Why Should You Wear Dance Shoes

For many a new dancer splashing out on dance shoes of any description may seem a little extreme and rather pointless, preferring to use normal everyday shoes.  While this may be adequate if all you are doing is shuffling about on a dance floor at a nightclub or smooching the night away with a partner; failing to wear the correct type, style and size of dancewear shoes could result in a sprained ankle or possibly more serious injuries.

Even learner dancers will soon come to realize that dance shoes are an essential part of any dancing costume as the moves undertaken in different dance routines can include many twists, turns and abnormal body movements which would not normally be done in everyday life.  They find that the rubber soles featured in most normal shoes can exert an excessive grip on the floor which may actually prevent the foot from turning with the rest of the body resulting in injury

Basic Anatomy of a Dance Shoe

The correct types of shoes to dance in should be both lighter and supplier than traditional everyday shoes. While leather soles may make a reasonable alternative, suede soles tend to provide a superior slip to slide ratio on the floor, plus for added support, proper dance shoes, especially higher heeled shoes may also incorporate a lightweight steel shank running from the centre of the shoe to the heel.

You will also quickly find out that dancing puts a lot of pressure on the feet so comfort and support are also of paramount importance. Any excess pressure or discomfort would soon become unbearable so you must make sure that they are a snug fit without cramping the toes and preferably with extra padding in the in-sole.

Types of Shoe Available Today

The type of dance shoes you use will also vary depending on the type of dancing you are doing.  Below is a summary of the main different types of shoe: -

Dancing Sneakers (Dansneakers)

These are a hybrid of your everyday sneaker and a dance shoe characterised by their reinforced rubber toes.  Suitable for most types of dance they provide an ideal dance shoe for novice dancers.

Latin and Ballroom

Normally made from suede soles with leather uppers. The Latin shoes normally have slightly higher heels than there Ballroom counterparts so as to place more weight onto the toes.

Ballet

Ballet shoes are very soft and pliable with either continuous or split soles.

Pointe

Used by the more professional ballet dancers have toes boxes and hardened soles, enabling the dancers to stand on the tips of their toes.

Tap

Characterised by the metal plates attached to the bottom of the toes and heels.