Footwear

In tango, we do a lot of pivoting and walking on a wood dance floor. All night long tango involves pivots, figure eights, chain steps, swivels, etc.

If you like tango, and wish to stay involved long-term (and in order to make dancing more comfortable), you might want to invest in a pair of ballroom dance shoes. These are specially designed to walk & freely pivot on a wood dance floor. They have either leather or suede soles, and a strap or laces over the top of the ankle to keep the shoe on the foot. Usually a woman’s shoe has a 3 or 4-inch heel, and a man’s shoe has a 1-inch heel. You should avoid wearing flip-flops, slip-ons, platforms, boots, athletic footwear, or soles of synthetic materials like nylon or rubber (since these will grip the floor, and prevent you from pivoting freely). Avoid patent leather, or shoes with protruding welts on their edge. Temporarily, dress shoes with leather soles, or even thick socks, might work. There is a discount store near Eastern & Sunset that seems to have the best prices:

DANCE 4 LESS, DISCOUNT DANCE SHOES & DANCEWEAR
2700 E. Patrick Ln., Las Vegas, NV 89120.

This is at the corner of Patrick Ln. and Harrison, just east of Eastern Ave., and north of Sunset, near a Walmart Super Center. They are open till 6pm, I believe. Phone: (702) 262-7946, and website: www.Dance4Less.Com. If you mention that you study dance at Step By Step Studio @ The Stage in Anthem, you will receive a discount.

STAR COSTUME & THEATRICAL SUPPLY
(they carry “Coast Ballroom Shoes”)
3230 S. Valley View Blvd., Las Vegas, NV 89102.
Phone: (702) 731-5041; and email: StarCostume@Yahoo.Com.

They are open Mon-Sat 10am to 6pm. Spend some time at the store, and make sure the shoes fit properly before purchasing them. Proper footwear will make your dancing much more comfortable!