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Shopping Hints and Tips:
Shoes for Tribal Dance
There are several different shoe options available to the
tribal dancer. Here is a brief list of the kinds of shoes I have
seen in use by troupes in and around the bay area:
Hand Made Leather Shoes
There is a vendor on the West Coast that frequently carries Bulgarian
folk dancing shoes. She makes an appearance at Rakkasah West
each year, but also goes to other sorts of events. Her shoes,
which many tribal, folkloric and historical style dancers wear
are durable if you take them to a cobbler and have an additional
sole put on them. I've had mine for nearly five years now, and
with care and resoling they still look pretty good. Tip:
I put athletic insoles into my folk dancing shoes to make them
comfortable for a whole day of walking around outside on rough
terrain. If you know someone good with leather, you can have
these made or even make these shoes yourself if you like leatherworking
projects!
Online try: Recycled
Regalia also known as Realm of Regalia
Chinese Shoes
There are many dancers who like to wear those cute little Mary
Jane styled Chinese slippers. They generally are black with a
thin plastic sole. These shoes can be difficult to find in rural
areas, but if there are no stores in the are who specialize in
this type of shoe, look for similar styles in standard shoe stores.
In cities with Chinatowns, you can find them with embroidered
toes, made out of different materials, such as corduroy or velvet,
and in different colors, such as wine, green and blue.
Online Try: Natasha's
Import Boutique
Ghillies
These Celtic dance shoes that lace up the foot can be a very
nice looking alternative for the tribal dancer. These shoes,
which can be bought through specialty Irish or Scottish step
dancing vendors. A less rugged, but still comfortable alternative
is the model made by Capezio and available through dance supply
stores.
Online Try: Discount
Dance Supply
Boots and Sneakers
Although this seems like a rather odd suggestion, the world of
dance shoes has changed a great deal in the last decade and there
are now sneakers and boots made by major manufacturers such as
Capezio and Bloch with dance soles. Boots can look wonderful
under full and fluffy salwar, while sneakers can give a funky
fusion edge and are extremely comfortable to dance in.
Online Try: Capezio Dance
When it comes to shoes, think outside of the box. Wear shoes
that are comfortable for your feet, are easy to turn in, and
don't detract from your costume.
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