Shoes and Attire

Shoe Guide

Dancers have several options when it comes to footwear:

Regular socks: totally fine for class, but on pain of death, do not wear this to a milonga.

Dance socks: $5ish over-the-shoe dance socks (yep that's what they're called) that can make any shoe easily pivotable. The brand does not matter as long as the sock is shaped in a loop. Again, great for class but not as presentable for milongas. 

Ballroom/latin shoes: as long as they are comfortable! If it is hard to pivot in them, just step into some baby powder or loop a dance sock over the front. If they are too slippery, just use a wire brush to rough up the soles.

Buying new shoes: We recommend ordering from sellers that offer free returns so you can try them out. 

There are many beginner options under $40 for men and women, so don't break your bank for the first pair because you will learn what features you like/dislike over time. At this stage, shoes do not need to be specific for tango, and can also be found by searching for "ballroom shoes", "latin dance shoes" etc. 

• • Leaders' dance shoes: 

    • Any lace-up with a suede or leather sole.

    • Black colors and a glossier upper, as opposed to suede, make cleaning easier. 

    • Some shoes are flat and some have up to a 1 inch block heel; both are fine.

• • Followers' dance heels: 

    • A strap at the ankle is needed to stop you from stepping out of the shoe.

    • Styles that are open at the toes and closed at the heel are easier to maneuver.

    • Avoid block heels as they can be hard to pivot. Flared heels can be more stable than stilettos. 

    • If this will be your first pair of dance heels, we do not recommend going higher than 3 inches. 

• • Unisex practice shoes: 

    • Worn by both men and women to classes and practicas, but not so much for milongas.

    • Can range from jazz oxfords (more affordable), or tango boots (more expensive). 

Attire Guide

For class, you are welcome to wear all comfortable clothing.

For milongas, common attires include:

• • Leaders:

    • Button-up shirts with a collar

    • Slacks

    • Some more advanced dancers add suit vests and blazers as well

  • Followers:

    • Sleeveless tops

    • Flared skirts or dresses

For both roles, it is recommended that you AVOID:

• • Tops that can fall off shoulders

  • Accessories or clasps that can get caught in closed embrace

  • Dresses/skirts that are too long

  • Pants that are too wide or have turned-up cuffs that can be caught by heels

  • Clothing that is not breathable