It's good for young children to be exposed to various activities to find an interest they enjoy. Dance is a fairly common option for many youngsters, with tap dancing at the top of the list. Tap dancing lessons are fun and help children develop strong leg muscles, express their creativity, and make lasting friendships. As you prepare for the first class, you likely have a list of items needed, including comfortable attire, a water bottle, and the appropriate footwear. The following are answers to common questions about buying tap shoes to ensure you find the right pair for your little dancer.   

A Brief Guide to Tap Shoes

What style is best for beginners?

Tap shoes feature a thick heel, with metal taps screwed into fiberboard inside the toe, heel, or both of the rigid sole. A dancer chooses the style of footwear based on their experience level. The Merry Jane style is often popular with young dancers and adult beginners, as the shoes provide added stability and support as dancers improve their balance and learn basic footwork. This style has one strap over the foot, secured in place with a single ribbon or buckle. 

How should the shoes fit?

As your youngster moves on the dance floor, their feet shouldn't slide around in the insole. The shifting negatively impacts the sound and also increases the risk of injury. For these reasons, purchase a size with a snug fit and little room for toes to wiggle in the toe box. Although the shoes might feel a bit too tight at first, the material will stretch out as your child uses them for a more comfortable fit.

How should the tap sound?

The number of screws fastened to the tap affects the type of sound it makes. Tightening and loosening the screws alters the sound. Beginners generally use tap shoes with three screws on each side, but you can check with your child's instructor to determine the exact configuration required for their students' tap shoes.

Where can I purchase the footwear?

Although you can find online retailers that carry a wide selection of children's tap shoes, it's best to buy the footwear in person, if possible. This way, a sales representative can measure your child's feet for sizing. Your child can also try on the shoes to determine whether the fit is snug but not restrictive. For an idea of how the shoes will perform, your youngster should try them on with the type of socks they'll wear during tap dancing lessons.

Now that you know how to select the appropriate footwear for your child, they can look forward to their tap dancing lessons at the Performing Dance Center in Salt Lake City, UT. Since 2009, the dance studio has provided tap, hip hop, ballet, and jazz dance lessons for children throughout the Salt Lake County community. View the class schedule and fill out the registration form online, or call (801) 463-4684 to speak with a team member. Check out news from the studio on Instagram.