Quick guide to shoesAs a beginner, you don't need dance shoes. But bring closed-toe shoes with smooth soles to the class if you can. Shoes should also hold well on the foot – sandals or open heeled shoes are not ideal.
For ladies, shoes with a low to moderate heel (5 cm/2 inch) are best – stiletto heels are not recommended.
As you progress, you may think about buying proper dance shoes. Some tips:
For ladies' shoes:
Good dance shoes have a metal support between the front of the shoe and the heel. You can test this by bending the shoe slightly with two hands. When you're wearing the shoes, they should give good support but also feel flexible. Stand slightly on your toes to check whether the shoes are flexible. Of course, they should not be too tight fitting.
So called 'stage' or 'character' shoes are not such a good choice because they are usually not very flexible.
Suede soles are suitable for most dance floors – resin soles are recommended for very slippery dance floors only.
Patent leather shoes tend to stick to each other so you may want to avoid these unless you're very confident. You can make the 'sticky' effect less by polishing the patent leather areas with vaseline. If both you and your partner are wearing patent leather shoes, you may be in for some special effects! Also, patent leather shoes tend to 'give' less.
Suede shoes are usually flexible but will be scuffed quickly.
For men's shoes:
Dance shoes should be well-fitting and flexible. Good dancing shoes for men have almost no rim – this is an advantage over ordinary shoes, as it allows for greater precision.
Suede soles are suitable for most dance floors – resin soles are recommended for very slippery dance floors only.
Patent leather shoes tend to stick to each other so you may want to avoid these unless you're very confident. You can make the 'sticky' effect less by polishing the patent leather areas with vaseline. If both you and your partner are wearing patent leather shoes, you may be in for some special effects! Also, patent leather shoes tend to 'give' less.
Suede shoes are usually flexible but will be scuffed quickly.
Dance shoe brands we have had good experiences with are:
We buy our shoes on the continent but here are some shops in Glasgow and Edinburgh which sell tango shoes:
Glasgow:
Dancia International Glasgow: 199 Great Western Road, Glasgow, 0141 332 2838 (www.dancia.co.uk) – Tango Tipica pupils get a 5% discount; contact Tango Tipica for details.
Edinburgh:
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Extras: music, shoes and historyLinksAboutContact usTango Tipica: Argentinian Tango in Glasgow Last verified: 9 August 2008
