My daughter won free dance lessons at a school raffle. She's so excited to take the Hip Hop class. They suggest Capezio Dansneakers that are $45. They said many kids simply wear black sneakers instead. Any recommendations on where to go or what to buy?
Note: This is for a grade school child with no prior dance experience, so who knows if she'll stick with it beyond this class.
Thanks Mamas!
Don't go too inexpensive. Kids feet need lots of support. If she doesn't want to stay with the lessons she can wear them for other things.
Payless always has a big variety. Good luck!
I've always had good luck with the resale stores. Usually the dance shoes are like new.
Those are the shoes my daughter wears. However, she is in her 6th year and is competitive (she is 8). I really think they are the best. They are like sneakers for the forefoot and the heel, but they have the ability to bend so they can still point their toes. You can go to discountdance.com or other discount dance sites...but beware, the sizes are WAY off. I always go to our local store and just pay the prices...because I want them to fit right.
Walmart has fake chucks hanging on the wall for less than $10. They look cute for hip hop class. Or even better, get the white basic tennis shoes and give her some sharpies. She can draw "graffiti" all over them. That's a great cheap way to get an urban look.
If you have a Once Upon a Child in your area, they have a pretty big selection of dance shoes at them. I bought my daughters at a local dance store used. A lot of dance stores buy them back since little feet grow so fast and then they resell them. You might try that.
I wish we could use regular sneakers, our girls hip hop shoes are $56. The are Revolution split sole shoes.
I would say any shoes from Walmart or Payless will do. If she is not going to do any type of a performance any shoe will do. If it is even just a black shoe she already has.
I hope she likes the class, ours is totally fun. The teacher just finished a Broadway tour with Disney's Shrek, The musical in August. Before that she was in the Broadway tour of High School Musical. She is so much fun and is an awesome teacher.
my first thought was Payless, I know Target and Walmart usually has a pretty good selection (I know they also carry tap and ballet shoes there)
I would let her wear regular sneakers for the first lesson to see if it's something she really likes before buying the shoes. Maybe even check with the dance studio to see if they have a "used shoe" board that you could check for her size. Discountdance.com is a great, reputable online dance wear company to order from. I am a dance teacher, and that is where I get a lot of my dance wear and shoes. Good luck and hope she likes it!
I'd find a pair on eBay or Craigslist. They really do help with the kind of dancing they do, and are super comfortable! If she decides not to continue you can always resell them! I don't like to go cheap with footwear, support and how well they're made really do make a difference. There are other brands too, I have a pair of Leos that I love.
