Thread: Shoes to dance in?

How common is this? I don't mean high heels but different types of flat shoes, is this done commonly? If so, what are the types of shoes worn? I'd love to see photos..

Many dancers use half-sole dance sandals, but assuming you're talking about full-sole coverage, there are specific sandals used for dance such as these Hermes Sandals, which are used by lots of different types of performers Women's Hermes Sandal - Style #6243 at Discount Dance Supply and Aruba's Oasis Sandals which are somewhat skewed toward the aesthetic needs of belly dancers Aruba's Oasis Sandals: Leather Lace-up Belly Dance Sandals. At the other end of the shoe spectrum, there are dance slippers like the style Souheir Zaki made famous Egyptian Dance Slippers. Other dancers simply wear regular ballet or gymnastic slippers (Women's "Daisy" Ballet Slipper - Style #205 at Discount Dance Supply, Unisex "#1 Pro" Canvas Ballet Slipper - Style #S1C at Discount Dance Supply) and occasionally ghillies (Women's “Ghillie” Modern Shoe - Style #D389 at Discount Dance Supply), which any dance supply house should stock. BTW, I'm not specifically endorsing DDS--I just knew they stocked all of those styles.

Occasionally you see modern tribal dancers wearing dance sneakers, street shoes, and even army boots, but I don't guess that's what you're asking about. As for how common it is, it depends on the venue. At outdoor events and restaurants without stages, it's very common for dancers to wear shoes to protect their feet from harm and dirt. Some dancers simply prefer to wear them every time they perform, and others need to because they want something to accommodate an orthotic or innersole if they have foot problems. Flats offer an advantage that higher heels don't--you can opt not to wear them because it won't affect the hem length of your skirt. If you hem your skirts for heel height, they may be too long when you're barefoot.

For cabaret style dancing, I wear metallic dance slippers, like these:

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

(Note: beware the sequined slippers if your costume has a beaded hem--I learned this the hard way.)

For tribal style dancing, I wear Hermes sandals (also pictured on that page).

Thanks for all the great links!

I use a very low heeled ballroom shoe. I don't like dancing with very high heels(personal comfort zone) and I wear Ballet Slippers(I spray paint(to match costume or in silver) and decorate with sequins or crystals.

Alrana

Originally Posted by Shalimah

(Note: beware the sequined slippers if your costume has a beaded hem--I learned this the hard way.)

I learned this the hard way too. I have a pair of flat shoes with beads and sequins that I love, but some of the sequins folded in half and snagged up my harem pants. I managed to fix the problem by replacing the sequins and sewing them down with four stitches instead of just two so they couldn't fold in half and create a sharp edge.

Originally Posted by Shalimah

For cabaret style dancing, I wear metallic dance slippers, like these:

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

(Note: beware the sequined slippers if your costume has a beaded hem--I learned this the hard way.)

For tribal style dancing, I wear Hermes sandals (also pictured on that page).

The issue I have with these is that they don't conform to the shape of your foot, leaving your feet looking awkward. I'm dying to find that perfect flat shoe that looks almost like wearing nothing but still protect the feet.

I'm considering trying some of these:

Capezio® Full Body Footundeez®

I have used the half style, which I really like, need to go get some news ones since I seemed to have lost them:

Capezio® Footundeez®

I second ballroom shoes, I think they look great with egyptian style cabaret costumes
Silver Leather Latin Ballroom Dance Shoe :: Ballroom Dancing Shoe :: Latin Style