Sole Jazz Shoe
Posted in Dance Wear on 12/29/2008 06:32 am by admin
Sole Jazz Shoe
What are Jazz Shoes?
For any jazz dancer, wearing a comfortable pair of jazz shoes that enables them to give their best possible performance is very important. However, before we can fully explore what a jazz shoe is, we must first take a look at the art of jazz dancing itself.
Jazz dancing is a very high energy dance with a very unique style. Its roots can be found in the dancing of African slaves in the 1800s who danced on the ships for exercise when travelling to America. These new styles of dance continued to evolve and merge with other styles throughout the Twentieth Century. For example, the first recognised jazz dancer Joe Frisco wore leather shoes with a short heel so he could incorporate shuffles and camel walks into his act. Later, Vaudeville performers developed shoes with taps attached to the soles. Some dancers were even known to put ball bearings in the platfords of their shoes so they cold turn quickly while performing backbends.
By the 1920s, new styles of dance such as the Boogie Woogie, Charleston and Jitterbug were becoming increasingly popular. These styles meant that dancing was no longer just for professionals, but took place in more casual settings so those taking part didn't always wear traditional jazz shoes. Over time, the use of the innovative and elaborate shoes of the Vaudeville era diminished.
Over the years, jazz dancing continued to develop and eventually made its way to Broadway via iconic directors such as Bob Fosse. Fosse's choreography incorporated inward turned knees, hunched shoulders and burlesque-inspired movement. These movements have since developed into Contemporary Jazz Dancing which range from upbeat movements to those of a more balletic style.
Jazz shoes are designed specifically for the type of movements found in contemporary jazz dancing. They're available in many fabrics such as PVC and canvas though leather is by far the most popular. This is because it is lightweight, highly flexible and breathable. This allows the dancer maximum flexibility of the foot – critical for a highly polished performance of jazz dance. Each pair of jazz shoes also has excellent traction to allow for good control whilst dancing.
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 jazz shoes please visit our website www.dancegeardirect.co.uk.
Are Pedini dance shoes the same as split-sole jazz sandals?
Sandals are slip ons with stretch or strip on top and a strip on bottom. Grecians are strips on top and bottom. Pedinis are more like Grecians than sandals. However all of these are used pretty much interchangeably.
Leo's Contour Slip-On Jazz Shoe - LEO7146/LEO7148
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 EUC Childs Bloch Black Jazz Shoes – Size 13  US $4.99
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 EUC Childs Bloch Nude Tan Jazz Shoes – Size 4 – Girl Boy US $4.99
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 EUC Childs Leo’s Black Jazz Shoes – Size 5 US $4.99
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 NEW Dance Now Jazz Shoes Split Sole NIB size 55 Black US $18.99
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 So Danca Brazilian Jazz Dancing Shoes Black Childrens Size 12S NIOP US $9.99
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 BLACK CAPEZIO SPLIT SOLE JAZZ SHOES SZ 5 1 2 M MUST SEE US $9.99
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 NIB Capezio BR 550X Tan Dance Shoe 135 M US $5.99
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 NIB Capezio BR 550X Tan Dance Shoe 13 M US $5.99
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 Ladies Girls Size 45 Jazz Hip Hop shoes US $5.99
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 LaDuca Dance Shoes Teresa US $200.00
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 Theatricals Adult Jazz Bootie Shoe Tan Sz 115 NIB US $18.99
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 Theatricals Split Sole Jazz Shoe Tan Sz 35 NIB US $18.99
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 Theatricals Split Sole Jazz Shoe White Sz 5 NIB US $18.99
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 UNISEX BALLET JAZZ ACRO DANCE SHOES BLACK NIB US $9.99
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 LEOS GIORDANO JAZZ TAP DANCE SHOE 5028 BLACK 105W US $24.99
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 REVOLUTION HIP HOP JAZZ LEATHER SPLIT SOLE DANCE SHOES US $6.99
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 $39 NEW CAPEZIO Pro Split Sole Leather Jazz Shoes 7W US $10.00
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 $39 NEW CAPEZIO Pro Split Sole Leather Jazz Shoes 6M US $10.00
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 $39 NEW CAPEZIO Pro Split Sole Leather Jazz Shoes 65M US $10.00
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Lace Up Split Sole Jazz Shoes Womens Full Grain Leather. Split Sole Jazz Shoes. Excellent split-sole design for maximum flexibility. Butter-soft Full Grain Leather upper. Inner sock lining provides comfort. Fit instructions: Manuf. suggests Girls and Women order 1/2 size larger than regular street shoe size. Men order 2 full sizes larger than regular street shoe size.... |
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Capezio Women's Split-Sole Jazz Shoe $45.95 "Dance Now's" split-sole leather jazz shoe was constructed on a foot forming, exclusive last for premium fit and comfort. The toe shape allows the toes to spread in the demi-pointe position and features strong upper leather. ... |
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Lace Up Split Sole Jazz Shoes Girls Full Grain Leather. Split Sole Jazz Shoes. Excellent split-sole design for maximum flexibility. Butter-soft Full Grain Leather upper. Inner sock lining provides comfort. Fit instructions: Manuf. suggests Girls and Women order 1/2 size larger than regular street shoe size. Men order 2 full sizes larger than regular street shoe size.... |
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Capezio Kids' CG05C Split Sole Gore Boot $49.95 Best seller Slip-on split sole Improved upper constructed of top quality supple leather Stronger, cleaner, folded edges Patented PowerPointee Construction removes excess material from the arch Strong, responsive neoprene wraps completely under the arch for total stretch Smaller EVA forefoot patch for traction where needed Injected PVC heel for improved stability and shock absorption Raked heel bre... |
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Leo's Unisex 7036 Protege Split Sole Jazz Boot Get started off on the right foot with the Protégé jazz shoe from Leo's. The supple leather shoe has a lace-up front for a custom fit, a lightly padded footbed for comfort, and a split sole with texture that adds flexibility and traction.... |
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CHUKKA SHOE $54.97 *TIMBERLAND *Lace front closure *Low cut Chukka shoe *Screenprint logo on tongue *Rubber ridgid sole |
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PADMORE SHOE $74.99 *CLARKS *Lace front closure *Mid top shoe *Suede material *Rubber sole detail |
