Thread: Shoes for dancing on grass?

Okay, here it is the time of year again when there are so many outdoor parties and the stage is the lawn. Some lawns are great and fairly even, but some I have danced on have hidden pits. The worst one was not even mowed properly! I have tried a number of different shoes and not been really happy with any of them. Any thoughts? And I am also looking for something that bends in the arch enough. Barefoot is not an option for me. There are just too many dangers on a lawn to dance barefoot. Thistles to name one.

Thanks,

Lisa

I have a pair of hermes sandles that I only use outdoors (I have a seperate pair that I only use indoors). Sometimes those can be slippery though on grass. I've also used ballet slippers. The suede bottoms really grip but they don't last long using them outdoors since they weren't meant to be used outside.

I have some "regular" sandals that I added some glitter to. They have a little bit of a tread on the bottom so no slipping.

Originally Posted by resullivan

I have some "regular" sandals that I added some glitter to. They have a little bit of a tread on the bottom so no slipping.

I have some gold sandals with jewels on them that worked well for a recent gig on grass. They are thong-type sandals but they have a real sole. I was surprised that they worked so well. I bought them at a dance boutique, I think they may be made in India.

As I mentioned on the "dancing outside?" thread, I don't dance on grass, period. My contracts states that clients have to provide me with a safe, even surface to dance on clear of any debris. Grass just doesn't fit that criteria for me.

If they've previously planned on me dancing on the grass, they usually just move me to a deck, patio, driveway, or even back into the house.

I use these. I have a silver pair and a gold pair.

Slippers and Shoes : Son of the Pharaoh, Purveyor of the Unique

I also wear them to dance on carpet, because my feet crack--right where my small toes meet my feet--when I dance on carpet.

Or, if those wouldn't be bendable enough for you, how about a split-sole jazz shoe, such as the one in the bottom, right-hand corner on this page:

Jazz shoes from the Toronto Dancewear Centre

Originally Posted by Shalimah

I use these. I have a silver pair and a gold pair.

Slippers and Shoes : Son of the Pharaoh, Purveyor of the Unique

I also wear them to dance on carpet, because my feet crack--right where my small toes meet my feet--when I dance on carpet.

Or, if those wouldn't be bendable enough for you, how about a split-sole jazz shoe, such as the one in the bottom, right-hand corner on this page:

Jazz shoes from the Toronto Dancewear Centre

I like the gold and silver ones. Did you sew on an elastic strap to hold them on? I do have the jazz split sole shoes. I was afraid to try them on the grass because the first time I wore ballet slippers on the grass, the sole ripped out from by the toe on a spin. Have you tried the split sole ones on grass?

Lisa

Originally Posted by resullivan

I have some "regular" sandals that I added some glitter to. They have a little bit of a tread on the bottom so no slipping.

Do they have heels? A lot of the ones I found in the stores would either fall off while dancing or had heels. If they are flat and have some kindof strap to hold them on with, I would like to know more.

Lisa

I don't have those split sole ones. I have only a pair of black split-sole dance shoes that are slightly big for me, so I wear them only for practice and never for performance.

BTW, the gold and silver slippers have sort of suede bottoms, too (so they're not slippery, but turning is still not difficult), but they are heavier than the bottom of a ballet slipper. I don't find that they fall off my feet, so I haven't needed to sew elastics to them. I'm on my second pair of gold ones, though, as my old ones had holes worn in the sides, near the sole, after two summers of dancing in them. It didn't help that they got wet and mucky at one festival (that was in a tent, but backstage was a humongous mud puddle). When I cleaned the dried mud off the next day, some of the gold came off, too. And I'm sure those were the same spots where I ended up eventually getting holes, so I suspect they may have been weakened from that experience.

I also tried some cheap metallic flats from a store called Ardenne's, but the bottom is too rubberized (which makes too much stick for smooth turning) and not flexible enough for my liking.

Originally Posted by Lisa Michelle

I like the gold and silver ones. Did you sew on an elastic strap to hold them on? I do have the jazz split sole shoes. I was afraid to try them on the grass because the first time I wore ballet slippers on the grass, the sole ripped out from by the toe on a spin. Have you tried the split sole ones on grass?

Lisa

Two options: Beaded Indian Salwar shoes or little sneakers from Sketchers.

With the Indian shoes you can either scuff up the soles or add a rubber or suede bottom to the ball.

{{{{HUGS}}}

No heals on mine. They are flats, with a sort of a t-stap look, some at the toe and around the ankle. They were black. I sprayed them with adhesive and then sprinkled on micro glitter. I need to find a picture of them....

Originally Posted by Lisa Michelle

Do they have heels? A lot of the ones I found in the stores would either fall off while dancing or had heels. If they are flat and have some kindof strap to hold them on with, I would like to know more.

Lisa

I'm sure these would slip and slide all over the place, but aren't they pretty? http://www2.victoriassecret.com/imag...vw/V251946.jpg

Originally Posted by kiyaana

I'm sure these would slip and slide all over the place, but aren't they pretty? http://www2.victoriassecret.com/imag...vw/V251946.jpg

I bought some of those to try and use as dance shoes but my feet were too skinny for them. They are beautiful in person though!

Originally Posted by resullivan

No heals on mine. They are flats, with a sort of a t-stap look, some at the toe and around the ankle. They were black. I sprayed them with adhesive and then sprinkled on micro glitter. I need to find a picture of them....

I would love to see a photo of them if it is not too much trouble. Did you purchase them at a chain store that I might find in our area? Do you know what brand name they are?

Thanks again,

Lisa

Originally Posted by kiyaana

I'm sure these would slip and slide all over the place, but aren't they pretty? http://www2.victoriassecret.com/imag...vw/V251946.jpg

Yes, I can just see my foot ending halfway out of the sandle on the first pivot or spin, but I do love the look of them for everyday wear. Thanks Kiyaana...I do need a new pair of everyday sandals.

Lisa

The tag says ESPIRT sport, but I don't know if that brand makes them anymore. Knowing me, I got them at payless or Kmart. I've had them for a while, and didn't wear them much. But now that they are in the "bellydance collection" they get used more often.

You might be able to see them in this picture, taken last night in the still 80 degree heat...bleck.

Originally Posted by Lisa Michelle

I would love to see a photo of them if it is not too much trouble. Did you purchase them at a chain store that I might find in our area? Do you know what brand name they are?

Thanks again,

Lisa

Originally Posted by resullivan

The tag says ESPIRT sport, but I don't know if that brand makes them anymore. Knowing me, I got them at payless or Kmart. I've had them for a while, and didn't wear them much. But now that they are in the "bellydance collection" they get used more often.

You might be able to see them in this picture, taken last night in the still 80 degree heat...bleck.

Yes, I can see them pretty well. They do look comfortable. I love your costume in this photo!

Thanks for taking the time!

Lisa

Thanks to everyone for so many great ideas for summer dance shoes for outdoor parties and shows!

Lisa

My standard shoe suggestion is check out Aruba's Oasis. They can custom make you a pair with the sole color, upper color and lace color you want, with either leather or rubber soles.

Aruba's Oasis Sandals: Leather Lace-up Belly Dance Sandals