Competition Attire, Shoes & Final Preparation

As your first competition gets closer, it helps to sort out a few practical details: what you will wear, which shoes you will dance in, and how you and your partner will get ready for the day. Give yourselves time to try things out and ask questions while you can still make adjustments.

Continue working on your routines

Continue working on the routines you have been preparing with your partner. If you need help with a practice approach or deciding what to focus on, ask Amanda & Corey.

Practice your dances to music, with short breaks between them. Include getting into position, beginning together, and finishing the dance. If a section is still causing trouble, bring it to us so we can help you work through it.

Review your registration and confirm your plans

Review your registration documents with your partner. Make sure your names, dance roles, dances, and levels are correct. Double-check any remaining registration, payment, or entry-change deadlines, and contact the organizer promptly if something needs correcting.

Confirm travel, lodging if needed, and where the team will meet with club leadership. Know which arrangements the club is handling and what you and your partner need to take care of yourselves. Keep the event schedule somewhere you can easily find it, and check for updates.

Review the competition’s costume requirements

Plan your competition attire well before the event, especially for your first competition. Read the clothing and grooming requirements for your dances and level before shopping, and review them again as you finalize your outfit.

Competitions can have different rules about costumes, hair ornaments, sparkly fabrics, rhinestones, and crystals. Check what is allowed and expected at the event you are entering.

If anything is unclear, you can email the competition organizer directly. You can also send Amanda & Corey the event link and a photo or description of what you would like to wear so we can help you check the requirements.

Choose attire that fits your competition

Ballroom competitions are an occasion to dress up. Look for attire that meets the event’s rules, fits the expectations for your dance style and level, and allows you to move comfortably. If the competition website has photos or videos from past events, look at what dancers in your style and level are wearing. Use those as a guide alongside the current rules.

Ask club leadership whether the club has costumes you can borrow. Amanda & Corey can also help you work out whether something you already own is suitable or what you may need to add.

Many dancers also style their hair and apply makeup for competition. If you have questions about competition hair or makeup, ask Amanda & Corey. We can help you plan a look that suits your dances, level, and the event’s requirements.

Try your outfit through the movements you will use in your dances. Check that you can lift your arms, take your steps, and move comfortably with your partner. Pay attention to hems, sleeves, fastenings, and anything that could catch or get in the way.

If you plan to buy, borrow, or rent something, allow time to check the fit and make adjustments. Review sizing, delivery dates, and return policies before ordering.

Choose shoes for your dances

Before buying shoes for class or a competition, ask Amanda & Corey. Dance shoes can be expensive, and the right choice depends on your dance styles, fit, sole, heel height, and heel shape. If you are hoping to start with one pair for several styles, we can help you choose an option that suits your needs.

Followers often wear ballroom heels in a shade close to their skin tone. There are distinct shoe designs for International Standard and American Smooth, as well as for Latin and Rhythm. Many dancers use different shoes for these styles, so check which type is appropriate before ordering.

Leaders often wear black dance shoes. Latin and Rhythm shoes may have a higher Latin or Cuban heel, while Standard and Smooth shoes generally have a lower heel. Leaders have shoe and costume considerations too, so ask us about the options for your dances.

Begin practicing in your competition shoes well before the event so you can break them in and get used to dancing in them with your partner. If they feel unstable, rub, or make a movement difficult, tell us while there is still time to adjust or find another pair.

Shopping links: shoes, practicewear & costumes

These stores offer shoes, practicewear, and costumes for different dance styles. The notes below can help you browse, and Amanda & Corey can help you choose items that suit your dances and level.

Supadance: Ballroom and Latin dance shoes.
Ray Rose: Ballroom and Latin dance shoes.
AIDA Dance USA: Shoes for Standard, Smooth, Latin, and Rhythm.
Dance-Shop: Dance shoes and dancewear; ask us about a specific item before ordering.
Dance Shoes Online: Ballroom and Latin shoes and dancewear.
SWAYD dance boots: Primarily an option for West Coast Swing and country dancing. Check with us before choosing boots for a ballroom competition.
Fuego dance sneakers: An option for West Coast Swing and other dance styles. Amanda & Corey are Fuego ambassadors. Use our discount code ACDANCE10 to save 10% on your Fuego dance sneaker purchase.
Chrisanne Clover: Ballroom and Latin costumes, practicewear, and costume supplies.
Danceshopper: Ballroom and Latin shoes, practicewear, and costumes.
Encore Ballroom Couture rentals and resale: Ballroom competition costumes.
Dance Dress Couture new and consignment: Ballroom competition costumes.

Before ordering, check sizing, delivery times, and return policies, and leave time for any alterations. Check with Amanda & Corey if you’re not sure which shoes to purchase for class or your competition.

Schedule a dress rehearsal

Practice with your partner in the clothing and shoes you plan to wear at the competition. Include your undergarments, accessories, and hairstyle so you can check everything together. Schedule your rehearsal with plenty of time to make alterations, buy or borrow a replacement, and try everything again before the event.

Dance your routines and notice whether anything shifts, catches, or needs adjusting. Both leaders and followers should check their hems at the lowest point of their lowering action in dances with rise and fall. Make sure you can move comfortably without stepping on the fabric or tripping.

Test that your hairstyle stays secure and out of your face while you dance. For makeup, jewelry, and other finishing touches, follow the event’s requirements and ask us if you would like help.

Your final readiness check

Before moving on to packing, go through this checklist with your partner:

Have you checked that your entries are correct and reviewed the event’s rules?
Have you double-checked any remaining deadlines?
Have you decided what to focus on in your remaining practices?
Have you had a dress rehearsal in your competition clothing and shoes, with time to make any needed changes?
Have you planned your hair and any grooming preparations?
Have you confirmed travel, lodging if needed, and team meeting arrangements?
Have you checked where to find the latest schedule and your packing list?

Bring us your questions

If you are unsure about an outfit, a pair of shoes, or something in the event information, ask Amanda & Corey. Bring the event link, your dances and level, and any photos that would help us understand the question.

Getting these details settled gives you more room to enjoy dancing with your partner and being part of the team on competition day.

View all six stages · Ask Amanda & Corey for help