Useful Information:
Rebekah's Tips on Buying Dance Shoes
Dance Shoes
Ballroom dance shoes are a specialty item and as such tend to be pretty pricey.
However, they are valuable investment and you can really tell a different in how you will
be able to move across the floor once you have made the purchase. At the page bottom are some
links that have some of the higher-end dance shoes as well as less expensive shoes.
Womens' Dance Shoes
For the ladies there are generally two types of shoes: Open-toed sandals and Closed-toed shoes.
The open-toed sandals are intended for the Latin dances and the closed-toed shoes are for the
standard and smooth dances. If you compete or are a serious dancer it is necessary for you to
get both kinds. However, for the beginner and social dancers whatever you feel most comfortable in.
Both kinds have positives and negatives. In my opinion, open-toed are more comfortable from the
"foot-swelling" scenario; however, when your toes get stepped on and can hurt very badly.
From this perspective I prefer to wear closed-toed shoes. Also remember, the higher the heel...the
less comfortable and the more work you will have to spend on your balance. You can always start with
a lower heel and "work your way up."
Ladies if you are "just checking this dancing thing out" and don't want to spend $140 on a pair
of dance shoes...you can always purchase a pair of character shoes (basically tap shoes without
the taps) at a local ballet store for a reasonable price until you decide if you want to make a
greater investment.
Heel protectors: Ladies, it is common and recommended to wear "heel protectors" on your shoes.
Ladies heels can scrape up the dance floor and other peoples feet. In fact, if you are dancing
correctly for the standard/smooth dances your heels should wear down as your push from your heel.
Heel protectors are inexpensive plastic covers your slip over your heel that you can change when
they wear down instead of having to replace your actual dance shoe heels. They can be purchased at
some of the links below. Be sure to order heel covers that are the same size as your heels.
Mens' Dance Shoes
For the men there are also two general types of shoes: Latin and standard/smooth shoes.
The Latin shoes traditionally have a Cuban heel on them, which means a heel height of 1.5 or 2 inches.
The smooth shoes have a normal dress heel height. It is recommended that as a starter shoe you
purchase standard/smooth shoes. You can dance Latin in smooth shoes...but it is VERY difficult to
dance smooth in Latin shoes.
View other "Useful Information" topics
Shoes Links
Toe2toe:
http://www.toe2toe.com
Showtimedanceshoes:
http://www.showtimedanceshoes.com
Appledanceshoes:
http://www.appledanceshoes.com
Ballroomdances:
www.ballroomdances.org/cheap.html
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