YOUR FEET ARE YOUR FOUNDATION

Never feel guilty about investing in high-quality dance shoes. They’re not just footwear - they’re an extension of your whole body, giving you the freedom to move safely, powerfully, and with confidence.

Whether you’re brand new to classes or already a seasoned stage strutter, the right footwear makes all the difference.

At Velvet Burlesque, I teach burlesque, cabaret, and show dance, as well as theatrical movement, which means your shoes need to help you glide, spin, strut, and shimmy all while keeping you stable, confident, and blister-free.

So, what should you wear on your dance journey? Here’s my complete beginner-friendly dance shoe guide.

START WITH A LOW(ER) HEEL, AND BUILD FROM THERE

Your shoes should support your confidence as much as your feet.

Great options for classes include:

• Low-heeled character shoes - a timeless go-to for stage and studio
• Supportive dance-specific sneakers - perfect if you need more cushioning or arch support
• Latin style dance shoes - flexible suede soles, ankle straps, and a choice of heel styles and heights. (I love a standard flared heel, which offers greater stability and balance in lessons.)

• Note: Dance boots can look fantastic, but they do restrict some foot and ankle movement. They can also tempt the wearer to rely on the upper fabric for support rather than building and using their own muscle control (which is very important for all kinds of dance and sports, as well as day-to-day life). As much as I love them (and yes, I own plenty!), I wouldn’t recommend making boots your only pair of dance shoes if you’re just beginning your dance journey.

WHAT TO AVOID (FOR NOW)

• Even if you’re feeling fierce, leave the high stiletto style heels at home unless you're already well-practised in them. They look powerful, but demand serious balance, strength, and foot/ankle training. Trust me - you’ll enjoy dancing far more if you’re not having to clench your toes in terror! (Which, by the way, won’t do your dance alignment any favours either)
• I don‘t allow (solid) platform shoes in my dance classes - you can’t feel the floor in them for (most of) the styles of dance that I teach, and that can kill your connection, control and overall safety.
• Slingbacks are also not a stable enough shoe for dance classes.
• I'd also suggest not buying second-hand shoes from (eg) Vinted/eBay, etc. These are already moulded to the original wearer's foot, and are generally only sold when they start to become unstable/unsuitable for wear. It might look like a bargain, but it’s false economy!

BOSS LADY TIP: TRY BEFORE YOU BUY (AT FIRST)

Your dream shoes might look divine online, but your feet will expose the truth within minutes.

• Try on in person if possible - GOOGLE dancewear shops in your local area
• Or buy from an online retailer with a proper returns policy. (Always carefully check the returns policy for custom-made shoes where you pick your own heel height, etc.)
• If you’re buying from an online retailer, always read the description and size guide carefully. Remember that sizing and fit can vary hugely between different shoe styles – even on the same website.

Once you’ve built up confidence in which shoe styles and heel heights work for you, shopping online becomes much easier (and a lot less risky!). I'm always happy to recommend my favourite websites if you contact me.

CARING FOR YOUR DANCE SHOES:

Once you've invested in them - look after them!

After Class:

• Air them out! Dance shoes get very sweaty (glamour is an illusion!)

• Brush suede soles with a wire-based shoe brush to keep them smooth and grippy.

• Store them with a pouch of baking soda or silica sachets to reduce odours. I also spritz mine with white vinegar after each wear to help reduce smells and bacteria. (Neat Vodka also works well ... on the shoes, not down your gullet!)

Long-Term Shoe TLC:

• Don’t wear dance shoes outside - ever (unless they're specially made for dual use, and with a hard sole)

• Rotate between pairs if possible - let them breathe

• Clean scuffs gently with a damp cloth, and polish leather styles to keep them looking stage-ready.

GOT ANY SHOE-RELATED QUESTIONS? PLEASE DO ASK ME!

Every foot is different, and so is every dancer. I’m always happy to advise in class if you’re unsure what to buy, or if you’ve had a shoe disaster and need a plan B.

And one final note: if you’ve bought a pair you can’t return, you’re always welcome to try reselling dance shoes in class. It keeps them in the community and might just help another dancer find their perfect fit.

READY TO START YOUR DANCE JOURNEY?

Join us at The Velvet Burlesque! Whether you’re looking for classes, workshops, or show-stopping stage performances, your next adventure begins here:

• DANCE CLASSES
• DANCE WORKSHOPS
• SHOWS & EVENTS

📢 CALLING DANCE SHOE BRANDS: COLLABORATE WITH VELVET BURLESQUE TO PUT YOUR FOOTWEAR IN THE SPOTLIGHT!

Are you a dance shoe brand or retailer looking to reach dancers who want confidence, safety, and style from their footwear?

At The Velvet Burlesque, I teach and perform to thousands of students and audiences across the UK (and beyond) every year. By collaborating, we can help dancers find their perfect fit in high-quality, supportive dance shoes, while giving your brand standout visibility across classes, workshops, shows, and social media.

Let’s work together to put your shoes in the spotlight!

• GET IN TOUCH

Boss Lady - Lara Gothique

Founder, Curator, Choreographer, Performer, Swamp-Witch, and Slightly Feral Producer of The Velvet Burlesque™

© Lara Gothique - Velvet Burlesque™
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