| your child decides they want to tale up dance | | | | dance section. They are a supple, usually black shoe, |
| lessons, the most important piece of equipment you | | | | with a medium grip sole. It is however, necessary to |
| are going to need to purchase will be the shoes. The | | | | purchase the actual dance shoe and not the discount |
| right shoe makes a difference is ease of learning and | | | | store look alike made for everyday use. |
| quality of performance. | | | | Hip-hop lessons typically do not require a special shoe. |
| If your child is looking into ballet, a simple soft | | | | However for accuracy and quality practice time a |
| beginner’s shoe is all they will need for at | | | | special pair of regular sneakers or basic dance shoe |
| least the first two years. The shoes that have the | | | | should be kept. For a subjective study such as |
| hard toes are called pointe shoes and are for | | | | hip-hop, each instructor has their individual |
| advanced dancers and should your child reach that | | | | preferences. It is best to ask them for theirs and |
| point you will be readily informed. To begin ballet, a | | | | follow their directions. |
| well fitting soft shoe with a slight strap across the | | | | Though few children entertain ballroom dancing, those |
| bridge will suffice. | | | | who do tend to really enjoy it. There is a specialized |
| Tap shoes are a little more complicated. There are | | | | ballroom dancing shoe for both boys and girls. These |
| obvious choices of tap shoes for boys and tap shoes | | | | can typically be found at any dance supply store. A |
| for girls. There is also a unisex shoe that will fit either | | | | good quality, girl’s medium heel is appropriate |
| gender and is appropriate for either gender. | | | | for learning, while boys will need a sturdy flat |
| Girl’s shoes have heels and most instructors | | | | ballroom dance shoe. Aiming for a medium price range |
| prefer that girls at least learn the basics in the gender | | | | will provide the basic shoe necessary. |
| specific shoe. Taps may or may not come attached | | | | If you run into any unusual choices while dance shoe |
| to the shoe. You will need a specialized shoemaker to | | | | shopping or are just overwhelmed with the options, |
| attach the taps in the appropriate place at the | | | | most dance supply companies employ knowledgeable |
| correct angle. | | | | staff that can assist you in the selection and fitting |
| Jazz shoes are simple. They are a soft basic shoe | | | | process. Always have the child with you so that |
| and most jazz dance shoes can be found in any | | | | proper fitting can be accomplished. |
| specialty store and some major chain stores in their | | | | |