Women's Ballroom Dancing Shoes

Happy Feet. I've Got Those Happy Feet.

If you want to strut your stuff on the dance floor, you're going to need to invest in some shoes.  Ballroom dancing is an international sport as well as a refined social pasttime, so the variations of dress, etiquette, and regulations vary as much as the styles themselves.  If you want to get out there, twinkle toes, and show them what you can do, you have to be properly outfitted.  In addition to that perfect partner, proper style, and gleaming smile, you're going to need shoes that are comfortable and look fabulous.  Ballroom dancing is nothing without your feet, and your feet are nothing without your shoes.

I Could Have Danced All Night
	Practice/Teaching shoes are essential for anyone who wants to walk after an all-day practice session. Because they're intended for the most practical of uses, the primary concern should be comfort. You'll never be a good dancer if you can't stand to be on your feet. Low heels, laces, and comfortable sneaker styles enable a lady to practice for hours.

Two To Tango
	Smooth/Standard Shoes Closed toes keep your feet safer during those close encounters. Lower heel allows for the more graceful turns and sways without losing your balance. You wouldn't want to ruin the moment with an unsightly wipe-out, would you?

Rhythm's Gonna Get Ya

Latin dancing is the bolder half of ballroom dancing, taken from the styles of South America. While the heels creep higher than they do in practice and Smooth/Standard shoes, don't forget that you'll still have to move in them.  But if there's any time you want to wow the crowd with a proper combination of sass and class, the Latin section is your chance. Open toed sandals should let your toes meet the very end of the shoe, even hanging off up to a quarter inch. Higher heels can be more alluring. If the heel is closer to the center of the foot the shoe may feel more stable and actually lift you even higher. Lots of jewels help the shoes bring out the best parts of an outfit.

The Way You Look Tonight

• Materials
• Suede
• Satin
• Leather
• Patent Leather
• Mesh
• Nubuck (A crushed leather)
• Elastic
• Co-Ag (A synthetic shiny material)

• Color Are you more interested in versatility or style?
• Nude - a shoe that matches your skin tone will coordinate with any outfit and make your leg look longer.
• Black
• White
• Metallic
• Fun Colors

• Sparkle!
• Ladies, do not forget to dress up your shoes with your best glitter, rhinestones, and sequins for competitions. You want your feet to shimmer!

Ankle Strap Styles
Cross ankle strap,  shown here with a peekaboo toe.	Single ankle strap,  shown here with a closed toe.	T-Strap - a classic - shown with a Peekaboo Toe.

External Links

• Dance Universe - Excellent shoe size conversersion chart.
• Showtime Dance Shoes - More tips on how to care for your shoes and find a proper fit.
• Dancesport UK - FAQ's about ballroom dancing abroad and at home.
• Ballroom Dancers - Glossary for dancing terminology.
• Gotta Dance! - Extensive ballroom advice library.
• Absolutely Dancesport - Savvy Guide to Dance Shoes.
• Dancing with the Stars - If you like to watch dancing, this is a must-see. (Record it so you can skip the dramatic pauses and get straight to the dancing!)