What to wear - A first time jivers guide
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Considerations
If you're dancing a lot, it's all about comfort. Wear clothes that are loose enough to allow easy movement and ventillation, but nothing that'll fly around and get tangle with you, your partner, anyone else or even nearby furniture! Layers are also good since you can lose them when you get hot.
If you're worried about perspiring, it's fine to bring a towel and even some spare clothes.
Until you've been to a few events, you won't know exactly what your specific needs will be, so use this information as a loose starting guide. -
Footwear
If you're going to a dance class, you'll probably be learning on a wooden dancefloor or an equivalent that will be fairly smooth.
You'll need to be able to swivel on the balls of your feet when you spin, so a pair of trainers that aren't too grippy will be OK, as will a pair of dress shoes. Just make sure you're in flat shoes to start since heals are much harder to dance in. Too little grip and you won't be able to pull and push your partner correctly. Too much grip and you'll stress your ankles and knees when you're turning. One solution would be to take a couple of pairs with you (shoes, not ankles or knees).
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Headwear
Because your arms will be moving around your head during spins, it's better not to have anything on your head that may get in the way. If you want to wear a hat, it needs to be low profile, otherwise it may get knocked off a lot and interupt your dancing.
Some of the experienced 40s dancers may wear larger hats, but take them off during spins, tipping them at their partner as they do: impressive but restrictive.
Flat 'Baker Boy' hats are an option for the men and scarves and turbans for the women. -
Accessories
The fashionistas will change outfits at least once during an all day event, but having spares in the car is also a good backup in case someone else turns up in the same clothes :)
A brush, comb, makeup and hair products might be useful so you're now going to need a suitable bag which may also give you the space for spare shoes, some sort of fan, a towel, some tissues and anything else you think you might need.
Many larger events have shops selling bags and fans.