Having the right shoes for your dance class is imperative to your success and safety. For example, a tap class will require you to have tap shoes, but you won’t need those for a jazz or lyrical class. If you don’t have the proper footwear, you won’t be able to perform the choreography properly. In some cases, you may even risk injuring yourself. Knowing what kind of shoes you need is an essential aspect of preparing yourself for your dance class.

Ballet

A ballet class will require you to have a specific type of shoe to succeed. The type of ballet shoe will depend on the specific ballet technique you are studying. If you are taking an introductory ballet class that doesn’t involve pointe, you will likely need regular ballet slippers. If you are taking a pointe class, you are studying how to dance on your toes. You’ll need pointe shoes with blocks of wood in the toes to help you practice this advanced style.

Tap

To effectively tap dance, you need a specific type of shoes. Tap shoes have metal pieces attached to the bottom to create the tapping or clicking sound you hear throughout a routine. These sounds are an integral part of this style of performance, so having the right shoes is a must. If you’re interested in tap, you should reach out to a dance supplies store to find shoes that fit your needs.

Lyrical

There are various types of shoes you can wear for lyrical dance. The best options are usually shoes with a leather or suede sole. This will allow you to glide more easily across the floor. Ask your instructor to suggest which dance shoes are best for your class. They likely have a preferred style or brand in mind for you to wear.

Jazz

Another popular genre of modern dance for beginners to study is jazz. This style incorporates elements of both European and African traditions and is a great fit for students who are seeking a high-energy class. Suitable shoes for jazz classes include slip-on options as well as special dance sneakers to properly execute the rigorous choreography.

You must choose the right shoe for your dance class. Every type of dance has a shoe designed to help make the experience the best it can be. Ask your instructor at the Pennsylvania Academy of Dance Arts which shoe is best for your dance class if you aren’t sure where to begin.