Ballroom Guide

Basic Latin/Rhythm

Latin/Rhythm dresses are generally shorter than Standard/Smooth dresses to show off the legs. Sometimes, they can be long, but then they usually have a slit in the back so you don't catch your heel in it. They often have skirts or frills on them that will exaggerate hip and body movement, complementing your dance. Instead of a dress, you may wear a shirt/skirt combo, and even (although it is rare) a shirt/pants combo. A basic Latin/Rhythm dress can cost as low as $100, or as high as $1000 for a custom tailored dress with high quality materials.

Basic Standard/Smooth

Standard/Smooth dresses are generally long ballgowns. Instead of a gown, you may wear a shirt/skirt combo, especially at lower levels. These basic dresses lack many of the embelishments of Advanced Standard/Smooth dresses, such as gloves and floats, and are meant to look elegant and pretty.

Advanced Latin/Rhythm

Open Latin dresses are allowed and expected to be more extravagant than basic dresses. Heavy rhinestoning is often used, but some dresses use less rhinestones to allow a dress to flow more freely. The price of the dress will depend on the quality and the amount of rhinestones. Low cost Advanced Latin/Rhythm dresses can cost around $500, but with a lot of rhinestones, they can cost as much as $6000.

Open Standard

Open Standard gowns are allowed to have floats, gloves, and stoning - some also have feathers. These dresses are classical in style, with low and fluffy skirts. The price of the dress will depend on the quality and the amount of rhinestones. Low cost Advanced Standard dresses can cost around $500, but with a lot of rhinestones, they can cost as much as $6000.

Open Smooth

Advanced Smooth dresses are a modern melange of the Standard gown and the Latin dress. They are generally full length dresses without fluff to the skirt, and a touch of Latin or modern flare. They lack floats, to allow for solo spins with the arms. The price of the dress will depend on the quality and the amount of rhinestones. Low cost Advanced Standard dresses can cost around $500, but with a lot of rhinestones, they can cost as much as $6000.

Accessories

Female Dance Pants

Female dance pants are not like Men's dance pants - they are undergarments worn to keep you modest when doing high kicks in dresses. They must cover the buttocks completely, and may not be flesh coloured at all. Usually, they must be at least 2 inches (5cms) from hip to leg, at the narrowest point.