Q: You're a Dance Boutique so does that mean your prices are more then big box stores or department stores?
A: No. Just because we are a boutique does not mean that we charge you more. In many cases our prices are lower. What you do receive is service and a proper fit not to mention the proper attire as we have many of the local studios dress codes right here at the store to ensure you receive exactly what you need.
Q: Don't they sell dance shoes at Payless, Wal-Mart and the Superstore?
A: They do, well kind of. These stores usually carry a small selection of shoes during the back to school season. These shoes however are usually not made by dance manufactuerers and in many cases have cardboard soles! We however carry a large selection in sizes and widths in stock all year round. Not to mention that we have friendly, knowledgeable staff, who are eager to help you. No running around trying to find some help.
Q: What's the difference between full sole and split sole shoes?
A: A Full sole leather shoe provides the proper support and will push the dancer to work the foot and muscles while building strength through the feet and legs. This will help them achieve the proper technique and muscle memory that is reuqired for more advanced barre and centre work as well as Pointe work.
Split Sole shoes are designed for the more advanced dancer. It allows the dancer to easily point the foot and show off the arch. It also provides a cleaner line for competition or advanced examinations and because the student has a strong foundation will not hinder the strength and technique of the dancer.
Q: Can I wear dance shoes outside?
A: No! The only type of dance shoe that can be worn outside are the dancesneakers which have an outdoor sole. Otherwise all other shoes should only be worn indoors, including tap shoes. Not only is this because of the dance floors that you will find at studio's but it is also for the wear of the shoe.
BALLET
Q: What's the band attached to the bodysuits?
A: You may notice that some of the Mondor bodysuits have an elastic band attached to the tag. This is a waist belt that is used for RAD ballet exams. Mondor is the offical RAD Bodysuit supplier and therefore attaches them to all of their RAD approved bodysuits. If your dancer doesn't need the belt they also make a great headband!
Q: How do I get the black scuff marks off my ballet shoes?
A: For those with leather ballet shoes it is easy to get off the black scuff marks that seem to quickly accumilate on your dancers shoes. By taking any kind of leather scuff remover to the shoe with a cloth, some force and a little scrubbing these marks should come right off. Our favorite product is Goo Gone Cleaner available at hardware stores. For any nicks or spots that just don't want to come off usually taking a cream makeup foundation in the same shade as the shoe makes them look just like new.
Q: When can I go "En Pointe"?
A: There is no magic age when a dancer is ready to go "En Pointe", although it is usually no sooner then age 12 as the body and most importantly the spine is still in it's developmental stage. The decision to go on Pointe is made based on a students skill, strength and knowlegde and should never simply be because a dancer or parent thinks that they are ready. Going on Pointe before a dancer's body and technique is ready can not only be an unpleasent experience but can cause injuries that affect the dancer long term. A teacher will take into consideration a dancers age, bone development, strength, weight, muscle tone, flexibility and length of training when making this decision. A dancer that goes on Pointe at the correct time will lessen the risk of injury and will be able to achieve the correct technique with greater ease and success as well as being able to progress faster.
BALLROOM
Q: What's the difference between dress shoes and ballroom shoes?
A: Although by looks alone Ballroom and Dress shoes look the same there are many differences between the two.
Comfort: Light as a feather ballroom shoes have full shanks
running the length of the shoe, flexible in the ball of the
foot, that equally distributes the dancers weight alleviating
pressure points so you can dance the night away
Suede Soles: A small feature that goes a long way. All
shoes have suede soled bottoms that allows you to have
traction, especially through turns, while still allowing you to
move smoothly across the floor.
Cupped Heels: Look closley at any Ballroom/Latin shoe and
you'll quickly see a similarity, they all have heel cups. This
feature ensures the foot is kept secure no matter what
heel height you're wearing. Making you feel confident and
strong on the dance floor.
Q: How often do my shoes need to be re-sueded?
A: These shoes are handcrafted and of high quality. The suede on these shoes usually outlasts the dancer's love of the shoe. Should you find that perfect pair that you just can't give up shoes can be re-sueded by a shoe maker usually after several years of wear.
Q: How do I clean my shoes?
A: The bottoms of your shoes can be cleaned with either a wire or suede brush. We recommend the wire brushes which are made specifically for these types of soles. Usually your shoes will need to be cleaned after 2-3 classes if you are dancing at a studio. You will usually find they will need to be cleaned after every social event as the floors are dirtier and there is usually food and drinks which can end up on the floor. You will know it's time to clean your shoes when you feel as though the soles are getting "slippery".
Q: Do I need to treat my shoes?
A: The majority of our shoes are full leather and some are satin. These materials have all been pre-treated. Since these are indoor shoes and do not see the elements no additional treatments need to be applied before being worn. You may wish to use polish to clean up your shoes with wear.
Q: How should my shoes fit?
A: Dance shoes are meant to be a perfect fit, much like a second skin. You should fill out the shoe, with all your toes sitting flat right to the end. If you feel as though your toes are being "crunched" or that they are being pushed up you will want to go with a bigger size.
Q: Where should my toes sit in an open toe shoe?
A: An open toe shoe fits much differently then an open toe dress shoe or sandal. In these shoes you want your toes to go right to the end of the shoe, almost as if they are going to hang over the end. There should be no space at the front. One of the reasons for this, especially in Latin, is that when you do toe drags you do not want to catch the front of the shoe.
