Thread: Dance Shoe Ideas for Sidewalk

Hey Ladies,

I have a potential gig that "I was informed" the owners like you to occasionally go outside and entertain the guest in the outside seated area. Dance area would be cement - like a sidewalk.

I am so very cool with this but want the right shoes.

I currently dance in Capezio Latin t-straps but I would like to order something "flesh" colored. Also - was not sure if the Capezio shoes would do ok on a sidewalk.

Thanks!!

My Capezio Hermes sandals do just fine on sidewalks.

thanks for the suggestion though _ really need something with an arch support. These guys look a little flat. I think they would be fab for dancing but I worry not for me. What do you think?

Although not in keeping with your quest I encountered a foot-wear challenge last summer. I arrived extra early for a day-time gig and realized I was expected to dance on asphalt. (The family was in the asphalt business and used asphalt in lieu of concrete for their driveway, sidewalk, patio, etc.) It was so miserably hot the tar was actually tacky, it was evident on the clothing of children and some adults that sat on the outer perimeter of the deck overlooking the pool. I looked at my expensive dance shoes and realized this was not an option. I raced to a nearby Walmart and located some of the Jellies-type shoes in a color similiar to my costume. I grabbed ribbon in a compatible color and raced back to the gig. I cut the ribbon (using nail clippers), to a length that allowed me to tie the shoes on since it was obvious asphalt would be tugging on the shoe. The homeowner did provide a rug for my performance but of course I had to transit the asphalt to access the dance area-rug. No fast spins due to the asphalt residue but the audience did not seem to notice, my slow spins were certainly enough in the extreme heat. After that gig I returned to Walmart and bought a pair of Jellies in every color. Now I keep them and measures of ribbon in my car. Certainly saved my costly dance shoes from being ruined and enabled me to perform without having to remove street shoes once I reached the rug. Necessity is the mother of invention.

I'm assuming your Capezio Latin T-straps have suede soles? It's my understanding that cement/concrete would rip up the suede.

Originally Posted by ravenadesigns

thanks for the suggestion though _ really need something with an arch support. These guys look a little flat. I think they would be fab for dancing but I worry not for me. What do you think?

They are flat, but I can't dance w/o some sort of shoes because of my arches and find that I can dance/stand for long periods of time in these with no problem.

Originally Posted by kiyaana

I'm assuming your Capezio Latin T-straps have suede soles? It's my understanding that cement/concrete would rip up the suede.

I'm with Kiyanna. If the Capezios have the suede/split-chrome on the bottom, I wouldn't wear them on concrete. It really will ruin your shoes. I've managed to ruin many pairs that way. LOL.

However, I have seen Capezios that just have leather soles. Concrete isn't ideal, but you should be fine.

You don't have to be outside that long there. My suede soled shoes held up ok. Do you have a suede brush? I brush the soles of my shoes after each performance. That probably helps.

Thanks Sandra

Shoulda asked u first

I was going to say what sandra said, too - for just a few minutes, your suede soles will probably be just fine. I have an old pair of dance shoes that I've let get trashed, dancing on whatever surface I'm given. the suede is totally black and smooth, but the shoes still work just fine!

I have several pairs of ballroom shoes that I ordered with street soles. I would only wear my nice suede-soled shoes on a theater stage. restaurant floors are just, well, icky.

you could probably have a shoe repair place put leather half soles on a pair of shoes you already have. I have that done with my hermes sandals once they start to wear out (which doesn't take long if you wear them outside!). with leather soles they then hold up for years and years.