Thread: Dancing In Heels

Hi All,

I just bought a pair of ballroom dance shoes to learn to dance in heels. I wear heels on a daily basis so I don't think it's a huge problem, but I am concerned about the longevity of the shoe. I'm debating if I should just wear my street shoes and return the ballroom dance shoes I bought (kinda bit the bullet before doing all my research since the performance is coming soon).

For those who have danced in heels, what kind of shoes do you prefer? Ballroom dance shoes? Character shoes? Street shoes?

If you choose ballroom dance shoes, how often do you use them in non-dance floor settings, such as outdoor performances, restaurants with non-hardwood/dirty floors, etc? I am just now learning that these suede sole dance shoes will not last very long if used in a non-dance floor environment. Also, is there anyway to make them last longer? Cleaning them immediately maybe?

Please share your wisdom bhuzzers!!

-E

I generally wear Ballroom shoes. I have worn them on carpet, on dance floors, stage with marley. I am still on my first pair which are about 4 years old. I have only briefly worn them on concrete. Now, how many times have I worn them in those 4 years? Probably about 80 times, including class. I think they will last another year or so if I get back to performing as frequently as I plan. Then decide whether or not to have them resoled.

Does that help?

{{{HUGS}}}

i have some i use now and then. For me, the suede has to wear off a little to use on carpet. But for a slick floor---the suede is great.

Originally Posted by taji-dancer

i have some i use now and then. For me, the suede has to wear off a little to use on carpet. But for a slick floor---the suede is great.

I agree. I love my ballroom shoes and wear them for performing a lot, but dancing with them on a carpet is not so easy (there's this one place where I sometimes dance that has really thick padded carpets, and I've pretty much given up wearing the shoes there because spinning and turning is really difficult). I haven't had to wear them for surfaces such as concrete or other outdoor settings, but I think I would be reluctant to do so because I think they would get damaged. Not sure what I would use instead.

But the shoes can be re-soled---even to have one pair w/ an outdoor sole( rubber/nonstick). I did this years ago to one of my pair of character shoes.

I usually keep 2 pair of Hermes sandals---one pair new w/ suede (for dancing at places w/ a slick floor), the other older w/ the suede worn off so the sole is slick( this is cause i dance at a restaurant w/ carpet). If i am going to a new place to perform, i bring both pairs.

I wear Latin shoes with a sueded sole when I dance with shoes. Don't recommend street heels for performing, as they're not designed for dancing. Ballroom/dance shoes will have better soles and will be lighter weight and more balanced and stable than street shoes.

When I first started dancing in heels, I wore a pair of street shoes, but then invested in some Latin shoes and have never gone back.

I don't usually wear heels on carpet if I can help it. As others have mentioned, you can get some rubber soled shoes for carpets.

Get a shoe brush to nap up the suede after wearing, especially if you are a restaurant dancer and they get wet.

I like Cuban heels best, but that is just me. I have some higher heels,but I don't wear them often.

I actually used to wear black easy spirit tennis shoes for outdoor performances-but that was for strictly folkloric performances and I always had on long dark harem pants that covered them somewhat. One time I found some ballet-style shoes with a rubber sole. I never found another pair like them.

Thanks for everyone's response. I will stick with these ballroom dance shoes then! Thanks!!

-E

I prefer dancing in 'street' heels because the ballroom dancing shoes I've tried on have had higher, thin heels and didn't feel very steady to me. I like a fairly low, flared heel for balance. I also prefer more grip rather than less, and have gone a-over-t in suede soled shoes! But I'm very particular about buying heels - they have to strap to the foot in multiple places and fit very snugly. I have an article showing what I look for when buying heels at Jewel Bellydance - Belly dance classes melbourne Australia ::: Articles. Ultimately, I think it comes down to personal preference - and what you practice in is what you will usually feel most confident in when performing.

I second the recommendation of multiple types of shoes in the dance-bag, to cover heels, flats, indoor and out. You often never can tell what the performance surface wil be like until arrival, and there's nothing worse than trying to dance in shoes that feel unsafe.

Originally Posted by SandraDances

One time I found some ballet-style shoes with a rubber sole. I never found another pair like them.

Dr. Schoil's Fast Flats are not "dancer-grade" shoes, but they're inexpensive and they might be worth having as a backup in the dance bag.

The professional dancers continue to amaze me. They have put up with so much. I really love belly dancing. It is difficult to maintain good balance with high heels, while dancing.

The right shoes are necessary to maintain good balance and comfort. But dancing in heels can be difficult, if a dancer is not comfortable in them. But as a beginner, it's not essential to buy proper dancing shoes.