Dance Clothes: Leggings and Pants I Love for Teaching

One of the perks of being an artist for a living is that I get to live in stretchy pants. I’m pretty sure I’ve only worn jeans a handful of times since starting my freelance writing and dance teaching career. However, the functionality required of the dance clothes I wear when I am writing in a coffee shop are quite different from those I wear when I am teaching ballet and tap classes or salsa dancing.

When I choose what leggings to wear while teaching I look for them to be comfortable, durable, and stylish. Any dancer will agree that wearing comfortable clothes in class is high on the must-have list. Teaching can be a sweaty business so finding a pair of leggings that doesn’t wear out after the first wash is essential. And as far as looks go, it’s nice to like what you see when you look in the mirror even if it’s not your top priority. 

I own lots of leggings, but today I get to share with you a few of my current favorites and a little about why they have earned permanent spots among my weekly go-tos. 

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(A note: One of my favorite things about my chosen leggings and pants is that they stand the test of time. For this reason, most of these selections have been in my closet of dance clothes for quite some time and may look slightly different from the items that are offered now. However, I can fully vouch for these particular brands and fits!)

90 Degree By Reflex High Waist Power Flex Tummy Control Leggings

I generally go for dark colors whether I am wearing dance clothes or street clothes (on the rare chance I get that opportunity). However, I was pleasantly surprised when I realized that I actually like these leggings in purple. The pop of color is a nice change from dark colors. I love pairing them with a grey or black shirt. Nothing too crazy, just a little brightness to switch things up. I didn’t realize they included the tummy control feature which I generally don’t like because it makes me feel like I have a corset on. I don’t know about you, but I like to be able to breathe when I’m dancing. These leggings go above my belly button but aren’t unnecessarily constrictive.

Pros:

• Fun color choices
• Comfortable
• Look almost brand new even after many washes
• Covers a large portion of my midriff

Cons:

• No pockets 

These leggings are simple, clean, basic, and a great staple for any dance teacher’s closet. These were true to size for me.

By the way, do you like the shirt I am wearing with these leggings? Check out Dance Outfits: Under Armour Edition for Teachers!

90 Degree By Reflex High Waist Power Flex Tummy Control Leggings

By the way, if you like the shirt I am modeling with these leggings take a look at Dance Outfits: Under Armour Edition for Teachers. There’s a great pair of leggings on here too!

Marika Tummy Control Top Leggings

All women, dance teacher or otherwise, need a comfortable, reliable pair of all-purpose black leggings. And some with crazy patterns too…Meet mine. 

Marika leggings are super easy to move in and I feel that the style is flattering which is always a plus. The see-through mesh pockets are a bonus. For some reason I’m obsessed with how understatedly stylish they are. Funny enough, they are also mentioned quite often by my students, so apparently they’re a popular style choice across the board!

On the model these appear to be high waisted, but they don’t feel that way to me. The waistband slides a little bit, but not enough to be too low or irritating, just not high waisted. It’s never been an annoyance for me. I generally wear a size 6 pants and am 5’3. Smalls work okay, but next time I think I’d like them a little tighter because they seem to have stretched out slightly from washing.

I am unable to find the splish-splashy ones I own anymore, but check out these awesome marbled leggings! I’m definitely going to consider these next time it’s time to add to my dance clothes stash.

Pros: 

• Stylish
• Unique mesh design
• Pockets
• Comfortable
• Good quality material

Cons:

• Not exactly high waisted if that’s what you’re after
• Slightly looser in the front than everywhere else

I seriously recommend you giving this brand a try. I don’t know what I’d do without a pair of these.

Marika Tummy Control Top Leggings

Danskin Women’s Essentials Ankle Legging

Ready for another pair of black leggings that make a great staple in your closet of dance clothes? Check out this pair from Danskin. It doesn’t get more basic or comfortable than these. The style is simple, ensuring that nothing impairs the cleanliness of your lines. In this case less is more as the styling options for these leggings are endless. Have a super fun neon top you have in the closet or a shirt with a cool, crazy pattern that you haven’t been able to pair with anything else? Try it with these! Perfect match.

Pros:

• Comfortable
• Breathable
• Simple
• Waistband stays put

Cons

• No pockets
• Tend to get stretched out over time

Every girl might need a red dress, but every dance teacher needs a pair of these black leggings.

Danskin Women’s Essentials Ankle Leggings

RBX Active Women’s Athletic Super Soft Lightweight Cuffed Tapered Fleece Jogger Sweatpants with Pockets

This is one of my favorite pairs of shamelessly comfortable workout pants. It may not cut it if you need form-fitting pants for the class you’re teaching or taking, but it perfectly fits the bill when you’re in a more relaxed mood. These are comfortable, yes, but I appreciate that they gather at the ankle so that they don’t get in the way while dancing. The fact that they are slightly more form-fitted than your usual sweatpants is an added bonus.

They are great for warmer months and super comfy inside! Normally when I wash anything that is soft it gets rough (probably because I usually forget to throw in a drier sheet. Clothes learn harsh lessons once they arrive in my closet). However, these have kept their softness even over time. I wear a medium.

Note: The style has changed a little as these pants have been a go-to for me for years (yes, they’ve lasted for YEARS and still look great).

Pros: 

• Extremely comfortable
• Fit as expected
• Durable

Cons:

• Thick material makes them very warm and not as breathable as leggings

These are luxury pants. They feel like pajamas on the inside and look fantastic on the outside.

RBX Active Women’s Athletic Super Soft Lightweight Cuffed Tapered Fleece Jogger Sweatpants with Pockets

Own any of the these dance clothes favorites of mine? I’d love to know what you think! Tell us about how they’ve worked out for you in the comments!