For men, this is rarely an issue; it's hard to go far wrong in a shirt and pants. However, if you're wearing a jacket, you will probably find that the jackets shoulders reach for the sky when you dance. (Ballroom dance competitors wear suit jackets that have been specially tailored for dancing.)

Women should watch out for tight, leg-binding skirts; material that is excessively rough or scratchy; and dresses with spaghetti straps that constantly fall down. The first will inhibit your motion, the second can be rough on your partner, and the third will keep you very busy.

Both men and women should avoid protruding, partner-stabbing belt buckles. Also, don't forget to remove keys and other hard objects from your pockets before you start dancing.

Watches and bracelets can scratch your partner's hands and body. Bare wrists will make your dancing partner happy. What kind of Shoes do I need? It's important to choose appropriate shoes for ballroom dancing. The ideal shoe will provide optimal traction on the clean, unwaxed, sprung wooden floors used for ballroom dancing; support and protect your foot; be lightweight and comfortable; and help you achieve your desired height Ballroom Dance Shoes

Ballroom dance shoes are lightweight shoes with either suede (chrome leather) or smooth leather soles. Flats for men and women have 1 or 1.5 inch heels and cost $100-120, although there are some cheaper domestic models. Ladies high-heeled shoes typically have 2 to 3 inch heels and run about $60-120.

Shoes should be chosen not only for appearance but also for comfort, support, performance, and protection. Some ballroom dance shoes are built poorly; in particular, look out for interior seams that will abrade your foot and for sharp edges near your ankle. Some women prefer closed-toed shoes because they offer a little more protection against being stepped on than do open-toed models, and they also shield your toenails from your partner's shoes. Ladies: if high heels hurt, consider flats. Any orthopedist will tell you that high heels are not particularly good for your feet.

The performance of the shoe depends primarily on its sole. New or well-brushed suede (chrome leather) soles are generally considered to offer just the right degree of traction on a wooden dance floor. More slippery smooth-leather soles may be found on less expensive ballroom shoes.

The body of a ballroom dance shoe is typically made of a thin, soft, leather. Since the leather stretches easily, it should fit snugly when new.