The simplest gift for the dancer or dance enthusiast is clothing. T-shirts and sweatshirts verbally express love of dance, often for particular styles. This kind of outerwear also offers images of dancers in various poses. The word "Dance" appears on a leg---and sometimes the rear---of many pajama pants, as well as screened on pajama tops. Some dance stores even carry socks and underwear that express one's passion for dance.
Dance-themed accessories come in as many different forms as dance-related clothing. Be it a necklace, bracelet, ring or earrings, jewelry can subtly express one's love of dance. Other accessories include scarves, bandannas, gloves and patches emblazoned with dance-related wording and images.
Shoes are among a dancer's essential items. Often, they are also among a dancer's most expensive items; shoes for ballroom or advanced solo dancers can range upwards of $125. Due to the personal nature and sizing of a pair of dance shoes, a gift certificate would be most appropriate if giving a footwear-related item. Many brick-and-mortar dance stores, as well as some online retailers, offer such certificates.
Leotards and tights rank high on the list of essential dance supplies; many of them are affordable enough to make good gifts. Many dance schools, especially those that teach younger, beginning students, require students to wear their hair tied back in a ponytail or bun; for these students, hair ties, barrettes and clips make practical gifts. Other useful supplies include shrugs and leg warmers, which are often worn during warm-ups and rehearsals. For ballroom dancers, shoe sole brushes can make sufficient gifts, and for any dancer, a duffel bag or tote bag can be useful.
Music and movies are classic gifts for dancers and dance fans. Recommended music varies based upon the recipient's preferred dance style. Recommended movies include "Dirty Dancing," "Center Stage," "Save the Last Dance" and anything that features a Fred Astaire-Ginger Roberts collaboration.
Many stores carry quirkier dance items: key chains, magnets, lanyards and Christmas ornaments all land in the novelty category. Other miscellaneous dance gifts include posters (many of which feature inspirational quotes), books, calendars, mugs, pillowcases, picture frames and stuffed animals.
For the beginning dancer, dance instruction can be a worthwhile gift. Dance lessons vary in price; fees are based upon the instructor and his experience, the style of dance and the number of people involved in each lesson. Instructional DVDs sometimes make suitable alternatives to in-person lessons. While a DVD lacks the personal attention of a live lesson, it can be an ideal introduction to select dance styles and help prepare somebody for a face-to-face dance lesson.