Re: [Callers] Shoes

If your ankles are the least bit liable to "turn" if you wear what costumers call "character shoes" -- a classic woman's dance shoe which has 2" or 2.5" heels that taper considerably toward the bottom -- then you might want to look for a character shoe with what is called a "Cuban" heel. They resemble tap shoe heels in that they are "squared off" and do not taper. I wear a Capezio style (now discontinued, alas) with a 1" Cuban heel, which I actually find less fatiguing than flats, and which gives terrific support. They have a strap which fastens to a buckle which is on a fold of elastic, which allows for a certain amount of "give." They are lightweight, but sturdy. If there's a dance supply store in your area, you should consider getting properly fitted for your first pair -- many dance shoes run a size or half a size smaller than "street" shoes. A store which also sells pointe shoes usually has expert fitters, carries more than one brand, and also has a range of useful accoutrements -- moleskin, etc. But once you've found a style and size that work for you, look online to get replacement pairs. Discountdance.com, for instance, usually runs about 25% less, although there's the shipping charge. If, like me, you wear orthotics, then it's crucial to make sure that the shoes accommodate the orthotics comfortably, and that the heel is not so high that it compromises the insert. If (like an acquaintance of mine at Glen Echo) you absotively posolutely insist on dancing contra and waltz in 2" heels and you wear orthotics, ask your podiatrist to fit a custom pair of orthotics which will accommodate the "lift" at the heel. Your insurance probably won't cover it, but they can be ordered that way. (Your podiatrist will have a thing or three to say about that, mind you.) The leather soles on my Capezios give me just enough spin for the floor at Glen Echo. I wear them only for dance, and I check the soles carefully and remove any build-up of floor product residue. I have two pair (one black, one taupe), which I try to use alternately. I have tried a wide range of other dance shoes (split-sole dance/jazz sneakers, leather jazz shoes, etc.) but I always come back to the Cuban-heel character shoes. April Blum **************Gas prices getting you down? Search AOL Autos for fuel-efficient used cars. (http://autos.aol.com/used?ncid=aolaut00050000000007)