For a beginner class, special dancewear and shoes are not necessary. Just wear clothes that aren’t restrictive and a pair of comfortable leather-soled shoes (rubber-soled shoes are not recommended as you can’t do a spin with them, but are still ok at the beginner level). Keep jewelry to a minimum as that can get caught and/or can scratch or hurt your partner.

At a more advanced level especially for followers who spin more, shoes with soles that are conducive to spinning will be required (thin leather or suede soles are ideal). Running shoes are not recommended. However it will be a while before your normal shoes present a problem. It’s probably best if you wear the same shoes you wear when you go dancing. For example if you wear 2-inch heels when you dance in the clubs, you should also dance on 2-inch heels to get accustomed to the different balance involved.

If you take dancing more seriously or for a long period of time, you may want to invest in a pair of ballroom shoes (thin suede soles) which cannot be worn in the streets and a pair of dance sneakers to practice your shines or for a full day of workshops.