Tap dancing is a rhythmic and visually captivating art form, and at the heart of every tap dancer’s journey are their Tap Dancing Shoes. As a content creator at ten-dance.com, I’ve explored various facets of dance, but today, let’s delve into a specific and often debated topic: high heel tap shoes versus flat tap shoes. This discussion is inspired by the experiences and insights of seasoned tap dancers, aiming to guide you in making informed choices about your footwear.
For years, the world of tap dance has seen a dynamic evolution, particularly in women’s tap dance styles. Influenced by groundbreaking artists like Dormeshia Sumbry-Edwards, Ayodele Casel, and Lisa LaTouche, a powerful movement emerged, showcasing the strength and technical prowess of female tap dancers in high heels. This wasn’t just about novelty; it was about pushing boundaries and challenging conventions. While high heels in tap weren’t entirely new – think of chorus lines and classic Hollywood films – the level of technical skill and complexity being executed in heels by these contemporary dancers was revolutionary. Figures like Eleanor Powell and Ginger Rogers, icons of Hollywood tap, often had their tap sounds dubbed and didn’t consistently perform in actual tap shoes. In contrast, these modern innovators were performing live, in heels, with uncompromised and incredibly intricate footwork. The sheer audacity, like Dormeshia’s performances in one heel and one flat tap shoe, was immensely inspiring. This fearless approach resonated deeply with many, including myself, leading to a period where high heels became the dominant choice for many tap dancers seeking to emulate this powerful aesthetic.
Comparison of high heel tap shoes and flat tap shoes for dancers
Technique Adjustments for Heel Tap Shoes
Dancing in high heel tap shoes introduces distinct technical nuances compared to flat tap shoes. The primary difference lies in weight distribution. In heels, your weight naturally shifts forward onto the balls of your feet. This altered balance impacts how certain tap steps are executed and requires specific adjustments to maintain clarity and precision.
- Pullbacks: Executing pullbacks in heels demands a higher relevé. This increased elevation is necessary to compensate for the angle of the heel and ensure a clean, sharp sound from the heel tap. The mechanics change slightly as you need to engage your calf muscles more to achieve the same lift and snap as you would in flats.
- Paradiddles: Paradiddles, with their alternating toe and heel sounds, require a more compact movement in heels. The distance between your toe tap and heel tap is inherently reduced due to the elevated heel. Therefore, to maintain the rhythmic integrity and clarity of paradiddles, dancers must refine their movements to be smaller and more controlled. This adjustment ensures that each tap sound remains distinct and doesn’t become muddy or rushed.
These technical adaptations are crucial for dancers transitioning to or regularly performing in high heel tap shoes. Understanding and practicing these adjustments allows dancers to maintain their technical proficiency and explore the unique stylistic possibilities that heel tap shoes offer.
The Allure of Heels: Why Choose High Heel Tap Shoes?
The choice to wear high heel tap shoes often stems from a desire to enhance the visual line and aesthetic of tap dance. One of the most cited reasons is the elongated leg line that heels create. This visual effect can contribute to a more elegant and extended appearance, which is particularly favored in certain performance styles and by dancers aiming for a sophisticated look.
Heel heights in tap shoes typically range from 2.25 inches to 3 inches. Interestingly, the visual difference between a 2.25-inch heel and a 3-inch heel might be negligible in terms of leg line extension. Many dancers find that the 2.25-inch heel provides a significant aesthetic lift while remaining within a comfortable and manageable range for intricate footwork. Pushing beyond this to a 3-inch heel can sometimes introduce unnecessary challenges to balance and control without a proportionally significant visual benefit. Personal comfort and stability should always be prioritized, ensuring that the heel height enhances, rather than hinders, your performance.
Navigating the Switch: Heels to Flats and Back
Many tap dancers, including experienced performers, transition between high heel and flat tap shoes depending on the performance context or personal preference. While versatility is advantageous, switching between shoe types, especially within the same performance or rehearsal period, requires caution.
A critical consideration when alternating between heels and flats is the potential strain on the Achilles tendon. The angle of the foot in high heels shortens the Achilles tendon, and abruptly switching to flat shoes can suddenly lengthen it, creating stress and increasing the risk of injury. This is particularly relevant in situations like stage performances where quick changes might be necessary. Proper warm-up and cool-down routines, focusing on stretching the Achilles tendon, hamstrings, and IT band, are crucial for mitigating this risk, especially for dancers who frequently alternate between heel and flat tap shoes. Listening to your body and allowing adequate adjustment time when switching shoe types is essential for injury prevention.
Key Features to Look for in High Heel Tap Shoes
When selecting high heel tap shoes, several factors are paramount to ensure both performance quality and safety. The construction and design elements of the shoe directly impact a dancer’s stability, comfort, and the longevity of the footwear.
- Robust Heel Construction: The heel’s strength is non-negotiable. It must be capable of withstanding the dancer’s full body weight without any risk of breaking or wobbling. A sturdy, well-constructed heel provides the necessary support and confidence, particularly during weight-bearing steps and complex movements.
- Secure Fit: A secure shoe is essential for preventing injuries. While strappy, open-toe, or peep-toe designs might be aesthetically appealing, they often compromise security. A shoe that firmly encases the foot and ankle is crucial. Slipping or sliding within a high heel tap shoe can easily lead to ankle rolls or other injuries. Shoes with secure straps or closed designs are generally recommended to maintain foot stability.
- Reinforced Straps: Many buckle-style straps, especially T-straps, incorporate elastic for flexibility. However, the standard elastic is often insufficient for the demands of high heel tap dancing. The constant stress and resistance against the strap can cause it to stretch and weaken over time. It is advisable to take new high heel tap shoes to a cobbler and replace the factory-standard elastic with a stronger, more durable elastic. This reinforcement significantly enhances the shoe’s security and longevity.
- Bridge Support: A bridge, a small triangular metal piece connecting the heel to the sole at the shoe’s angle, is a valuable addition. This feature reinforces the heel structure, distributing stress and reducing the load directly on the heel itself. The bridge is particularly beneficial during steps like reverse cramp rolls (or inverted cramp rolls), where significant weight and pressure are placed on the heel. Adding a bridge can significantly extend the lifespan of high heel tap shoes and enhance their stability.
Prioritizing these features ensures that your high heel tap shoes are not only stylish but also functional, safe, and supportive, allowing you to dance with confidence and minimize the risk of injury. Remember to also incorporate regular stretching routines, focusing on the Achilles tendon, hamstrings, and IT band, to further support your body when dancing in heels.
High Heel Tap Shoe Brands: Personal Experiences
Exploring different brands of high heel tap shoes is crucial to finding the best fit and performance. Based on personal experience and industry insights, here are some notable brands and observations:
- Bloch and Capezio: Both Bloch and Capezio offer heel tap shoes that are often considered comparable. They provide T-strap and ankle strap styles, functioning primarily as character shoes with optional taps. While visually appealing, they may not be specifically engineered as dedicated tap shoes, potentially lacking some of the specialized features found in brands focused solely on tap footwear.
- Laduca: Laduca heels are renowned for their exceptional comfort, often described as feeling like “butter.” They are character shoes that can be fitted with taps. However, similar to Bloch and Capezio, they are character shoes first and foremost, and might not offer the same level of tap-specific design and durability as specialized tap shoe brands.
- Roxane Butterfly’s Shoes by Casimiro: This brand stands out with a unique design featuring a Cuban heel and mesh detailing around the ankle. These shoes are praised for their blend of femininity, comfort, and performance. The design is noted for being non-restrictive, and the sound quality is excellent. Roxane Butterfly’s collaboration with Casimiro has resulted in a tap shoe that is both aesthetically pleasing and functionally superior.
- Miller & Ben Tap Shoes: Miller & Ben offers models like the “T-Step” and “Broadway Divas.” The “T-Step” is noted for sometimes requiring frequent elastic replacements on the straps, suggesting a potential point of wear and tear. In contrast, the “Broadway Divas” are highly favored for their sturdiness and firm construction. With a 2 ¼ inch heel, the “Broadway Divas” provide a robust feel and are appreciated for their sound quality, making them a reliable choice for serious tap dancers.
When considering tap dancing shoes, remember that fit is paramount. If shoes feel too tight, a cobbler can often stretch them to provide a more comfortable and customized fit, extending the usability and comfort of your tap shoes.
Choosing between high heel and flat tap shoes is a personal decision influenced by style preferences, technical needs, and comfort. Both styles offer unique advantages and contribute differently to the art of tap dance. Understanding the technical adjustments, safety considerations, and brand nuances can empower dancers to make informed choices that enhance their performance and enjoyment of tap dancing.
