Shoes

Do I need "Dance Shoes" for my first lesson?

Not Necessarily. Dress shoes are appropriated for trying ballroom dancing; however, you should consider purchasing dance shoes if you’d like to become a good social dancer.

They are available for both men and women.

Benefits of wearing dance shoes when practicing your dancing:

Dance shoes have flexible suede soles that have the perfect balance between 'slick and stick'. When dancing, you need a sole that allows movement during spins (unlike tennis shoes with rubber soles) and will also grip the floor when you need control (unlike leather or plastic soled shoes). Additionally, dance shoes are very lightweight and flexible to help prevent tired, sore, overworked feet.

Because the dance shoe is very lightweight and has a thin sole, it enables you to roll through and articulate your feet while dancing. This is something that cannot be done in regular street shoes. Rolling through the feet when you're dancing creates better balance and control in your dancing, like you see from good social dancers.

Even if you are just starting to learn how to ballroom dance, the right equipment can make a world of a difference!

Just like soccer players wear cleats, or football players wear pads, dance shoes are specifically designed and built to support your feet and reduce the possibility of injury to ankles and knees.

Tips for purchasing your first pair of ballroom dance shoes:

When purchasing ballroom dance shoes, form is almost as important as function.

Dance Shoes should be snug (Fitting as a glove) but comfortable and functional.

The best way to ensure that you purchase the right pair of shoes, make sure to talk to your instructor.

Consider good quality dance shoes in terms of design and construction (This is an investment that should last you a long time).

Design:

Mens' shoes are typically black leather with a heel that ranges between 1" and 1 1/2" depending on the style (Latin style shoes have a higher heel). Black calf practice shoes with a 1" heel are recommended as a great first pair of shoes.

Although, Ladies' dance shoes can either have an open or closed toe (Styles vary depending upon dance categories: Latin or smooth) Open toe sandals are a great choice for beginners and can be used to practice both styles of dancing.

Choosing a color:

Although, black is a popular choice for social events, ballroom experts recommend for all beginners to opt for a flesh color to help extend the leg line and blend with the dance floor (And the dark tan color would also match any clothing). Black shoes are a good choice as a second pair. So, Ladies... This can be a perfect excuse to buy a new pair of shoes!

Heels are typically slim or flared and range from 1" to 3". Always choose flared for more support and not higher than 2 1/2" heel if this are your first pair.

Construction:

Ballroom dance shoes have a non-slip sole, which is essential!

Suede soles provide the right combination of grip and slide.

Dance Shoes have a metal shank that runs from the heel through the arch for more support.

Shoe material is flexible and lightweight!

Tips to maintain your ballroom dance shoes:

Do not wear your ballroom dance shoes on the street! The rough surface will wear them out quickly and may damage the suede sole of the shoe if they get wet.

Get a shoe bag! Shoe bags are a key to properly store your shoes until you arrive for your dance lessons, group classes or practice parties.

Brush your dance shoes as often as need it with a shoe brush. A shoe brush help remove wax build-up from bottom of shoes. Suede brushes help provide traction on soles when they become slick.

Use Heel Protectors for Lady's shoes to save on heel repairs! It also helps to prevent damage to dance floors, heels and other dancers

Again, to ensure that you are purchasing the "Right" pair of dance shoes or accessories, or if you have any questions at all, make sure that you talk to your instructor! The experienced FADS staff will make sure that you are properly fitted with the correct style, color and size.