Whether your kiddo is taking ballet, jazz or tap, they must be in the right shoes. This is especially important when it comes to their safety and comfort!
Dance studios may have specific requirements for kids’ dance shoes, so check with your child’s instructor before purchasing.
Jazz
When your little one starts taking Jazz dance classes, they’ll need shoes that let them quickly move. The best kids dance shoes for jazz are made from breathable materials and have split soles that make them easier to turn in.
Some jazz shoes come with small rubber heels perfect for heel clicks and other famous character dance steps. And, if you want to go for the whole look, there are also jazz shoes that look like leather Oxford shoes with bow-tie closing and genuine fitted taps.
Buying your child’s dance shoes from a shop that explicitly sells dancewear is recommended for a perfect fit. The staff will be able to measure the foot correctly and help your little one finds shoes that aren’t too tight or too loose.
Lyrical
Floaty skirts and dresses, dramatic pop music, emotion-filled reaches to the floor — these images that lyrical dance often brings to mind. While this is a newer dance style, it’s quickly become famous for kids learning their first steps to adults looking to expand their dancing skills.
Kuhnberg describes lyrical as a good bridge from ballet to contemporary for young dancers. At the same time, Bufferd compares it to an impressionist painting: “The technique is the strokes, and the style is the aesthetic.” For more information about the kids dance shoes, click here.
Lyrical dance doesn’t require as much technical training as ballet or jazz to be accessible to a broader range of children and adults. This also makes it an excellent option for students with physical limitations or hesitant about trying a more strenuous dance style.
Contemporary
If your little dancer is into contemporary, you must find shoes that can keep up with their fast footwork and precise turns. Lyrical and modern dance shoes are usually made from high-quality suede with a minimal design to help the dancer feel the floor without anything getting in the way of their graceful movements.
These shoes often feature one large opening for the four tiny toes and a small hole for the big toe, which is why they are also known as Dance Paws or Foot Undeez. You must buy your child’s shoes in a dance store that only sells dancewear so the fit can be guaranteed.
The right shoe can make all the difference in your child’s performance on stage. With all the different dance styles, there are plenty of options.
Ballet
Ballet dancers need slippers that allow them to move gracefully and are made of leather or satin. Ballet slippers are usually worn over a pair of thin tights or leggings. Girls typically wear slippers with leotards, and dance tights are available in various colours to match the shoes.
If you purchase your child’s ballet shoes from a studio or reputable dance supply store, they can be professionally fitted for the best fit. You should avoid buying ballet shoes that are too big as they will create a gap in the back seam and leave extra space on the feet, which can cause tripping and falling. If you can see a large amount of excess fabric when the shoes are pulled up, the shoe is too large. For more information about the kids dance shoes, click here.
Tap
Regarding dance classes, moms know the costs can quickly add up. Purchasing the right equipment can help your little dancer excel. This includes shoes, which are essential for their comfort and learning ability.
Thankfully, there are many different brands and styles to choose from. It’s recommended that you go to a physical dance supply store so your child can try various sizes and styles with an expert who knows what they need. Dance shoes follow different sizing than regular sneakers, so they must fit properly. Choosing the wrong shoes can hinder their ability to move and create a beautiful performance. To avoid this, start with their usual size and work up or down.