When you take a hip hop class, you are moving every part of the body. Tight fitting clothes will restrict your movement or make you feel uncomfortable for many of the moves. Some classes have restrictions on the type of clothing you can and cannot wear, which you should follow above all else.
Shoes
Most dance classes will require you to wear a pair of sneakers that won’t mark the dance floor with scuff marks. An athletic gym shoe that you would wear to a fitness class will be sturdy and durable enough for the hip hop class. Shoes that are not acceptable include tennis shoes, the canvas type, because the shoe offers no cushion, boots, street shoes or gym shoes with black soles, which can leave black marks on floors.
Pants
Loose fitting clothes such as jogging pants or baggy shorts that reach down to the knee are worn for hip hop classes. However, the reason for long pants is that if a move requires you to go down on the floor, your knees could become bruised or scraped easier. Leggings or spandex pants are not the normal wear for hip hop, but they would be acceptable if that is how you feel comfortable.
Shirts and Under Garments
Generally, any T-shirt or tank top is acceptable and comfortable, but if the dance classroom is chilly during the colder months, you can dress in layers with a sweatshirt over a shirt so you can remove the sweatshirt as you heat up from moving. Women will have more support and ease of movement with a sports bra. These bras will move with your body, where regular bras can cause discomfort when you are constantly moving the upper part of the body.
Miscellaneous Items
If you have long hair, you may want to use a hair tie to pull back long hair or wear a baseball cap to keep the hair out of your face. You should limit the amount of jewelry you wear so you don’t damage the jewelry or cause injury to yourself or someone else when moving around. Rings are acceptable, but necklaces and brackets should not be worn.