| Many parents have daughters or sons signing up for | | | | and can advise on the shoe material. |
| dance classes, some for the first time. One of the | | | | As children progress through dance classes they will |
| most important items they will need to buy is a pair | | | | generally have more choices in children's dance shoes |
| of children's dance shoes. They will want to take care | | | | and dancewear. While they may have been limited to |
| when selecting a pair of shoes to ensure that they | | | | classic black or pink in their early years, they may be |
| are appropriate for the dance style and that they | | | | allowed to choose other colours as they get older. |
| have excellent fit. | | | | Dance gear and shoes come in a wide variety of |
| The first factor to consider is the kind of dance they | | | | colours. Even ballet wear is now available in a rainbow |
| will be taught. There are children's dance shoes for | | | | of bright colours, perfect for both practice and |
| every kind of dance genre. Ballet requires soft soled | | | | shows. This is a chance to buy a hoodie or warm-up |
| shoes, while tap and jazz need a harder sole. Often | | | | top in a bright colour. |
| the class teacher will have a list of required gear, | | | | Many children who are serious about dance will |
| including the kind of shoes to buy. They will be able | | | | eventually choose one or two styles to pursue. They |
| to tell parents the exact shoes that will help their | | | | may decide to concentrate solely on ballet, or work |
| child do their best in the class. Many teachers arrange | | | | to develop their jazz skills. The longer that they |
| group purchases, so that everyone in the class can | | | | participate they will learn which children's dance shoes |
| get the same shoes. They may be able to get a | | | | work best for them. They may decide they prefer |
| group discount if everyone buys together. | | | | leather shoes over canvas. Leather is always a good |
| Proper fit is as important with children's dance shoes | | | | choice as it lasts longer. Dancers often prefer a |
| as it is with their other footwear. It is difficult to | | | | particular brand, such as Capezio or Bloch. Once they |
| dance in shoes that are too loose or too tight. | | | | know the exact shoes they want it is just a matter |
| Improperly fitted shoes can also cause irritation and | | | | of ensuring that each new pair fits properly. |
| other foot problems. Therefore, parents should take | | | | Dance is a rewarding and fulfilling activity for many |
| their time getting their child fitted for dance shoes. | | | | children. Some take classes for fun while others want |
| Many dance gear stores have professionals who can | | | | to pursue dance to the professional level. Whatever |
| ensure parents get the right shoes for their child. | | | | their goals, the basic gear is always the children's |
| They know how to test for fit and flexibility. They | | | | dance shoes. A well fitted pair will be comfortable so |
| will also know which shoes offer the most stability, | | | | the student can learn the different moves properly. |