| There are as many different kinds of dance shoes as | | | | shoes. This is good for the more hip-hop end of jazz |
| there are types of dance. Some can cross several | | | | where there is a lot of quite heavy footwork. These |
| boundaries, some cannot. The key to being apt at | | | | shoes will protect your feet well from impact. |
| your craft is having the right equipment - the right | | | | Some kinds of dance shoe are designed for as much |
| dance shoe - for your style and preferences. | | | | freedom of movement as possible. There are designs |
| A soft ballet shoe is the best kind of shoe for certain | | | | available that are toe-less and heel-less. Some merely |
| forms of ballet. It allows you to do any kind of | | | | strap around your foot and provide padding for the |
| movement and it is especially good when learning a | | | | ball of your foot to aid you in turns. These can prove |
| style for the first time. The shoe really allows you to | | | | good shoes for people just starting out because they |
| spread your toes out and feel the floor, getting a | | | | allow a dancer to grip the floor absolutely unheeded. |
| solid grip as you learn the steps. The more you | | | | Some can also be used in shows where the dancers |
| practice, the more steadily you will be able to grip | | | | want to appear barefoot but need the benefit of |
| the floor in any kind of shoe. | | | | turning easily. These kinds of shoe do not provide |
| Try to opt for good quality ballet slippers as they will | | | | the right appearance for all performances, of course. |
| last you the longest, be the most comfortable, do | | | | If you do Latin or swing dancing, it is good to get |
| the least damage to your toenails and allow the most | | | | your balance in flat shoes first and then buy heels as |
| movement and breathe-ability for your feet. | | | | you are more comfortable. These heels are of the |
| Pointe shoes are one of the most well known kinds | | | | regulation height in order to make your legs and lines |
| of dance shoe. They can be difficult for novices to | | | | look better, allow you to be on your toes more to |
| use as the moves that require them are quite | | | | improve movement in your centre, but also short |
| advanced and must therefore only be used when | | | | enough to do minimal damage on your knees. The |
| agreed with your dance teacher. Some parents think | | | | heels have steel rods going through them so there is |
| it is cute to put small children in pointe shoes long | | | | little chance of breakage. The heels can also be |
| before they are ready. It is always best to seek | | | | unscrewed and replaced. The bottoms of these |
| professional instruction about pointe moves. | | | | shoes have suede on them. You brush up the suede |
| Jazz shoes are another main area of mainstream | | | | against the grain to add additional traction if |
| dance shoes. They vary in style depending on | | | | necessary. If new to dance it is best to seek |
| manufacturer and target market. Some jazz shoes | | | | professional advice in regards to footwear, so your |
| can be more sneaker-like and heavy-soled than ballet | | | | tutor may be the first person to approach. |