Whichever type of dance you are participating in, it is extremely important that you wear the correct footwear and clothing attire. Different dance shoes are created specifically for each different type of dance, let's take a look...
Ballet
If you are thinking about taking up ballet classes then it is crucial that you invest in some quality ballet shoes or slippers. These are lightweight shoes designed specifically for ballet dancing. They can be made from soft leather or satin. Which material you choose really depends on which you are most comfortable in and how much you can afford to spend on your dance shoe. Leather is more durable than canvas, but it is also more expensive which may be a deciding factor if you are shopping on a limited budget. However, many people opt for canvas ballet shoes due to the fact that they are easier to maintain and keep clean as you can easily wash them in the washing machine. Each fabric has its benefits, and it is really up to you which you choose to buy. Ballet shoes provide the necessary support for the foot and ankle and should be worn for you ballet classes.
Tap
For tap dancing, you will again need a specific dance shoe. Tap dance shoes directly affect your sounds and movements, and so it is important to be sure of exactly what you need. There are an incredible number of types of tap dance shoe and the kind of dance you plan to do will determine which shoes are best. For this reason it is wise to ask you tap teacher which type of shoe he or she recommends. They come with varying heel heights – they are available with low, medium or high heels and you should consider which is most suitable for the type of dance you will be undertaking and also which you will be most comfortable in. Comfort is extremely important in choosing dance shoes – there can be nothing worse than trying to dance your best while having you feet cut to pieces by a dance shoe that is far too tight!
Jazz
Jazz is becoming an increasingly popular type of dance and so many styles of shoes are available - if you're searching for the perfect jazz dance shoe ensure that you know exactly what you want. This can make it very confusing when you are looking to buy your first pair of jazz shoes. You should research the different styles available and try on as many different pairs as possible. Ask your jazz teacher which style he or she would recommend. It is very important that they are well fitting – they should fit snugly as too much room may cause rubbing on the foot and shoes that are too small can cause cramping.
There are many dancewear retailers that stock dance shoes for many different kinds of dance. A simple online search can provide you with hundreds of quality manufacturers with thousands of products in stock – you are bound to find something to suit your needs and budget!