The Benefits of Wearing The Right Shoes For Ballroom Dancing
When people contact us for scheduling ballroom dance lessons in Raleigh, they usually have quite a few questions about what to expect from their first lesson. One of the most common questions we receive, “what shoes should I wear for ballroom dance lessons?”
This is a great question because the type of shoes you wear for ballroom dancing can either help you or even get yourself and others hurt.
Whether you are an absolute beginner to ballroom dancing or a seasoned expert in the fine art of the waltz, you don’t need to invest too much money to have shoes appropriate for ballroom dancing.
3 Things To Consider When Buying Shoes For Ballroom Dancing
- Comfortability
- Functionality
- Safety
Shoes is an essential key in your success as a ballroom dancer. Today we’ll go over the types of shoes you should and should not wear for ballroom dance lessons.
Ballroom Heels
Ballroom Heels are different from regular shoes with heels because they are more flexible and they have a suede covering on the bottom of the shoe. The suede portion of the shoe provides friction to allow the ballroom dancer to both slide the feet along the floor easily and not slip. Ballroom Heels are also different from regular heels because they provide a different type of support to the feet.
The downfalls to wearing heels for ballroom dancing is pain and discomfort. After time and breaking in of the shoe, the pain will go away. Calluses and blisters on your feet is also a common complaint.
Ballroom Shoes
Like ballroom heels, ballroom shoes provides added support for your feet. In particular, they provide extra support for the balls of your feet.
Jazz Shoes
Jazz shoes are very flexible and allow you to point your toes and stand on the balls of your feet. Jazz shoes gives you the right amount of balance to slide your feet along the floor without slipping.
Ballet Flats
The main appeal of ballet flats for ballroom dancing is the comfort of the shoes and how well the shoes look on the dancer. Ballet flats are also appropriate for ballroom dancing because they are very flexible.
Sneakers
Sneakers or also sometimes called court shoes are a common type of shoe worn for ballroom dance lessons. They are known to be comfortable and affordable. Sneakers can be versatile enough to be worn for other physical activities too.
What Not To Wear For Ballroom Dance Lessons
Flip-Flops
Flip-flops are not flexible enough for ballroom dancing. They also provide extra risk for injuries and accidents such as
- Sprained Ankles
- Tripping
- Slipping
- Feet Stepped On
Slippers
Slippers are fun, cute, and comfy. However, slippers do not provide the flexibility and support needed for the rigorous moves for ballroom dancing.
Socks
Socks are not meant for ballroom dancing because they can be very slippery. Even socks with a grippy bottom provide an added risk for injuries and accidents.
Barefoot
Dancing with bare feet can be dangerous. There is no support to your feet, you risk getting your toes stepped on and the possibility of getting splinters from the dance floor.
Avoid accidents and injuries by wearing the right type of shoes for ballroom dancing
| Shoes That Are Appropriate For Ballroom Dancing | Upside | Downside |
|---|---|---|
| Ballroom Heels | Flexible, Slide without Slipping | Blisters and Pain |
| Ballroom Shoes | More Support For Heels | Chances Of Being Stepped On |
| Jazz Shoes | Flexible and Comfortable | Chances of Being Stepped On |
| Ballet Flats | Flexible and Attractive | Shoes Getting Scuffed Being Stepped On |
| Sneakers | Comfortable & Versatile For Many Athletic Activities, Great For Beginners | Sneakers Make Your Feet Feel Clunky & Over-Sized |
| Not Appropriate For Ballroom Dancing | Downside | |
| Flip- Flops | Not Flexible, Risk of Injury | |
| Fashion Heels | No Support, Not Flexible | |
| Slippers | No Support | |
| Socks | Slippery | |
| Barefoot | Risk of Injury |
If you have any questions call our Raleigh ballroom dance studio at 919-872-0111 or fill out the contact form .
