 If you have been coming to dance classes for very long, you either own a pair of dance shoes (maybe several) or have seen fellow dancers change their shoes before dancing and wondered if it’s worth it. Here are a few reasons why they are so very much “worth it.” And then a bit of advice for making do if dance shoes just aren’t going to happen for you, for whatever reason.
 1. Flexibility. Your feet really get a workout when you dance and you want your shoes to help, not hinder, their movement. A good dance shoe will not only be durable but will also be light and flexible, allowing your foot to bend the way it’s designed to. A flexible shoe lets you get a full range of motion without fighting with a more structured shoe.
 2. Traction. Most dance shoes have a thin, suede sole that gives you the perfect amount of traction. Rubber soles are too sticky and will slow you down or put torque on your knees (very bad). Alternatively, some hard soles will slide too much making your waltz feel more like ice skating than dancing.
 3. Attachment. Dance shoes attach firmly to your foot. Many slide-on or loafer style shoes have too much play to be good for dancing. If your foot is sliding around inside the shoe, or if the shoe comes away from your foot when you lift it (like with flip flops), you will spend a lot of time and effort keeping your shoes on. The muscles in your feet and legs end up working harder than they should, making all your steps more challenging. All that effort could be better spent getting the hang of that new move. Plus - blisters. Need I say more?
 4. Support. Quality dance shoes also provide support for your foot. Some dance shoes provide a lot, some just a little. It’s really your preference which is right for your feet, but the options are there for you to choose from.
Ok - Dance shoes=good, flip flops=bad (at least for dancing). But good shoes are expensive. Do you really need them to try dancing? Not at all.
Look in your closet and find a pair of shoes that laces  up or buckles securely on your foot. Try to find a pair with a fairly thin, flexible sole: avoid running shoes and hiking boots. Then wear them at your next lesson. See how you like dancing in them. Then decide if they will serve.
 When you’re ready to buy your first (or next) pair of dance shoes, we would be happy to help. There are lots of options including “sneakers,” boots, and sandals.
Here at Sapphire, we have a selection of high-quality shoes for sale. If we don’t have what you are looking for, we can help you find it on-line.
Ultimately, we want you to find the best pair of shoes to fit your style and needs. Schedule some time to talk with an instructor and try on some shoes.
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Well folks, we have another busy month ahead of us. 
Sapphire Ballroom and Dance Center is celebrating its 15th anniversary this summer and we feel the need to celebrate. 
3- What would Sapphire be without it’s wonderful instructors? We are inviting as many former Sapphire instructors as we can get in touch with. Not everyone will be able to come, but a few old friends will there to make the really night special. 
