Dance Shoes
The right dancing shoes for the job
Dancers rely upon their feet to guide their bodies to the rhythm of the music. Without proper footwear for those working feet, a dancer can be left behind. It is important to find the right dancing shoes for the job to protect the health of your feet.
Dance shoes also affect your ability to perform effectively. Whether it’s stiff pointe shoes for ballet or flexible shoes for jazz, you need the right shoes for the moves. In addition, dance shoes may become part of your dance costume.
Learn which types of shoes go with which forms of dance to positively impact your chosen form of art.
A Quick Guide to Dance Shoes
The health of your feet as a dancer is so fundamentally important. You need the perfect balance of flexibility and support when you’re dancing. Dance shoes must be fitted perfectly to the form of your feet; doing so will not only protect your health but also enable your art. If your preferred genre of dance is the sweeping motions of ballroom dancing, you’ll need appropriate ballroom dance shoes in order to remain on your feet for hours with proper support, as well as to complete the often elaborate costumes that make this genre so much fun.
Dancing shoes come in all shapes and sizes for various types of dance. The amount of flexibility that dancing shoes offer can affect your ability to dance properly. For instance, beginning ballet dancers use very flexible dance shoes as they are learning the techniques of their genre. But en pointe ballet dancers require much more rigid shoes in order to practice their art. And Irish dancers require Irish dance shoes to ensure that they execute the rapid movements and motions perfectly and safely.
Can you imagine watching a tap dancer perform and not hearing the taps of his or her shoes? Tap dance shoes are an integral piece of a tap dancer’s costume, as well as the costume of any actors who may spontaneously break into dance, à la Fred Astaire. Similarly, dance sneakers are a must for hip hop dancers, even if they’re only dancing in the schoolyard or on the street.
Where to Buy Dancing Shoes
There are many stores and boutiques dedicated to dance apparel, most of which carry an array of dance shoes for various dance styles. Some independent dance schools or dance studios also have a small supply available, as well as used dance shoes from previous students. Regular shoe stores may also carry dancing shoes, or at least may be able to order them for you.
If you are just beginning dance lessons, consider buying used or discount dance shoes to keep your costs low in case you decide it’s not for you. Once you’ve decided to stick with it, then you can invest in brand-new, high-end shoes.
Having the right dancing shoes for the job is an absolute must. Your feet must be protected, and you must be supported to perform the dance properly. It is equally important as a dance performer to have a put-together costume, with the right dance shoes to complete the look.
