of jazz and blues dance movements where you can find yourself in various points of space every second, your legs can reach light speed, and your smile – your ears.

While such dancing doesn't require flexibility, it's safe to say it demands well-trained lungs and huge amounts of energy.

Sliding and hopping movements across the floor, incredible leg bends, and falls accompanied by fast-paced jazz compositions should not be restricted, otherwise the dance loses its timeless image. So don't forget about the clothes you wear when you dive into the musical trance of Solo Jazz.

Since the name evokes the 1960s, when jazz music flourished, you need to understand that the look should have at least a touch of class. For men: a shirt with a tie, trousers, and shoes, and optionally a hat.

Since the top is made of fairly sturdy fabric, choose the stiffest surface possible to avoid tearing your shirt during wild body movements. The tie and hat can be seen as dance props that are always handy, as humor is a unique accompaniment to the entire dance process, characteristic of Solo Jazz.

Trousers are the most important part of the performance. Often, while gliding across the floor, a man lands on his knees or in a position resembling a split. Consequently, such movements can wrinkle and wear out the pants. So opt for loose-fitting trousers that won't hinder your legs from cutting through the air.

Pay attention to fabric quality too; it shouldn't be classic. Best to get trousers that are highly resistant to seam splitting or, worse, holes.

The dance is not partnered, so you don't need to watch your feet to avoid hitting a partner. Also, when choosing shoes, don't be too picky. Shoes act as a slippery surface on your feet, so go for a hard but not thick sole so that the shoes don't wear out and your feet feel like they're floating without weight.

For girls, choosing clothes is much easier. The only thing that complicates the choice is personal taste. Since Solo Jazz is a retro dance, you should choose a dress in the style of those times. Don't forget about sturdy fabric and freedom of movement, because men and women in this style don't have individual techniques different from each other.

So, female dancers should look at shoes first. Some girls wear light shoes with low heels and feel quite comfortable, but apparently these are professionals who know what to wear to the event.

Be that as it may, at Solo Jazz Contests, people pay attention to clothing style that enhances their charisma and adds clarity to their presence. But in training versions of the dance, namely in halls, beginners don't want to show themselves at their best while spending all their energy. And since training is important for them, they choose clothes purely to their taste: some go casual, others sporty.

If you're about to start Solo Jazz now, you can begin looking for clothes for your future conquests right away, as selection criteria compete with each other. Style, comfort, and quality – that's what should be your weapon.