Using the right equipment is important in any sport or hobby, and dancing is no exception. At Dance Station we have a wonderful floor, so all we need is the right pair of shoes.
First of all, dance shoes do make a difference. They are designed for dancing and will give you a better awareness of the floor and the use of your feet and will generally be easier to turn in. Dance shoes also are more flexible than street shoes and tend to be lighter weight. So what shoes to buy?
For the men, if this is your first and perhaps only pair of shoes, you want a pair of black leather ballroom shoes. They look a lot like a pair of men’s dress shoes, but are lightweight, flexible and have a sueded sole. They usually have a very low heel and are available in a variety of sizes and widths. If you are an active Latin dancer, you might also consider a pair of Latin shoes. These are generally much more flexible (read — have less support) and a slightly higher heel.
For the ladies, just like with street shoes, we have a huge variety of styles and color options for dance shoes. Sometimes the variety is overwhelming and it is hard to choose. Here are a few tips that might make the choice easier:
If you are buying only one pair and dance only a couple of lessons a week, a pair of Latin heels in a flesh tone is your best bet. These are typically a sandal or open toe and are available in a variety of heel heights. For a ballroom shoe, look for a closed toe shoe. Some are available with straps, which is a good idea, while the traditional pump is still a useful choice. Once again our color choice ought to be a flesh tone. You don’t want your shoes to cut your leg line and a flesh tone equals long legs!
Practice shoes are extremely comfortable. But if they are not the shoes you plan to perform or compete in, or dance in when you hit the clubs, you should be wary of them. Why? Practice shoes have a wide, lower heel and if you get used to dancing in them you’ll feel as though you are dancing on stilts when you put your dress dance shoes on. Still, practice shoes are a comfortable choice, so if you go this route be sure to wear your regular heels at least once a week so they are not such a shock.
Karen Collazo is a teacher at Dance Station. If you would like to take lessons with Karen or any of our teachers call 505-989-9788.
