These are stores located from nearest to further away (from classes
locations). If you find another store in the area, by all means let
me know and I will add to the list. Also, if you find that any of these
are no longer in business or have moved, please let me know so I can do an
update. Usually stores that sell dance wear will sell dance shoes, so
check your local stores.
C & C Shoe - Market Village, 4350 Steeles Ave. East, Unit
A26, Box 97, Markham, ON L3R 9V4. Tel 905-940-2829. NE corner of
Kennedy & Steeles.
The Comfort Shoes - Pacific Mall, Unit C75-76, 4300 Steeles
Ave. E., Markham, ON L3R 0Y5. Tel 905-948-1397. NE corner of
Kennedy & Steeles. ** I got a report that this is closed, but I know
there were 2 locations in this mall, so check if there is still one branch open.
Poly Shoe - Evergold Plaza, SE corner of Midland & McNicoll
, Scarborough.
Hamilton's
Theatrical Supply, 2065
Midland Ave., Scarborough, ON M1P 4P8.
416-299-0645
Danceshoppe
Ltd, 50 Sheppard Avenue West,
North York, ON M2N 1M2.
416-225-6862
Dance Plus Inc. - 22A Dorchester Ave., Toronto, ON
M8Z 4W3. Tel: 416-251-5998. www.danceplus.com
Second Skin
Q. What's the difference between regular shoes and Ballroom Dancing shoes?
A. Like regular shoes, ballroom dance shoes come in a wide variety of variety
of styles, sizes and colors. There are a few qualities, however, that are
unique to dance shoes, and which make them ideal for getting around the dance
floor. Some of these differences include the shoe's sole, materials, fit and
style.
-Sole: The single biggest difference between ballroom dance shoes and normal
shoes is that dance shoes have suede soles. Obviously Ballroom and Latin shoes
are made to be worn indoors, usually on a wood floor; therefore they don't
need the durability of a leather or rubber sole. The advantage of suede is
that it is smooth enough to slide easily on the dance floor, but tacky enough
not to be slippery. Also, suede soles are malleable, so you can actually feel
the floor under your feet. As you get better with your dance steps, your
connection with the floor becomes more and more important, and a suede sole
gives you the connection you need to make the dance floor your friend.
-Materials: Dance shoes are made of various materials: leather, satin and
patent are the most common.
-The leather used in ballroom dancing shoes is usually very soft so leather
shoes are stretchy, comfortable and light. They will also last a long time,
but will need some polishing and maintenance to keep them looking sharp.
-Satin shoes do not have the some stretch as leather and they tend to wear out
faster. However, Satin is the most popular material for women's dance shoes
because it is easily dyed. Most competitive women dancers prefer to dye their
shoes a nude color that closely matches their skin, so that their leg lines
are not interrupted by the shoe.
-Men's Patent shoes look very sharp for ballroom and are the appropriate shoe
to wear with a tail-suit. Patent shoes do tend to crack or rip as they age
however. Also, you will need a lubricant to keep the shoes slipping past each
other and not squeaking or sticking when they touch. Patent shoes will stretch
over time, but not as much as leather. They also stretch more as they warm up,
and shrink again as they cool.
- Fit: In general, ballroom dance shoes should fit tighter than regular shoes,
especially when they're new. Dance shoes are made of very soft materials so
over time they will stretch and mould to your foot. When you buy them,
therefore, they should definitely be snug on your foot and not fall off or
have the regular 1.5 cm space in the front like regular shoes. Basically dance
shoes should "Fit like a glove".
-Style: Ballroom and Latin dancing is exciting, flashy and fun, and the shoes
(especially women's shoes) tend to reflect that. You will often find that
women's shoes are patterned with rhinestones to give them a little bit of
extra dazzle. Glitter and bright colors can also be used to brighten up some
shoes, although as we have already said, women's shoes are most often colored
nude to give the impression of a longer leg line. Men's ballroom dance shoes
are almost always plain and black, but it wouldn't be unheard of to see a man
wearing bright red or blue shoes in a Latin competition - especially if he was
wearing bright red or blue pants!