Music, shoes and outfits

Shoes first

Shoes matter more than anything else you buy. You are on them for hours, often on hard or slippery floors. Start with a heel height you can actually walk in, not the tallest pair in the shop. Platforms are generally more forgiving than a stiletto of the same height.

Look for an ankle strap, a non-slip sole, and a fit that does not pinch after an hour. Break them in at home and bring a backup pair. Many dancers keep a lower pair for day shifts and save the dramatic heels for nights.

Some clubs have rules about minimum heel height or what footwear is allowed on stage. Ask before you buy.

Building a wardrobe without wasting money

You do not need a lot to start. Two or three outfits you feel good in will cover your first weeks. Buy more once you know what sells at your club and what you like wearing.

• Check the dress code first. Clubs vary in what is allowed on the floor versus on stage, what has to be covered, and whether themed nights have rules.
• Pick pieces that are easy to get on and off and that survive being thrown in a bag. Delicate fabrics do not last.
• Have at least one long gown or cover-up for the floor if your club uses them, and one simpler set for stage.
• Colours that stand out under club lighting are worth testing. Black can disappear in a dark room; brights, whites and anything reflective often read better.
• Keep a repair kit: safety pins, a small sewing kit, body tape, clear nail glue for a heel strap.

Buy from dancewear shops where you can; they cut for movement and the pieces last.

Music and working with the DJ

Your music is part of your act, and it is also the DJ's territory. Give the DJ two or three songs you like for your sets, and be ready to be told some are not allowed or do not work at that club. Some clubs forbid certain genres, explicit lyrics or very slow tracks; others let you play anything.

Slower songs give you time and suit a newer dancer. Faster songs demand more movement and energy. Think about the room: a quiet day shift wants something different from a packed Saturday night.

Keep a short list on your phone of songs that work, by mood, and add to it as you learn what gets a reaction. Tip the DJ, tell them your name and songs before your set, and never argue over the mic. A DJ who likes you gives you better slots, and that is worth more than any track.

Looking after it all

Wash outfits after every shift, let shoes dry out, and replace things before they fail on stage. Keep work clothes in a dedicated bag that never carries anything with your legal name on it.