As a standard beginner buying new shoes, should I choose 2 or 2 1/2 inches?
- Thread starter Legacy
- Start date
Is there a big difference in impact wearing 2 or 2 1/2 inch standard shoes for a beginner? Should I just go ahead & get 2 1/2 inch? Any answer would be greatly appreciated
First, welcome to DF!
Second, the heel height is always a personal issue, but I can give you my experience. I started with 2 1/2" heel, changed to a 2" after several months. I found that my balance and control were better, and stuck with the 2".
jerseydancer
Active Member
2 will help with better footwork and balance
danceronice
Forum Master
Personally I have trouble with the really short (2") heels on Standard shoes, but it's the way my foot's shaped and the muscles are developed. (And for Latin I prefer 3" to 2 1/2".) The best thing to do is try a heel height and dance in it. Flare vs. slim is also a personal thing!
tanya_the_dancer
Well-Known Member
I started with 2" and later switched to 2 1/2. My balance and control were stronger by that point, and since my teacher is 10" taller than I am, that 1/2" makes a difference.
fascination
Site Moderator
this may sound like heresy but it has always worked for me...when I started dancing, I got it in my head that what I wore on my feet shouldn't matter...I danced in practice shoes, dance sneakers, ballet slippers, barefooted, 2in heels, 2 1/2, and 3...even a pair of latins that were 3 1/2....I was of a mind that feeling where my balance and my axis is was internal....yes, it takes work but I think it has helped me with regard to really grasping how to feel where my balance is and how to find it and maintain it...plus, it has the benefit that I do not freak out about my shoes....aside from getting bad blisters from some ....
....Thank you all for the feedback. I guess I have to try them first, and see later how I fare...
My other question if anyone care to answer.. if I go to a social dance club/bar that has both Latin & standard style in a night, what would be best to wear? I've done latin, and now starting standard, but no idea what is ideal for both without having to change shoes.
My other question if anyone care to answer.. if I go to a social dance club/bar that has both Latin & standard style in a night, what would be best to wear? I've done latin, and now starting standard, but no idea what is ideal for both without having to change shoes.
fascination
Site Moderator
I'd get a pair of smooth shoes for that ...or practice shoes...court shoes are very unpleasant for latin unless they are very broken down, and latins don't support ballroom very well...I find that a smooth shoe brides the gap nicely for me if it has to...but a practice shoe is also a good thing
tanya_the_dancer
Well-Known Member
I usually wear practice shoes for parties. They're more durable, too. Of course that means I don't wear skirts for parties most of the time.
+1. Smooth shoes work well for socials, IME.
danceronice
Forum Master
I just use my most busted-down pair of Latin shoes that aren't completely falling apart (I don't have smooth shoes, and court shoes just don't work for Latin. Also, my Latins have straps and my court shoes don't, and well, Kirstie on DWTS isn't the only one who's had a shoe come off!)
It's all mostly about your foot and what works best for it. There are shoes some people swear by that I can't even get my foot into. You just have to keep trying til you figure out what works for you.
It's all mostly about your foot and what works best for it. There are shoes some people swear by that I can't even get my foot into. You just have to keep trying til you figure out what works for you.
you can post an url as an inactive "link" Legacy (just as general info)...I think the easiest was is just copy in the browser line and take off or put a space between the address and the "http://www." if you'd like...our members can copy and paste to their browser lines and delete spaces if need be...