| When you think of dance shoes, sneakers may not | | | | community musicals that involve dance steps might |
| be the first thing that comes to mind. Dance | | | | incorporate sneakers to blend with modern styles |
| sneakers are important for young children and adults | | | | and tastes while giving kids and adults a higher level |
| who are just beginning with a particular style of | | | | of support for dancing. |
| dance. The extra support and snug fit helps prevent | | | | Capezio, Bloch, and Shishi Tianshi are major brands |
| injuries and protect the most vulnerable parts of the | | | | that supply many different types of dance sneakers. |
| foot that endure tremendous pressure during dance | | | | The versatility between high-top and low-cut designs, |
| routines. | | | | as well as colors and materials allow these special |
| The common characteristics of a dance sneaker are | | | | sneakers to be used in a wide range of |
| a split sole that allows more flexibility when a dancer | | | | circumstances. Certain retail websites consider these |
| pivots on their toes, and either canvas, mesh, or | | | | shoes "dansneakers," but they are, in effect, the |
| suede uppers that move freely with the foot in | | | | same thing. |
| motion. The benefit of these shoes is that dancers | | | | Two other factors in wearing sneakers for dance are |
| can learn complicated routines while protecting their | | | | both issues related to foot health. Dancers |
| feet from the strain and soreness often felt after | | | | sometimes perform or practice barefoot on |
| long hours in more conventional shoes. | | | | classroom floors, exposing themselves to bacteria |
| Most shoes of this type also have a PU midsole that | | | | and athletes' foot, which are common among |
| acts as a shock absorber, and most sneakers have | | | | performers. Many dance enthusiasts also have |
| an elevated heel. Non-marking soles allow dancers to | | | | bunions, corns, blisters, plantar fasciitis, hammertoes, |
| wear these shoes on any number of floor surfaces | | | | and neuromas to deal with. The ability to wear dance |
| without worrying about generating scuffmarks. | | | | shoes that easily adapt to arch supports and insoles |
| Modern dance styles have created a market for | | | | are a welcome benefit. |
| sneakers that can be worn on stage. Jazz, contra | | | | Don't assume that a good pair of dance shoes will |
| dance, hip-hop, Latin, and aerobic dance adapt well to | | | | solve all of your problems, though. Professional |
| these shoes, since the styles and colors of the shoes | | | | dancers and frequent performers take care of their |
| themselves give costume designers lots of options. | | | | feet, utilizing bandages, foot scrubs, pumice stones, |
| Zumba is another type of high-impact dance where | | | | and lotions to soothe, moisturize, and protect them. |
| the extra support provided by sneakers would be | | | | They use common sense, not doing too much too |
| welcome. | | | | soon, or attempting long, difficult routines without |
| It is reasonable to consider that cheerleaders and | | | | practice and measured progress under supervision. |
| young ballet students would use dance sneakers as | | | | Most of all, they realize that dance sneakers are just |
| alternates when developing their bodies for greater | | | | one of many tools designed to help dancers perform |
| strength and balance. School productions and | | | | well and stay healthy throughout their career. |