If you’ve recently signed up for tap dancing classes, you’ll need the right pair of shoes to learn how to make rhythmic sounds with your feet. Tap dancing shoes come in different styles, sounds, and fits for different stages of dancers, which is why teachers recommend buying shoes in person rather than online. Consider these factors when shopping for your new dance shoes.

Tips For Buying The Right Tap Dancing Shoes

1. The Fit Matters

When selecting your new footwear, wear the same style of socks or tights you’ll wear during lessons. Wearing your own socks allows you to feel how well the shoes fit. Tap shoes should be very snug with as little empty space as possible in the toe box. If you’re choosing between two sizes, always select the smaller option. Tap dancing shoes tend to stretch over time, and the tighter the shoe is, the easier it is to control the sound it creates.

2. Be Careful Which Design You Choose

Tap shoes come in various colors, materials, and styles, and these factors can indicate for which level of student they are best suited. Materials typically include leather, canvas, wood, and plastic. For example, experienced tap dancers often wear leather shoes with a split sole for double tapping. The most recommended design for beginners is an oxford-style footwear that features low heels, a lace-up closure, and a firm sole.

3. Consider The Sound They Make

Tap shoes rely on the metal plates and screws attaching those plates to make sound, and the number of screws is important. Tap shoes are categorized as teletone, duotone, and supertone based on the number of screws used. Teletones are considered the basic standard and consist of three screws. Advanced dancers might choose footwear with an extra metal plate attached to the shoe for double taps.

If you’re interested in signing up your children for tap dancing lessons, Robin Dawn Academy of Performing Arts in Cape Coral, FL, teaches from beginner to advanced techniques to children of all ages. This dance studio has offered children opportunities in dance, performing arts, and music for more than 45 years. Call (239) 549-0827 to inquire about dance lessons or visit them online to see a complete list of available classes.