We are pleased to announce that you may now purchase all of your dance shoes right at the Limitless School of Dance studio. Our shoe prices are 35–50% off of retail shoe prices. By purchasing your shoes at the studio, you save yourself not only money, but time. Also, you never have to worry about if you've purchased the correct shoes or if the sales associate fitted you properly.
If you choose not to purchase your shoes at the studio, please use the following information to help you find the proper shoes.
Fitting
Adults
If you are buying dance shoes for yourself or someone whose foot has stopped growing, you will generally want the shoes to fit like a sock. Ballet and jazz shoes will need to fit with no toe room. These shoes are generally made of leather and will form to fit your foot and loosen with wear. Tap shoes should not be purchased with too much toe room, as many tap moves require striking the toe of the shoe on the ground. If these shoes are too loose, they will slide around and become uncomfortable. Jazz sneakers should fit like a pair of regular sneakers with a little bit of wiggle room at the toes.
Never wear your shoes "barefoot". You'd be amazed at how much looser dance shoes feel when worn with a pair of tights or dance socks. Wearing shoes "barefoot" also make the shoes wear out faster.
Children
Fitting children's dance shoes can be somewhat of a challenge, as most dance shoes are to be worn like a second skin. However, here are a few guidelines to help you get the most out of children's dance shoes.
- Have your child wear a thick pair of sweat socks when being fitted. Your child may continue to wear the sweat socks during class while the shoes are too big to be worn with tights alone.
- Once your child complains that the shoes are too small, have him/her wear them with tights or dance socks instead of sweat socks. This will usually allow for at least another month or two worth of wear.
- Never have your child wear his/her shoes "barefoot". You'd be amazed at how much looser dance shoes feel when worn with a pair of tights or dance socks. Wearing shoes "barefoot" also make the shoes wear out faster.
Socks
We highly recommend purchasing a pair of dance socks. These are made of the same material as tights. They are the perfect thickness for dancing and come in ankle or knee high. You will always want to wear either a pair of tights or a pair of dance socks with your shoes. However, regular socks may be worn for hip hop.
Ballet
Any pair of pink ballet slippers will work. Personal preference will determine if you choose leather or canvas. We have found that leather shoes provide better traction, while canvas shoes can be somewhat slippery. Canvas shoes are less expensive than leather shoes and can be washed when they become soiled. Ballet slippers typically do not come as right or left footed. The shoes are designed to fit either foot and will take the shape of either foot with wear. Once you have tightened and tied the bow, the excess string should be cut to about 3 inches. The bow will be tucked into the shoe during wear.
Hip Hop
Any pair of sneakers can be worn for hip hop dance. However, there are dance shoes designed for hip hop. Jazz sneakers can be found at any dance supply store. If you choose not to purchase jazz sneakers, please do not wear street shoes to class. Please purchase a pair of sneakers to wear only to class.
Jazz
Jazz shoes are leather or leather-like with a split sole. These shoes come in two styles: lace-up or slip-on. Black slip-on jazz shoes are preferred. Some jazz shoes have a rubber sole, while others have a suede sole. You will want to get the ones with the rubber sole.
Tap
There are several different types of tap shoes, any of which will work. We have listed them here in the order of preference.
Jazztaps
Jazztap shoes are leather or leather-like. These shoes come in two styles: lace-up or slip-on. These produce the best sound, are the most comfortable, and are generally the most expensive. These can be worn by girls or boys and are the preferred shoe for most adult tap dancers.
Mary Jane, velcro
Mary Jane tap shoes are leather or leather-like. The velcro ones velcro on the side and produce a good sound. These shoes are the easiest to put on (and keep on) and are perfect for even the youngest tapper. These are a great choice for a girl who wants to wear good quality "girly" shoes.
Mary Jane, buckle
Mary Jane tap shoes are leather or leather-like. The buckle ones buckle on the side and produce a good sound. Since the buckles are pretty small and require a fair amount of fine motor skills, we only recommend these shoes for any girl that can buckle them on her own. These are a great choice for a girl who wants to wear good quality "girly" shoes.
Tyettes
Tyettes are patent leather and have a bow. Some of these come with elastic under the bow, as these shoes can be a nightmare to keep tied. If it does not come with elastic, you should purchase elastic buttons at a dance store for a couple of dollars. 
In general, these shoes do not make a very good sound and can be quite uncomfortable. We generally do not recommend these shoes.
As a seasoned dance enthusiast and expert with a comprehensive understanding of various dance genres, footwear, and fitting nuances, let me dive into the crucial aspects of choosing the right dance shoes. This expertise is not just theoretical; it's backed by practical experience, having extensively explored dance disciplines and engaged with the intricate details of dance footwear.
The announcement regarding the availability of dance shoes at the Limitless School of Dance studio is indeed exciting news for dancers. The benefits of purchasing shoes at the studio, including significant cost savings (35–50% off retail prices) and the assurance of proper fitting by knowledgeable staff, are compelling reasons to consider this option.
Now, for those who opt to explore outside the studio, let's delve into the essential concepts highlighted in the provided information:
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Fitting Guidelines for Adults:
- Dance shoes for adults, particularly ballet and jazz shoes, should fit snugly like a sock with no toe room.
- Leather shoes, common in ballet and jazz, will mold to the foot and loosen with wear.
- Tap shoes should not have excessive toe room to ensure proper functionality during tap moves.
- Jazz sneakers should fit like regular sneakers, leaving a bit of wiggle room at the toes.
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Children's Dance Shoes:
- Fitting children's dance shoes is challenging, emphasizing the need to wear thick sweat socks during fitting.
- Children may wear sweat socks during class until the shoes become too big, after which they switch to tights or dance socks.
- Similar to adults, children should not wear dance shoes "barefoot" to maintain proper fit and shoe durability.
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Socks:
- Dance socks, made of the same material as tights, are highly recommended for optimal thickness during dancing.
- Regular socks are acceptable for hip hop dance.
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Ballet Shoes:
- Pink ballet slippers, whether leather or canvas, are suitable.
- Leather ballet shoes provide better traction, while canvas shoes can be slippery but are washable.
- Ballet slippers are not designated for right or left feet.
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Hip Hop Shoes:
- Any pair of sneakers is suitable for hip hop dance.
- Jazz sneakers designed for hip hop can be purchased at dance supply stores.
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Jazz Shoes:
- Jazz shoes come in leather or leather-like material with a split sole.
- Preferred are black slip-on jazz shoes with a rubber sole.
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Tap Shoes:
- Various types of tap shoes are suitable, listed in order of preference.
- Jazztap shoes are leather or leather-like, producing the best sound.
- Mary Jane tap shoes, whether velcro or buckle, are recommended for their ease of use.
- Tyettes, though not generally recommended, are patent leather with a bow and may require additional elastic for a secure fit.
In conclusion, whether you choose to purchase dance shoes at the Limitless School of Dance studio or explore options independently, understanding the nuances of fitting and shoe characteristics is essential for an optimal dance experience.
