Males dancing in ladies heels

[latingal]

Lately as I've been working with my male pro, many issues have been surfacing about the different feel, balance and range of movement when wearing ladies heels (at least 2 1/2").

I have always kidded my male pros, that they really should try dancing in ladies heels to see what it's like. Things that I can do easily in 1 1/2" practice shoes (similar to the male latin heels) are much more difficult in flared or slim heels 2 1/2" or over.

So my question is, have any of you guys tried dancing in ladies heels? And if so, what do you think?

[tanya_the_dancer]

One teacher here did this at New Year's party, just to prove that he can. He didn't keep them on for too long :)

[Laura]

Heh heh heh. I would SO LOVE to see guys dance heel turns in ladies shoes. Oh sure, you (and I mean Chris Stratton) can come up with all sorts of arguments about how it's easier in heels due to the smaller surface area in contact with the floor -- but really, if one could only just try it, one would probably be crying for one's men's shoes....

[Peaches]

I would pay money to see men dancing in women's shoes for an evening...and not a little bit, either.

[hereKittyKitty]

My husband couldn't stand the Latin heel. He complained that his legs hurt..can't imagine him trying the ladies 2½ inch heels.

[wooh]

Heh heh heh. I would SO LOVE to see guys dance heel turns in ladies shoes. Oh sure, you (and I mean Chris Stratton) can come up with all sorts of arguments about how it's easier in heels due to the smaller surface area in contact with the floor -- but really, if one could only just try it, one would probably be crying for one's men's shoes....

:rolleyes: If ONLY they could find ladies shoes big enough for their giant manly feet!!:rolleyes:

[and123]

:rolleyes: If ONLY they could find ladies shoes big enough for their giant manly feet!!:rolleyes:

excuses excuses ;).... I'm SURE they're out there, and it appears we have enough suffering women here to take up a collection so the men can share in the joy of dancing in high heels.

[latingal]

One teacher here did this at New Year's party, just to prove that he can. He didn't keep them on for too long :)

:D Just how stable did he look? Rock or blow 'im over with a breeze?

[latingal]

it appears we have enough suffering women here to take up a collection so the men can share in the joy of dancing in high heels.

*lol* I'm in...

[Chris Stratton]

Heh heh heh. I would SO LOVE to see guys dance heel turns in ladies shoes. Oh sure, you (and I mean Chris Stratton) can come up with all sorts of arguments about how it's easier in heels due to the smaller surface area in contact with the floor -- but really, if one could only just try it, one would probably be crying for one's men's shoes....

I wouldn't argue that the turning part of heel turns would be easier, but the departing foot action when stepping into it could be more effective. Or especially the rolling through the foot action at the end of step 2 of a feather.

Warren used to bring out the white satin pumps now and then to demonstrate...

If I could figure out where to get some inexpensively (probably 8.5 or 9 UK, wide) I would absolutely try it.

[wooh]

^^ Try ebay...
Think you can squish your feet in, I've got a pair of UK 7 1/2 wides...

[latingal]

If I could figure out where to get some inexpensively (probably 8.5 or 9 UK, wide) I would absolutely try it.

If I find any lying about around here Chris, they're out your way post haste... *grin*

[latingal]

Think you can squish your feet in, I've got a pair of UK 7 1/2 wides...

We are a helpful bunch.... :D

[wooh]

Next we'll be finding some fake boobs to throw off his balance along with the heels!

[latingal]

I would pay money to see men dancing in women's shoes for an evening...and not a little bit, either.

*lol*

Now that would make a great fund raiser...

[Chris Stratton]

No flared or latin heels though please.

I looked on ebay, there were these funky diamond toe mesh ones from supadance, not quite my style...

I'm wondering if I might be to temporarily "rebuild" a pair of completely worn out somewhat smaller ones (duct tape and then a new sole over that?) or if they'd just not be in the right position on a larger foot.

[and123]

ooooh, perfect! :p

[latingal]

Next we'll be finding some fake boobs to throw off his balance along with the heels!

*hhrrphfff* Totally ROTFL !!

[latingal]

No flared or latin heels though please.

no latins? I'm crushed....

I'm wondering if I might be to temporarily "rebuild" a pair of completely worn out somewhat smaller ones (duct tape and then a new sole over that?) or if they'd just not be in the right position on a larger foot.

Probably wouldn't fit your foot correctly...but I'll keep looking about here...

[quixotedlm]

If guys wore heels, would the ladies please dance on stilts? ;)

[latingal]

If guys wore heels, would the ladies please dance on stilts? ;)

Isn't that what we're already doing? *grin*

[quixotedlm]

Isn't that what we're already doing? *grin*

mmm... i wasn't really referring to those long thin (sexy) legs... ;)

[latingal]

mmm... i wasn't really referring to those long thin (sexy) legs... ;)

I wasn't either, but that was total points for you dude... ;)

[Chris Stratton]

Supadance seems to stop at size 8 :-(

[quixotedlm]

I wasn't either, but that was total points for you dude... ;)

See what you get for offering good v-day mojo ;)

[Josh]

My husband couldn't stand the Latin heel. He complained that his legs hurt..can't imagine him trying the ladies 2½ inch heels.

omg, I can't imagine doing latin for a long period of time without my 1.5" heels. It just feels better... but granted, it took me a few weeks to really feel pretty comfortable in them. With the right pants (enough to go to the floor and almost completely cover the heel, they make the lower body look so beautiful!

[TaintedMantis]

I would want them to try 3". It'll be a laugh. :D

[Twilight_Elena]

I'm with Peaches. I'd pay very good money. Only I have to choose the dance, the heel height and the pro. :p

T_E

[fascination]

well pro has the same size foot as me and I would love to see him demonstrate a spot turn in samba (not to mention 3 in a row as in my routine) in my 3 inch latins...hmmmmmpf

[MacMoto]

Supadance seems to stop at size 8 :-(
I know a dance shoemaker that does ladies shoes up to UK size 9.5 and also does wide fitting shoes. With so many ladies here willing to pay to see you dance in heels, perhaps we can get enough funds together to order a pair for you as a V-day present, Chris? ;)

I'm thinking something like this:
http://www.heavenlydanceshoes.com/ladies_shoes/new%20shoes/Red-shoes-sml.jpg

[Joe]

Naw, for Chris it'd have to be a court shoe.

[samina]

Heh heh heh. I would SO LOVE to see guys dance heel turns in ladies shoes. Oh sure, you (and I mean Chris Stratton) can come up with all sorts of arguments about how it's easier in heels due to the smaller surface area in contact with the floor -- but really, if one could only just try it, one would probably be crying for one's men's shoes....

come on chris... take up the challenge... <readying video camera...>

LOL

[samina]

Next we'll be finding some fake boobs to throw off his balance along with the heels!

he'll need a little padded derriere, as well...

maybe some monthly bloating, too? <g>

[Sagitta]

Lately as I've been working with my male pro, many issues have been surfacing about the different feel, balance and range of movement when wearing ladies heels (at least 2 1/2").

I have always kidded my male pros, that they really should try dancing in ladies heels to see what it's like. Things that I can do easily in 1 1/2" practice shoes (similar to the male latin heels) are much more difficult in flared or slim heels 2 1/2" or over.

So my question is, have any of you guys tried dancing in ladies heels? And if so, what do you think?I tried...hated it! I myself don't know why ladies do it. Or even walk in them. I let the ladies do it...but I've always told my SOs that if they want to wear heels to make sure that they are doing it for themselves as I like them just as much without them...welll...except when role playing....

[samina]

..welll...except when role playing....

:cool::cool::cool:

[Sagitta]

shhhh!!!

[White Chacha]

he'll need a little padded derriere, as well...

maybe some monthly bloating, too? <g>

Wow, you're all vicious. Did someone fail to present the requisite card and flowers? ;-)

Chris, what have you gotten yourself into?!

[Peaches]

I know a dance shoemaker that does ladies shoes up to UK size 9.5 and also does wide fitting shoes. With so many ladies here willing to pay to see you dance in heels, perhaps we can get enough funds together to order a pair for you as a V-day present, Chris? ;)

I'm thinking something like this:
http://www.heavenlydanceshoes.com/ladies_shoes/new%20shoes/Red-shoes-sml.jpg

Where can i send a check? ;-)

[latingal]

I tried...hated it!

Sag you are indeed a demigod among men. Was really curious, did you find the balance issues to be difficult?

I remember that I was dancing standard with my pro (in 1 1/2" practice shoes - my feet we're aching from heels) and he looked at me really puzzled and said "man, you are really stable today!". My answer...pick up a foot and say "no heels, dude".

[Nik]

hehe, Natasha tried dancing in my latin shoes but they were a little bit on her. I remember when I was really little, I put on my moms shoes but this was like 8 years ago.

[Another Elizabeth]

I remember when Warren bought those shoes - the saleswoman said it might have been the weirdest sale she ever made. But they did settle some arguments about "you can't do that in heels" - in both directions.

Chris, have you tried going to a dance shoe shop, or a competition vendor, and seeing what they have in stock? Better yet, find out who the shoe vendor is going to be at an upcoming comp, and phone them to request that they bring their biggest shoes, whatever they are.

[and123]

"man, you are really stable today!". My answer...pick up a foot and say "no heels, dude".

Oh, SO true. Happened to me when I broke the strap on my latin shoe and all I had with me was some low-heeled Pedinis. I felt *so* balanced. Not to mention years ago I used to dance everything (all styles) in 3" flared Supadance sandals :shock:. When I changed to different shoes, dancing was COMPLETELY different.

OK, so who here is starting the Men In Heels fund? ;)

[LatinDancer006]

I've tried men's latin shoes, 2 inch heels, for about three weeks and have discontinued using it for now because I've over extended my big toe. I'm not sure if it's the shoes or I did some moves incorrectly. I didn't notice it until the next day. Anyway, I going to wait until I recover from this before trying it again. I'll probably try to break into it slower this next time.

[Peaches]

OK, so who here is starting the Men In Heels fund? ;)
All I need to get the ball rolling is an address to send the check to!

[Me]

All I need to get the ball rolling is an address to send the check to!


Or PayPal! I'll totally do PayPal!

The only time I really hate my heels is in ballroom. For tango, a lower heel actually throws me off. (IE when I put on 3inch ballroom sandals for tango, it feels VERY strange.)

What I hate more than anything with the ballroom shoes is not the heel but the fact that I slip the heck all OVER the place. Who's bright idea was it to put suede on the bottom of EVERYTHING??? :headwall:

[new-ish]

When I first tried 2" Men's Latin heels it hurt the balls of my feet, so I gave up on them for a while. My teacher said that it showed that I needed to distribute my weight a little more evenly.

I am gradually going back to them and except for that one issue I feel comfortable in them. Does the extra 1/2 inch or the construction of the woman's shoe make it that much harder to dance in?

[waltzgirl]

What I hate more than anything with the ballroom shoes is not the heel but the fact that I slip the heck all OVER the place. Who's bright idea was it to put suede on the bottom of EVERYTHING??? :headwall:

What kind of floor are you dancing on? Or maybe you need to brush your soles and rough them up a bit for the floor you use? I find suede soles less slippery than leather ones, for sure.

[SyrU_dancer]

Yes it took me a bit to adapt to my heels for latin, but they do make jive easier since your already up on the balls of your feet.
Ironically one of my partners got mad at me because when I switched to 2 inch mens they were higher than hers. Only in ballroom :)

[waltzgirl]

It's not just the height. The shape and placement of the heel make a big difference too. There's a big difference in balance between the 2 in. heels on a pair of practice shoes I have and a 2 in. slim heel. I'm not sure dancing in men's latin heels is really a good comparison to dancing in ladies' heels.

[Cal]

One of my former instructors managed to get his feet into my 2.5" latin shoes. He then danced a cha-cha as though he'd been born wearing the things. His only comment was that heels changed the amount of his foot articulation.

[marianya]

His only comment was that heels changed the amount of his foot articulation.
Foot articulation or Blood circulation? :-D

[madmaximus]

Wore women's heels for about six months for lessons and training--a condition imposed by my mentor to continue with her after my golds.

Her view was that to really understand the dynamics of a couple--and improve my lead--I had to learn the women's movement too, simulating the same conditions that the ladies dance it.

Heh, the things we do for our art.




m

[samina]

Wore women's heels for about six months for lessons and training--a condition imposed by my mentor to continue with her after my golds.

Her view was that to really understand the dynamics of a couple--and improve my lead--I had to learn the women's movement too, simulating the same conditions that the ladies dance it.

Heh, the things we do for our art.




m

wow. impressed, max. and did you feel that it accomplished what she thought it would...?

[madmaximus]

. . . did you feel that it accomplished what she thought it would...?

Yes.
Toe blisters, heel blisters, cramps, and sprains notwithstanding.

Mentor was right, I think for a man to appreciate how to lead, say, the Feather/Three, he needs to understand how the ladies dance it.






m

[wooh]

I remember that I was dancing standard with my pro (in 1 1/2" practice shoes - my feet we're aching from heels) and he looked at me really puzzled and said "man, you are really stable today!". My answer...pick up a foot and say "no heels, dude".

I was at a social dancing barefoot (thanks to my husband thinking that I wanted 2 LEFT shoes when I asked him to meet me there with a pair) and was told by the owner that our quickstep was one of my best ever. Apparently I was quite "grounded." I'm guessing it because I was 2 inches closer to the ground.

[fascination]

Yes.
Toe blisters, heel blisters, cramps, and sprains notwithstanding.

Mentor was right, I think for a man to appreciate how to lead, say, the Feather/Three, he needs to understand how the ladies dance it.






mand visa versa...am so glad I am doing the reverse wave now to see what pro is up to on the feather;-)

[fascination]

I was at a social dancing barefoot (thanks to my husband thinking that I wanted 2 LEFT shoes when I asked him to meet me there with a pair) and was told by the owner that our quickstep was one of my best ever. Apparently I was quite "grounded." I'm guessing it because I was 2 inches closer to the ground.
definately...I am a force to be reckoned with in my dance sneakers...solid...
3 inch latins?...a full time job...center center center:rolleyes:

[fascination]

One of my former instructors managed to get his feet into my 2.5" latin shoes. He then danced a cha-cha as though he'd been born wearing the things. His only comment was that heels changed the amount of his foot articulation.
it's a fair point...I mean if you know how to be over your foot, you know how to be over your foot...but it's a but dicier in 3in heels imo

[latingal]

I remember when I was really little, I put on my moms shoes but this was like 8 years ago.

did you dance in them? *grin*

[latingal]

I remember when Warren bought those shoes - the saleswoman said it might have been the weirdest sale she ever made. But they did settle some arguments about "you can't do that in heels" - in both directions.

Love that!

[latingal]

It's not just the height. The shape and placement of the heel make a big difference too. There's a big difference in balance between the 2 in. heels on a pair of practice shoes I have and a 2 in. slim heel. I'm not sure dancing in men's latin heels is really a good comparison to dancing in ladies' heels.

Totally agree! Just look at the size of the heel in a men's latin - the foot print of the heel is HUGE when compared to a slim or flared heel.

But am still glad the guys that have danced in higher shoes have chimed into the conversation...

[latingal]

Yes.
Toe blisters, heel blisters, cramps, and sprains notwithstanding.

Mentor was right, I think for a man to appreciate how to lead, say, the Feather/Three, he needs to understand how the ladies dance it.

Wow mm...I am impressed that you went ahead and tried it. What would you say were the two or three biggest differences you noticed?

[latingal]

His only comment was that heels changed the amount of his foot articulation.

Hmmm....that's interesting....

I agree the foot articulation would be different, that would also make the timing different (a difference I notice when switching between practice shoes and heels).

I would assume it would FEEL different. IMO, I find the amount of effort in some of the muscle groups (to maintain balance, perform movement etc.), the range of movement in the hips, and the inital weight distribution and posture (just based on the mechanics of the shoe) is different.

[Me]

What kind of floor are you dancing on? Or maybe you need to brush your soles and rough them up a bit for the floor you use? I find suede soles less slippery than leather ones, for sure.


It doesn't matter what type of floor I'm on, it seems. Unless it is a Marley, I slip. I've tried roughing the bottoms, etc, and it just does not work. Latin is where my problems really exist. Recently I gave up and bought some shoe grips, and they seem to be doing the trick. (We'll see - it needs further testing.) Currently I have no regular studio, so the floor changes from day to day, which of course is a problem - sometimes it is Marley, sometimes it is tile, other days it is poorly maintained wood. Right now I have multiple pairs of shoes to try to compensate for this...

[madmaximus]

... the two or three biggest differences you noticed?

Well, there was the foot articulation, different balance, different sense of foot control--obvious, but it doesn't really sink in until you do it.

And then the [numerous] not so obvious:

There's the heel turn for example--where the lady can use the trailing heel to push off from, more efficiently [IMO] than the man.

You have to land the heel more accurately to avoid the ankle wobbles.

The tolerance of the fit of the shoe is a little more exacting in the toe box and the heel box, so that the heel lands more accurately [and doesn't land wrong or wobbly] when taking a step [esp. true for me then, when taking a forward step].
Men's shoes have a little more space than the ladies'.





m

[latingal]

Well, there was the foot articulation, different balance, different sense of foot control--obvious, but it doesn't really sink in until you do it. [...]

That's the catch isn't it, logically it makes sense...but until you actually do it, it doesn't give one an appreciation of the differences a partner or student may be addressing as she dances.

Thank you for the feedback in your post, it was great to get some first hand commentary from somebody who has actually tried it!

[Joe]

It doesn't matter what type of floor I'm on, it seems. Unless it is a Marley, I slip. I've tried roughing the bottoms, etc, and it just does not work. Latin is where my problems really exist. Recently I gave up and bought some shoe grips, and they seem to be doing the trick. (We'll see - it needs further testing.) Currently I have no regular studio, so the floor changes from day to day, which of course is a problem - sometimes it is Marley, sometimes it is tile, other days it is poorly maintained wood. Right now I have multiple pairs of shoes to try to compensate for this...
You are compensating for the fact that your weight is not over your foot. Roughening up the bottom of your shoes to get some "grip" is a crutch for this problem.

[samina]

You are compensating for the fact that your weight is not over your foot. Roughening up the bottom of your shoes to get some "grip" is a crutch for this problem.

i asked my pro at my last lesson why i slip at the end of tango promenade -- told him i don't feel secure. he said the same thing. was quite the revelation...

[Joe]

When you learn to keep your weight over your foot you will never touch a shoe brush again.

[fascination]

you're right.... I bought one that I haven't used now since...hmmm...at least 8 months ago

[reb]

When you learn to keep your weight over your foot you will never touch a shoe brush again.
but they do come in handy when you step on some garbage dropped around the floor

[musicchica86]

Yeah...you may not need it for stability, but it's still a good idea to keep your shoes in the best condition possible. Gross floors=gross shoes..

[fascination]

but they do come in handy when you step on some garbage dropped around the floor
true and sometimes the floor is just so slick a little bit of roughing em up is neccessary...but more rare IMO

[samina]

When you learn to keep your weight over your foot you will never touch a shoe brush again.

really... huh... well that says it all... my court shoes get very slippery in between dancing...