Seattle Salsa Column:

Nadine Knows

 

Salsa-proof bottoms

You know that salsa is taking over your life if when shopping, you end up buying more clothes for salsa dancing than for work. However, some items that look great on the rack, may end up distracting you on the dance floor. So how can you tell if the clothes are salsa-proof? Read on.

First, select the garment. Second, go through your Clothing Calisthenics (link to salsaproofclothes article).
Selecting the garment.

Bottoms
Skirts/dresses
Ever find yourself doing the annoying and unsexy move where you have tug down your skirt as you're dancing? Some dresses look perfect for salsa dancing, but end up riding up your thigh throughout the dance. Despite what the boys say, it's not the kind of attention we want to deal with. Find skirts or dresses that have a little slit on at least one side. This will allow the skirt to give and move with your legs.

Some skirts have built-in shorts underneath. Love them. Or you could wear boy-cut bikini bottoms or dance shorts to ensure that all's covered.

For performances, or if you might be doing dance moves that might cause your skirt or dress to flare or reveal more than comfortable, wear dance pants (kind of like boy-cut shorts). It's best if the dance pants match your skirt color. Otherwise, basic black works well. You can find these at any dance store.

Short shorts
Another favorite of mine is low-riding short shorts. Very sexy. They accentuate the long legs. No worries about exposing anything if you bend over, either.

Pants
Panty lines are ugly. Invest in thongs, ladies, especially if you're gonna wear butt-hugging pants. Alternatively, go without panties and wear pantyhose instead. You can cut the waistband off to wear under low-rider pants. I think I got this tip off of Edie the Salsa Freak's site.

Low-riding pants are more forgiving on the figure than hi-waistline pants or skirts. It's easier to see a bulging belly or love-handles if you're wearing pants with a high or normal waistline, than if you're wearing pants that ride a little lower on the hips. Hip huggers are definitely more comfortable to wear if you know you're going to eat prior to dancing.

nadine@salsacrazy.com