Ballroom dancing is an exquisite art form. To find success on the dance floor, however, it’s important to wear the appropriate shoes. In addition to sheer skill, proper footwear is a dancer’s most valuable tool. If you’re preparing to take ballroom dance classes, consider these suggestions to help you find the best pair for your feet.

3 Tips to Help You Choose the Right Dance Shoes

1. Focus on Fit

Nothing matters more than fit when you’re shopping for dance shoes. There isn’t room to spare when it comes to this type of footwear. Even the slightest gap could cause you to step outside of your shoe, lose your steps, and potentially stumble.

Your safety depends on a great fit, so prioritize this before anything else. Stand up and walk around. Spin, move, and walk to make sure that they’re supportive. Your shoes should provide a snug, sock-like fit, but should not feel tight or painful.

2. Look for Heels

Ballroom shoes for your dance classes should always have heels. These aren’t quite the same as the average pair of high heels.

Instead, a layer of protective suede covers the sole of the shoe to provide a degree of friction that creates an anti-skid surface. It also allows the dancer to slide effortlessly.

Heel heights vary, and can span anywhere from half an inch to three inches. You might prefer to work your way up and begin with a lower heel with a wide base at first so that you can find your proper footing as you learn the moves.

3. Check the Toe

You’ll spot both open- and closed-toe shoes when looking for footwear for your dance classes. The two differ in several ways. The standard closed-toe is an appropriate choice for smooth, traditional ballroom dances, like the foxtrot and the waltz.

Salsa shoes, however, have open toes, and are more suitable for rhythmic dancing, since you can use your toes as a guide of sorts when you’re pointing with your feet. The latter is a safe choice for novices since it’s easy to learn all dance styles in them.
 

Are you interested in ballroom dance classes? Visit Caledonia Dance & Music Center in Kent County, MI. Specializing in fine arts education for children, students have the opportunity to learn a variety of subjects. The school offers ballet, tap dancing, and hip-hop dance classes. Visit their website for more information or call (616) 891-1606 to speak with a representative.