Dancing
shoes are a great investment that can really enhance your Ballroom and
Latin dancing so we’ve put together a step-by-step guide (pardon the
pun) to buying the right pair of Dancing shoes for you.
What makes Dancing Shoes different:
They
have many cool features like suede soles that prevent you from slipping
or sticking to the floor. The soles are also thinner and more flexible
than normal shoes, and the heels usually have a steel shank for added
stability.
A good pair of shoes can make all the difference to your enjoyment of dancing.
If the Shoe Fits
The
shoes need to be snug but not tight—too loose and it will be difficult
to dance, too tight and you will get blisters every time you take to the
floor. A good shop assistant should be able to help you, and they
should be able to order the right size for you even if it’s not in
stock. You can also slightly modify the fit of a shoe using in-soles,
which is useful if you have narrow feet or high arches.
Oh so Stylish
There
are three basic styles of shoes: ballroom (or standard), latin, and
practice (usually used by dance teachers and professionals).
For your first pair of shoes, it is recommended that men buy the ballroom style and women the latin style of dancing shoes.
This
is because men’s ballroom shoes have a flatter heel than the latin
shoes. The Cuban heel is good for latin dances but makes ballroom dances
more difficult. There are a few variations, but they are typically
black lace-up Oxfords.
For
women, the latin shoes are suitable for ballroom or latin dances, while
the ballroom shoes are only suitable for ballroom and are therefore not
really useful for beginners.
Women’s
latin shoes are open at the sides, with a dizzying array of styles. The
heels are higher and further back than court shoes, which brings your
weight
forward
onto your toes (a good thing, especially for latin dances!). Heel
height (2”, 2.5” or 3”), toe shape, and number of ankle straps are the
choices with the most impact on personal comfort. 2” heels are
recommended for taller women who don’t like heels, 2.5” flared heels are
good for most beginners. 3” and slim heels are not recommended for
beginners.
Straps
that come over the top of the foot (and not just around the ankle) will
give you extra stability. Closed toes, rather than the open “sandal”
style, will save your toes from some battering, especially at first.
It’s best to try on a few pairs before you decide which style feels most
comfortable and looks best for you.
Decisions, Decisions…
When
it comes to picking a suitable fabric for your shoes, men’s shoes are
usually black leather, which can be matte or shiny (patent). Non-leather
shoes do not wear as well as the real thing, but are less expensive.
Women’s
shoes come in satin or leather. The type of material is a matter of
preference, but be aware that leather will stretch a little with time.
Treat ‘em mean, keep ‘em Clean
The
golden rule is that you should never wear your dancing shoes outdoors.
Keep your shoes in a bag and change into them once you’re on the dance
floor. A net bag will help reduce odours and investing in a deodorising
shoe spray can also help.
Keep
the soles clean of dust and wax build-up using a wire brush. Dance
shops should stock these but a braai brush is also effective. Doing this
will extend the life of your shoes.
Once
all the suede has worn off, your shoes will have to be resoled which
can be done at most shoe repair places (don’t forget to ask if they
offer student discount!). A softer brush is used to keep satin clean,
while leather shoes (especially men’s) need to be treated to keep them
from cracking.
The rubber heel tips on women’s shoes also occasionally need replacing before they expose the nail below. Alternatively you could buy heel protectors and replace those instead.
All about the Money
The
cost of your shoes will vary depending on the style and make of shoe,
but it usually falls within the price range of R200 - R1000. A good pair
of entry level shoes should cost you about R400 and can last for
several years if well looked-after.
Thursday 5 April (before dancing)
Meet at Lower Campus (Tugwell parking lot) at 12pm
Facebook event: http://www.facebook.com/events/371066016257519/
or email uctballroom@gmail.com
- written by Jennifer Marshall
