Salsa, Mambo, Merengue, Cha-Cha, and Rumba are examples of a few
of the Latin dances performed in Dancesport and in social events as
well. Latin music is rhythmic, energetic, up- tempo, and spicy.
To match the tempo and flavor of Latin music, this style of dancing is known for its sexy sharp movements followed by sensual and seductive motion, and requires dancers to execute Cuban hip motion and beautiful lines of the legs and feet, all while still maintaining good balance.
As in any activity, the proper equipment is essential, and in Latin dancing, proper dance shoes are considered to be essential equipment. While Latin dancing shoes are very beautiful, they have a dual purpose: first, to enhance the dancer's appearance, and second, to provide flexibility and support of the dancer's feet.
To understand their functionality, let's look at the appearance factor first. Because dance is an art form, the dancer's appearance is crucial. If dancing socially, the fun factor is predominant, but in Latin dance competition, the fun factor is at a different level, and appearance becomes even more important.
Therefore, dancer heels in Latin dance competition are normally 2-3 inches for the lady to achieve the leg line that is so desirable. Latin dance shoes for men are usually 1.5 inches rather than the 1" heel as used in the ballroom dances.
For men, black is the usual color choice, while for ladies, tan, silver, or black are the most popular choices. Styles are unlimited and can include dazzling rhinestones, particularly on the heels and buckles. Ladies Latin dance shoes most often have an open strappy toe box, while men's Latin dance shoes are closed and look more like a typical man's shoe with 3-5 eyes for lacing.
Flexibility and support are the second function of Latin dance shoes. Balance is difficult when executing complex footwork, and proper shoes allow the dancer to accomplish advanced dance steps, Cuban walks, spins, spirals, pivots, etc. because of their construction.
They are especially designed with a flexible shank which allows pointing of the toes while maintaining support. Suede leather soles also allow the dancer's foot to slide or glide across the dance floor rather than slipping or sticking as with smooth leather or rubber soles.
A proper fit can help the dancer's performance, and obtaining the right fit is usually fairly simple. You can't beat trying them on for size, but there are many localities where selection and availability do not make this possible.
Online buying is a good option for many dancers because of convenience as well as selection. There are numerous internet stores which offer excellent quality, selection, and value in Latin dance shoes and apparel, and most offer practical return policies.
Properly fitted dance shoes will be snug enough to prevent the feet from sliding around inside the shoes, but not so tight as to be uncomfortable. After purchasing Latin dance shoes, make time to practice in them before taking them to the dance floor.
Practicing in new dance shoes will actually make them more comfortable, and offers the dancer an opportunity to become accustomed to new and enhanced dancing capabilities.
To match the tempo and flavor of Latin music, this style of dancing is known for its sexy sharp movements followed by sensual and seductive motion, and requires dancers to execute Cuban hip motion and beautiful lines of the legs and feet, all while still maintaining good balance.
As in any activity, the proper equipment is essential, and in Latin dancing, proper dance shoes are considered to be essential equipment. While Latin dancing shoes are very beautiful, they have a dual purpose: first, to enhance the dancer's appearance, and second, to provide flexibility and support of the dancer's feet.
To understand their functionality, let's look at the appearance factor first. Because dance is an art form, the dancer's appearance is crucial. If dancing socially, the fun factor is predominant, but in Latin dance competition, the fun factor is at a different level, and appearance becomes even more important.
Therefore, dancer heels in Latin dance competition are normally 2-3 inches for the lady to achieve the leg line that is so desirable. Latin dance shoes for men are usually 1.5 inches rather than the 1" heel as used in the ballroom dances.
For men, black is the usual color choice, while for ladies, tan, silver, or black are the most popular choices. Styles are unlimited and can include dazzling rhinestones, particularly on the heels and buckles. Ladies Latin dance shoes most often have an open strappy toe box, while men's Latin dance shoes are closed and look more like a typical man's shoe with 3-5 eyes for lacing.
Flexibility and support are the second function of Latin dance shoes. Balance is difficult when executing complex footwork, and proper shoes allow the dancer to accomplish advanced dance steps, Cuban walks, spins, spirals, pivots, etc. because of their construction.
They are especially designed with a flexible shank which allows pointing of the toes while maintaining support. Suede leather soles also allow the dancer's foot to slide or glide across the dance floor rather than slipping or sticking as with smooth leather or rubber soles.
A proper fit can help the dancer's performance, and obtaining the right fit is usually fairly simple. You can't beat trying them on for size, but there are many localities where selection and availability do not make this possible.
Online buying is a good option for many dancers because of convenience as well as selection. There are numerous internet stores which offer excellent quality, selection, and value in Latin dance shoes and apparel, and most offer practical return policies.
Properly fitted dance shoes will be snug enough to prevent the feet from sliding around inside the shoes, but not so tight as to be uncomfortable. After purchasing Latin dance shoes, make time to practice in them before taking them to the dance floor.
Practicing in new dance shoes will actually make them more comfortable, and offers the dancer an opportunity to become accustomed to new and enhanced dancing capabilities.
Written by Nancy Henrichsen, Pro/Am Competitive Ballroom Dancer,
Owner of TangoRougeBallroomDancewear.com and Owner of Dancemasters
Studio Dallas.
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