Bloch Tap

Choosing Tap Shoes

There are loads of different tap shoes available in different colours, styles and fabrics. They're characterised by metal plates attached the sole and heel of the shoe called "taps". These are what make that unmistakable tapping sound when the tap dancer performs. This article gives you a few good tips to choose the best tap shoes for you.

Toe Taps and Heel Taps
The rhythmic tapping sound that epitomises tap dancing is made by the taps which are attached to the soles of the shoe. The most popular type of taps are Teletone taps. These are attached to the shoe with screws and have a sounding board which means the taps can be adjusted in order to tweak the sound that the tap shoe makes. This is particularly important for experienced dancers who want to make sure that the tapping sound they make is appropriate for the dance they are performing. While you can ask a local cobbler to fit these, it will take just a few minutes to attach them yourself with a screwdriver.

If you're just starting out then you may choose to purchase a pair of cheap tap shoes with taps which are pre-attached using rivets. Whilst rivets are not quite as strong as screws, they offer a cheaper alternative for beginners who are just starting out and not sure whether they are going to enjoy tap dancing. Unlike Teletone taps, you will need a cobbler to fit riveted taps if they are not already attached.

The Sole of Your Tap Shoe
The soles of your tap shoes need to offer plenty of support throughout your performance and should therefore be relatively firm. If you're just starting out then it is recommended to learn in a pair of shoes with either a low heel, Cuban heel or even with no heel at all as this makes learning to tap dance easier and much more enjoyable. Once you become more experienced, you may then try performing in a pair of heeled shoes.

Just like ballet shoes, a tap shoe may also have a split sole or a full sole. A full sole covers the whole of the foot from the toe to the heel, whereas a split sole has a break in the middle. This allows for added flexibility of the dancer's foot which is often a useful feature for more experienced dancers.

The Heel
When it comes to the heel of your shoe, a solid heel will produce a nicer quality sound than a hollow heel. Solid heels also enable the tap to achieve a much stronger hold to the shoe which means it will stay in place for longer and is less likely to become dislodged as can sometimes happen with hollow heels.

Where to Buy
The internet provides a huge choice of specialist dancewear retailers where you will find a whole range of tap shoes. It's advisable to buy from a reputable brand such as Leo's Dancewear, Bloch or Capezio. These organisations have years of experience in manufacturing tap shoes for dancers of all abilities. When choosing where to purchase, make sure you check the Terms and Conditions to make sure you get the best service possible!

About the Author

Dance Gear Direct are experts in providing dance wear with over 30 years experience. For more information about our extensive range of tap shoes please visit our website http://www.dancegeardirect.co.uk.

I need help with a move in tap dancing!?

So i am in an advanced class in tap dancing now, this will be the second year in the class and the third tap dancing and i am having trouble going directly onto my toes. I have bloch tie up tap shoes if that effects anything. For the recital dance it is imperative that i can finally nail this move so are there any tips that can help me?

Practice one foot at a time (i.e. put the toe of one shoe on the ground and practice pushing off of the other foot to get used to the feel of it). When you're ready for both feet, practice using a ballet barre or a sturdy chair. Bend your knees and sort of "pop" your heels forward. Your feet should be directly below you, and knees should remain slightly bent.

I have Bloch taps too, and I used to have some Capezios. I found the Capezios easier to do toe stands in, because my Blochs are stiffer, but you just have to get used to the stiffness and attempt to break the shoes in more.

Bloch Tap flex tap shoe review

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