The art of dancing has been around for quite some time now. The combination of music and just the right environment makes us want to start moving almost naturally. Dancing can even be counted as a great form of exercise, but there’s more to it than just moving our bodies. When dancing, we are also moving our minds by releasing energy and letting out all emotions. It offers us the perfect way to make a strong body-soul connection. All of this is exactly what makes dancing the perfect hobby. Learning how to dance will let you in on a side of yourself that you never knew existed.
Now, it’s important to note that the whole act of dancing is not just about making the right moves. It’s also about having the right kind of gear. From owning the right leotard to using glitter sprays, the one crucial element for success is having the right kind of shoes. But, what is special about dancing shoes? Well, they are precisely made just for the act of dancing and they will make sure the whole experience is much easier and enjoyable. Let’s take a look at the various kinds of dance shoes out there.
The Types of Dancing Shoes
Dancing with the wrong shoes is like going to the gym with a pair of high heels, it both doesn’t look right and makes everything a lot harder. There are various kinds of dance categories out there like ballet, tap dancing, Latin dancing, and there are certain types of dance shoes made just for them. So, depending on the type of dancing you prefer, you should definitely take a look at the large assortment of dance shoe for sale and get just the right kind. First, let’s go through the most basic types of dance shoes.
Ballet Shoes
The classic ballet shoe is probably the most common pair of shoes which most dancers own. They are mainly used for ballet or other similar types of dance. Ballet shoes come in various different materials, colours and styles. The usual materials consist of canvas, leather and satin and elastic straps to keep everything in place.
In general, they are lightweight and soft shoes that help ballet dancers keep their balance perfectly while standing on just their toes. They give both a comfortable feeling and an elegant look.
Character Shoes
Character dance is a specific variety of classical dance. It is the stylized representation of traditional folk or national dance, mostly from Eurasia, and uses movements and music which have been adapted for the theatre. For this type of dance, the perfect shoe type is the so-called character shoes.
These types of shoes are made to be comfortable, are very versatile and give dancers the perfect amount of flexibility and support to do choreographic combinations. They come in different shapes, sizes, colours and materials, and they are specifically made to fit the character which the dancer will be playing on stage.
Jazz Shoes
The unique jazz shoes are mainly made out of leather and rubber soles for shock absorption. An elastic design or laces secure the shoe to the dancer’s foot. The great thing about these shoes is that they are not limited to jazz class only, instead, they can be used for line dancing, lyrical dancing, ballroom dances and even hip hop.
They really do offer great comfort and flexibility, so the dancer can move around freely without any worries. As for the colour, they are usually black or just plain nude.
Tap Dancing Shoes
Tap dancing is known to be a real energetic and uplifting act, which definitely requires wearing comfy yet sturdy shoes. These kinds of shoes are called tap dance shoes. They come in many different shapes and styles and are made by leather, canvas, and even wood or plastic. Often, the skill level of a dancer will determine the material of the dance shoe.
Standard tap shoes often come with three screws on each plate. These screws can be loosened or tightened to achieve the desired sound.
Dance Sneakers
The dance sneakers are the kinds of shoes that street or hip hop dancers use. They are perfect for the forms of urban dance because they provide comfort and flexibility, without giving out a whole classical look. The sole of these shoes is usually made of leather, while the heel is made of rubber. These kinds of sneakers can be used for other styles of dancing as well, as long as your dance teacher allows it.
Picking Out the Right Dance Shoes
Now that you know at least the basics about the main types of dance shoes, you can go ahead and pick out just the right kind of dance shoe for sale and get your body moving! An important thing to note is that you should never rush the process. Always take your time when picking out shoes, especially for dancing because the wrong shoes might lead to all kinds of injuries. Here are some quick tips on how to make the right choice.
Determine the Dance Style
As you know by now, there are specific shoes made for specific types of dance. If you are a beginner, consult with your dance teacher and he will tell you what kind of shoes you should be getting.
Make Sure They Fit Perfectly
This is the most important step. In order for you to be able to move around freely and completely focus on your dancing and balance, you have to make sure the shoes you pick out fit you nicely. Ones that are too loose or too tight can prevent you from doing the right movements, or even worse – they can cause injury.
Check the Stability
Most shoes are perfectly made, but they might just not be a great match for your feet in general. Always walk around in them before purchasing to make sure you can hold your balance and stay stable. If you are having issues in just walking, they are not the right ones for you.
Decide on the Type of Material
This step is also very crucial when picking out the right dance shoes. Having the right breathable and stretchable material will do wonders for your dancing.
Check Your Budget
Before even considering buying, you must be aware of your budget. Are you willing to spend a lot of money or do you plan on saving up is something you need to ask yourself. Remember to take your time and don’t rush.
Consider the Overall Appearance
In the end, even if the shoes fit well, they might not look so good in combination with your clothing. Consider their appearance before buying them and think about if they will match your dancing outfits.
To Sum It Up
Dancing is one of the most graceful and calming hobbies which will always keep your spirit lifted. Regardless if you are a beginner or if you have mastered the art of dancing, with the proper shoes you can begin your dance journey anytime you like. So, after getting the right kind of gear, all you will be needing is your will to learn and your love for music and dancing!
