So, you are in love with ballroom dancing. You have been going to ballroom dancing classes at a local studio or joined a ballroom dancing team at your college. There might be a competition coming up or you may want to try to perform – in any case, you need shoes. They are the most important part, more important than a sparkly costume or a spray tan because if your shoes are not fitted perfectly, you’ll look like a cripple on the dance floor, no matter how good a dancer you are .
First of all, don’t buy your first ballroom shoes online. Don’t do it! Amazon.com and other web-sites might offer tempting prices, but wait to buy them online. The sizes for ballroom shoes are different from regular shoes, the feel and the fit also vary across the board. After you have purchased your first pair, you can order the same model and same size online for less money than in a store. The store prices are anywhere from $90-$160 for a pair.
Basically, there are two ballroom shoe types – standard and Latin. Standard shoes are close-toed and have a thicker heel (your weight will be distributed evenly when standing); Latin ones are open-toes, have straps and a flared thinner heel (your weight will be on the front part of the foot, not the heel). Standard shoes are used for Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot, Quickstep and other Standard/Smooth Dances. Latin shoes are used for Rumba, Cha-Cha, Swing, and other Latin/Rhythm dances. If you are going to buy only one pair, I would suggest getting a Latin pair because you can do all types of dances in them (they might be slightly uncomfortable, but it is doable). You can always buy a Standard pair later.
When you are ready, take a trip to the local dancing store (regular sporting goods stores don’t have ballroom accessories). Here is a quick list of tips:
– I recommend buying 1.5 or 2 inch heels, over wise you will be very unstable while dancing. The shoe should feel fairly tight on your foot, even a little too tight because it will stretch later as you wear it.
– Supporting straps are a plus – you can wrap them around your ankle or around the middle of your foot.
– Look for a pair of beige or other skin color because they will make your leg look longer and leaner, black shoes cut the leg line off.
– If you are buying a Latin pair, make sure that your big toe sticks out from the platform when you are standing. This way the toe will touch the ground when you are pointing your foot.
– Talk to more experienced dancers, ask them what brands they wear and which they prefer. Many dancers I know, including me, own “Ray Rose” ballroom dancing shoes for Latin dances. They offer great quality and look amazing, but are on the more expensive side. “Stephanie” makes good shoes for Standard.
– At the store, get a shoe brush. It’s usually $10 and will last you forever. Use it to clean the soles from dirt and other particles what will stick to them.
– Also, get a pair or two of heel taps ($1-$4) – they are pieces of suede or plastic that go over the heels. Heel taps are required for competitions to protect the floor.
Practice walking and dancing in your new purchase while in the store, later at home, and at dance classes to strengthen your ankles. It will probably be very painful at first, you will not be able to wear them for more than an hour, but it will get better the more you wear them. Calluses are one of the unpleasant but necessary outcomes. As you gradually increase your practice time wearing them, you’ll feel more and more comfortable. Don’t forget to air them out after each practice and have fun dancing!
