| The right shoes can make a big difference to your | | | | Professionals do wear court shoes, but don't try it |
| enjoyment of dance classes, as well as protecting you | | | | when you are a newbie. If you are subconsciously |
| from injury. | | | | holding the shoes on, your feet are not relaxed and |
| As a beginner, it's not essential to buy proper dancing | | | | can't flex properly. At the other extreme, if you have |
| shoes. However, bear in mind that if your shoes are | | | | bought the shoes tight so they can't fall off, your toes |
| very unsuited to dancing, it affects how well you | | | | will be squashed and you won't have a solid "platform" |
| dance as well as how much you enjoy it. So if you | | | | to balance on. |
| can afford it, proper ballroom dance shoes are worth | | | | For ladies, dancing in heels feels very different from |
| the investment - and they may not cost as much as | | | | dancing on the flat, and you need to get used to it |
| you think, because there are good bargains available | | | | from the start. Don't wear flats - start with a small- to |
| online. | | | | mid-sized heel until you are more confident with your |
| Ballroom dancing shoes need to be lightweight (so they | | | | balance. |
| don't weigh your feet down) and fit snugly - don't allow | | | | Professional ballroom shoes have suede soles. They |
| any "growing room", but don't have them so tight that | | | | mustn't be worn outside the dance studio or they'll be |
| they scrunch your toes. Be warned - even some | | | | ruined, which means carrying your dance shoes to and |
| so-called "professional" ballroom shoes are made | | | | from the venue. If you're a social dancer that may not |
| narrow to look good, and they will not only harm your | | | | be practical or convenient. Purists may howl, but |
| feet but affect your balance and your stamina on the | | | | there's nothing wrong with composite soles for social |
| dance floor. | | | | dancing, and they are easier to look after. |
| Shoes need to have a secure fastening - for men, | | | | Happy dancing! |
| lace-ups; for ladies, lace-ups, a T-bar or ankle strap. | | | | |
