Ballroom Dancing-Let's Talk Shoes
Honey Wesley
Ballroom dancing, like most other sports, (and if you don't
believe it's a sport, get out there and do swing dancing for an
hour or so and see if you don't work up a sweat) has it's own
'uniform' of sorts, including the style of clothing as well as
the type of shoes worn. That varies, of course, depending on
whether you're going to class, a studio dance or a competition.
I often hear the question - 'What kind of shoes should I wear to
dance in? It's my opinion that the very best choices for
footwear are those designed especially for ballroom dancing and
even more specifically for the exact dance style you plan to be
doing. But until such time as you decide to reward yourself with
that sexy strappy Latin shoe with the Cuban heel for the cha-cha
or rhumba, or a gorgeous sequined number for the elegant waltz,
practicing in street shoes is perfectly acceptable.
Now...having said that, let me quickly add that not just any
street shoe will do. Styles that should be avoided include
anything with rubber soles, like sneakers, (they just don't give
you the slide you need on the floor), open-toes (for obvious
reasons, you're still learning and chances are so is your
partner), such as sandals or (heaven forbid) flip-flops! And
yes, I've actually seen people show up for class wearing flip
flops! Try to execute a double spin in those!
But, if you have a leather soled shoe, such as a loafer-type, or
for men, a dress shoe style, these will usually accomodate you
nicely. The most important factor is that they must be
comfortable and not tight on your feet. If your feet are aching,
you'll soon be unable to focus on anything else.
The dance floor itself plays a part in the comfort level of your
feet. Some studios have the proper flooring for dancing, which
usually includes a cushiony, almost spring-like underflooring.
This type floor enables dancers to dance for hours without
feeling much effect...IF their shoes are also adequately
comfortable. But some dance studios are built on a concrete
slab, with only a layer of hardwood over it, and on those floors
your poor feet will take a pounding.
When the time comes that you decide to invest in a good pair of
dance shoes, shop around a bit. Prices and styles vary and the
selection is almost endless. Prices can range from $30-50 on the
low end to well over $200 on the high end. Dance shoes are
designed not only to be best suited for dancing, but to enhance
the overall aesthetics of your dance...you'll simply look better
out there on the floor.
Many of the features of dance shoes serve practical purposes.
The ankle straps are not just eye-appealing, they actually help
your feet stay firmly in your shoes. Some of the pump styles
have elasticized rims on the uppers which 'hugs' the shoe to
your foot. The heels are different heights and widths, depending
on the style of dance they're designed for. The soles are
typically suede, which gives you the ability to literally
'glide' as you dance across the floor, and are especially
helpful when doing turns and spins.
To preserve the life of these suede soles, dance shoes should
never be worn outside. Two other accessories that will extend
the wear of your dance shoes - a carrying case for transporting
them, and a sole brush to lift the nap of the suede every couple
of weeks or so.
One final note - dance shoes (or any other shoe, for that
matter) should be tried on in the late afternoon or evening,
when your feet are typically at their largest. You'll be
requiring a lot of your feet over the span of your dancing
experience...treat them right, dress them properly and you'll
have a great foundation on which to build a lifetime of ballroom
dancing.
About the author:
Honey WesleyRN is a nurse and freelance writer whose lifelong
love affair with ballroom dancing fuels her desire to share that
passion with others. Visit her and share your thoughts at
Dancing.
Ballroom dancing, like most other sports, (and if you don't
believe it's a sport, get out there and do swing dancing for an
hour or so and see if you don't work up a sweat) has it's own
'uniform' of sorts, including the style of clothing as well as
the type of shoes worn. That varies, of course, depending on
whether you're going to class, a studio dance or a competition.
I often hear the question - 'What kind of shoes should I wear to
dance in? It's my opinion that the very best choices for
footwear are those designed especially for ballroom dancing and
even more specifically for the exact dance style you plan to be
doing. But until such time as you decide to reward yourself with
that sexy strappy Latin shoe with the Cuban heel for the cha-cha
or rhumba, or a gorgeous sequined number for the elegant waltz,
practicing in street shoes is perfectly acceptable.
Now...having said that, let me quickly add that not just any
street shoe will do. Styles that should be avoided include
anything with rubber soles, like sneakers, (they just don't give
you the slide you need on the floor), open-toes (for obvious
reasons, you're still learning and chances are so is your
partner), such as sandals or (heaven forbid) flip-flops! And
yes, I've actually seen people show up for class wearing flip
flops! Try to execute a double spin in those!
But, if you have a leather soled shoe, such as a loafer-type, or
for men, a dress shoe style, these will usually accomodate you
nicely. The most important factor is that they must be
comfortable and not tight on your feet. If your feet are aching,
you'll soon be unable to focus on anything else.
The dance floor itself plays a part in the comfort level of your
feet. Some studios have the proper flooring for dancing, which
usually includes a cushiony, almost spring-like underflooring.
This type floor enables dancers to dance for hours without
feeling much effect...IF their shoes are also adequately
comfortable. But some dance studios are built on a concrete
slab, with only a layer of hardwood over it, and on those floors
your poor feet will take a pounding.
When the time comes that you decide to invest in a good pair of
dance shoes, shop around a bit. Prices and styles vary and the
selection is almost endless. Prices can range from $30-50 on the
low end to well over $200 on the high end. Dance shoes are
designed not only to be best suited for dancing, but to enhance
the overall aesthetics of your dance...you'll simply look better
out there on the floor.
Many of the features of dance shoes serve practical purposes.
The ankle straps are not just eye-appealing, they actually help
your feet stay firmly in your shoes. Some of the pump styles
have elasticized rims on the uppers which 'hugs' the shoe to
your foot. The heels are different heights and widths, depending
on the style of dance they're designed for. The soles are
typically suede, which gives you the ability to literally
'glide' as you dance across the floor, and are especially
helpful when doing turns and spins.
To preserve the life of these suede soles, dance shoes should
never be worn outside. Two other accessories that will extend
the wear of your dance shoes - a carrying case for transporting
them, and a sole brush to lift the nap of the suede every couple
of weeks or so.
One final note - dance shoes (or any other shoe, for that
matter) should be tried on in the late afternoon or evening,
when your feet are typically at their largest. You'll be
requiring a lot of your feet over the span of your dancing
experience...treat them right, dress them properly and you'll
have a great foundation on which to build a lifetime of ballroom
dancing.
About the author:
Honey WesleyRN is a nurse and freelance writer whose lifelong
love affair with ballroom dancing fuels her desire to share that
passion with others. Visit her and share your thoughts at
Dancing.
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