Jazz dance has become very popular because it is great fun and allows for individual style and creativity. The music, which ranges from show tunes to hip-hop, is upbeat and requires a lot of energy, creative moves, quick turns, fancy footwork and fast spins. All of this means that dancers have to have excellent shoes that are up to the challenge of contributing to a good performance. There are many kind of jazz shoes ranging from signature Capezio, Bloch, Sansha Moderno and Roche Valley dance shoes, to split-sole, slipstream, jazz boots and jazz sneakers. Such a wide variety of jazz shoes means that different needs, dancing styles and even fashion preferences can easily be met. Unfortunately, the high number of options can also make the task of choosing the best jazz dance shoes daunting to jazz newbies or beginners.
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Because these dance shoes each have their unique strengths and features, it will be important to assess specific needs and go on from there. This will come later though, as the first step is to understand the basic requirements for a pair of good jazz dance shoes.
What Are the General Requirement for Good Dance Shoes?
Due to the speed at which a lot of jazz moves are performed, slipping is a very real danger on dance floors. This makes traction one of the three most important requirements for good dance shoes. Rubber and suede soles offer great traction, which make them very popular although the dance surface will dictate which is more suitable. Fancy footwork, fast turns and tight ballet pirouettes, which are so common on the jazz dance floor, require not just traction but also great support because all of these moves put pressure on specific parts of the foot, such as the ankles and the arch.
Some jazz dance shoes come with reinforced ankle support, while some make use of neoprene inserts for arch support. Both are excellent add-ons to look for when choosing a good pair of dance shoes. Excellent ankle and support translates to reduced risk for injury, always an important consideration on the dance floor and the stage. The third most important thing to consider when choosing dance shoes is comfort level. This factor is actually important for choosing any kind of shoes, clothes and gear so it is important to try out the shoes before making the purchase. In the end, dancers can only perform well if they are truly comfortable with what they are wearing and that includes dance shoes, tops, tights, leotards, hats and even hoodies for some who favor the style.
Specific Requirements for Specific Needs
Jazz can be performed on different types of floors and stages and each will require a different kind of shoes. Rubber soles are suitable for hard flooring such as cement or any bare surface because they offer good traction without unnecessary drag. For covered floors and wooden surfaces, suede soles work best because they prevent sticking. The dancer’s foot is also another factor to consider when choosing jazz shoes. A pronounced arch will typically require inserts for support and the tight fit offered by jazz sneakers.
Dancers who have weak ankles or have had previous ankle injuries on the other hand require stronger ankle support offered by a jazz boot. A jazz boot is also ideal for dancers who favor moves and routines that tend to twist the lower leg a lot. The split sole is a popular type of jazz shoes because it allows for greater flexibility in certain jazz moves that require the foot to be arched. It also ideal for more modern foot postures, which typically require more fluidity than traditional jazz. For traditional jazz, the full sole is good enough especially when ultra soft rubber is used to make them more supple.
Jazz Shoes for Beginners
Beginners who find the many different options overwhelming will do very well with the basic traditional jazz shoes, which are suitable for a wide variety of moves. It will be easier to leave more specialized options for later, when more advanced dance moves in upper level classes require it. Dancers who have been into jazz for a while typically end up with several pairs of specialized dance shoes to fit specific styles and classes. In any case, dance instructors, choreographers and even some dance companies will have specific preferences and requirements so it will be better to wait for specific instructions or recommendations before purchasing more specialized danced shoes.
Where to Buy Cheap Jazz Shoes
Good quality dance shoes can be pretty expensive. This is especially true for the more popular brands such as Capezio, Bloch, Sansha Moderno and Roche Valley. These top brands offer unparalleled quality though and their long years of experience often translates into innovative features that enhance both comfort, safety and great good looks. For those who a tight budget, it is still possible to score good bargains by waiting for sales that offer great discounts on even the most expensive brands.
Aside from visiting the official websites often and scouting for good sponsored links, signing up for email alerts and dancer forums are a great way to get information on promos. With some effort, it is always possible to find great jazz shoes for much lower than the regular top prices. This extra effort will pay off in comfort, safety and flexibility, which will all contribute to maximizing enjoyment and enhancing performance.