Ballroom dancing, as with most other sports, (and if you don’t believe it’s a sport, try swing dancing for an hour or so and see if you don’t work up a sweat) has its own ‘uniform’ of sorts, which includes the style of clothing as well as the type of shoes worn. That will depend on whether you’re going to class, a studio dance or a competition.

I often hear the question – ‘What kind of shoes should I wear to dance in? It’s my opinion that the very best choices for footwear are those designed especially for ballroom dancing and even more specifically for the exact dance style you plan to be doing. But until such time as you decide to reward yourself with that sexy strappy Latin shoe with the Cuban heel for the cha-cha or rhumba, or a gorgeous sequined number for the elegant waltz, practicing in street shoes is quite acceptable.

Styles that should be avoided include anything with rubber soles, like sneakers, (they just don’t give you the slide you need on the floor) open-toes (for obvious reasons, you’re still learning and chances are so is your partner),or sandals .
But, if you have a leather soled shoe, such as a loafer-type, or for men, a dress shoe style, these will usually accommodate you nicely. The most important factor is that they must be comfortable and not tight on your feet. If your feet are aching, you’ll not be able to focus on anything else.

The dance floor itself plays a part in the comfort level of your feet. Many studios have the correct flooring for dancing, which normally includes a cushiony, almost spring-like underflooring. This type floor does enable dancers to dance for hours without feeling much effect.Providing their shoes are also sufficiently comfortable. Although a few dance studios are built on a concrete slab, having only a layer of hardwood over it, and with those floors your feet will take a pounding.

When the time comes that you decide to invest in a good pair of dance shoes, shop around a bit. Prices and styles vary and the selection is almost endless. Prices can range from $30-50 on the low end to well over $200 on the high end. For the best deals go to dance shoes. dance shoes are constructed not only to be best suited for dancing, but to improve the overall aesthetics of your dance…you’ll simply look better out there on the floor.

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