Plus Size Dance Skirts

Shopping for Dance Skirts

The type of dance skirt you purchase will depend on the dance you're planning to do. An outfit for a night of clubbing will bear little resemblance to a skirt worn in a dance competition. Before you go shopping for your skirt, consider:

• What type of dance will you be doing?
• Is there a specific culture or style attached to the dance?
• Does the skirt have to meet professional guidelines or requirements?
• Does the skirt need to be able to accommodate special moves, such as splits, jumps, or dips?
• Does a particular length or material lend itself better to this dance?

Regardless of dance style, however, all plus size dance skirts must be roomy and stretchy enough to allow for easy movement. There's nothing like a ripped skirt to put the damper on your dancing!

Skirts for Club Hopping

If you're hitting the club scene, anything goes. Your main concerns here are comfort and looks, so choose something that accentuates your positives while camouflaging your problem areas. If you have an hourglass figure, for example, consider pairing a brocade corset with a black leather mini or a denim skirt. A little too much junk in the trunk? Try a hip-length top over a pencil skirt. Torrid has a section on its site devoted to fun, trendy club wear for plus sizes.

Ballroom Dancing Skirts

If you are a ballroom dancer, the rules for skirts are little more rigid. Special rules apply depending on the dance you'll be doing. Some popular ballroom dances are the waltz, foxtrot, mambo, and rumba, and you'll want to research the specifics of your dance before you shop for the skirt. You can find entire stores, both online and brick-and-mortar, devoted to ballroom dancewear. In general, skirts should be long and flowing. When shopping for ballroom dancing skirts, look for elastic waists for ease of movement.

Latin Dancing Skirts

Latin dances, such as the salsa, flamenco, and the samba, usually call for skirts in warm colors, such as red, yellow, or orange. Flamboyent touches, especially ruffles, ruches, flounces, and asymmetrical hemlines are common. Skirts are usually fitted, but deep slits provide for easier movement. When shopping for skirts for Latin dancing, look for material that is able to stretch while retaining its shape. Skirts that are at least two to five percent Spandex are designed to move with you without losing form.

Belly Dancing Skirts

Belly dance has enjoyed a resurgence in popularity in recent years. Not only is this ancient Middle Eastern dance fun and sensual, it's also fabulous exercise. Even better, the costumes are made to celebrate feminine curves, so they're perfect for the full-figured woman. Belly dancing skirts are typically sheer and colorful and decorated with beads, coins, and fringe. Skirts may be long or short, but they should also be sensual and made of fabric that flows beautifully with each movement.

Where to Buy Plus Size Dance Skirts

There are an abundance of online outlets for plus size dance skirts. Since sizes vary from manufacturer to manufacturer and site to site, make sure you take measurements and check the site's size charts before you order. Here are some sites to consider for your plus size dancewear.

• Reflections of Dance offers swing dance and ballroom dance skirts up to size 6X. The site also offers plus size dance tops, tights, leggings, and unitards.
• Rivers Edge Dancewear offers made-to-order plus size tutus, swing skirts, wrap skirts, liturgical skirts, and character skirts. Since these items are custom-made and many take up to seven weeks, you'll need to plan well in advance of your event.
• Moondance has an extensive collection of plus size belly dancing skirts, including its famous 25 yard skirts. Most of the skirts here are long and flowing, featuring bright colors and shimmery materials.
• EK Clothing offers form-fitting skirts for Latin dancing. Although not exclusively a plus size store, EK does offer several dancing skirts up to size 2X.