Dancer wearing high heel tap shoes demonstrating balance and poise
Tap shoes have been a central theme recently, and today we’re diving into the world of high heel tap shoes. This exploration will cover the unique aspects of high heel tap shoes, the inspiration behind embracing them, key features to consider when choosing a pair, and insights on various brands I’ve personally experienced.
For many years, high heel tap shoes were my constant choice. My passion for them ignited in my teenage years, fueled by what I perceived as a powerful movement of female tap dancers confidently performing in heels. Icons like Dormeshia Sumbry-Edwards, Ayodele Casel, and Lisa LaTouche were incredibly influential.
While women tapping in high heels wasn’t entirely new – think chorus lines and classic Hollywood films – the technical complexity of today’s footwork is far beyond those earlier styles. In films featuring legends like Eleanor Powell or Ginger Rogers, they often weren’t even wearing actual tap shoes, with the tap sounds added in post-production. But dancers like Dormeshia, Ayodele, Lisa, Michelle Dorrance, and Chloe Arnold were performing live in heels, executing intricate footwork without compromise. Their skill wasn’t diminished by heel height; they were dynamic and captivating. Dormeshia even famously performed a series with one high heel tap shoe and one flat, demonstrating incredible versatility and control. Inspired by this unwavering dedication, and true to my all-or-nothing nature, I transitioned to exclusively dancing in heels for several years.
Dance Spirit Magazine published an article in 2010, “Heels vs. Flats,” featuring several female tap dancers who had experience dancing in heels. In it, we discussed our preferred high heel tap shoes and offered advice for those considering making the switch.
Mastering Technique in High Heel Tap Shoes
The fundamental difference with high heels lies in weight distribution. Your weight naturally shifts forward onto the balls of your feet, altering the feel and execution of certain tap steps, requiring slight adjustments.
- Pullbacks: Executing pullbacks in heels necessitates a higher relevé to achieve the same clarity and control.
- Paradiddles: Due to the reduced distance between your toe and heel taps in heels, paradiddles require more compact movements to maintain precision.
The Allure of High Heel Tap Shoes
Why opt for heels in tap dance? The primary reason for many is the elongated leg line they create, enhancing the visual aesthetic of dance movements.
Common heel heights for tap shoes range from 2.25 inches to 3 inches. Personally, I believe the visual extension achieved with a 2.25-inch heel is comparable to a 3-inch heel, with 3 inches often pushing beyond a comfortable range for practical dance. My preferred heel height for tap shoes is generally 2.25 inches.
Transitioning Between Heels and Flat Tap Shoes
My personal preference has shifted away from constant heel wear. Having explored that phase intensely, I now primarily dance in flats, unless a specific performance demands heels. During my weekly performances at the Cotton Club as part of Dormeshia Sumbry-Edwards’ Cotton Club’s Sophisticated Ladies, heels were a regular part of my attire. I am comfortable transitioning between both styles and can readily perform in heels when required.
However, caution is advised when switching between heels and flats within the same performance. Rapid changes can strain your Achilles tendon and potentially lead to injury.
Key Considerations When Choosing High Heel Tap Shoes
- Robust Heel Construction: Prioritize a strong, stable heel that can reliably bear your full body weight without risk of breakage.
- Secure Fit: While strappy, open-toe, or peep-toe designs might be visually appealing, security is paramount. Your foot needs to be firmly anchored within the shoe at all times. Slipping or sliding in high heel tap shoes greatly increases the risk of ankle injuries.
It’s worth revisiting Episodes 018 where I discuss tap dance injuries and preventative measures, as well as Episode 019 and Episode 020 featuring physical therapist and tap dancer Dr. Daria Oller, who provides valuable insights on injury prevention and management.
- Reinforced Straps: Many buckle-strap shoes, including T-straps, incorporate elastic in the buckle attachment. Given the increased stress on these straps in heel tap shoes, I recommend consulting a cobbler to replace standard elastic with a stronger alternative. The strap endures significant pressure to maintain shoe security during heel dancing, so reinforcement is beneficial.
- Bridge Support: Consider adding a bridge, a small triangular metal piece connecting the heel and sole at the angled joint. This reinforcement distributes weight and reduces stress on the heel itself, particularly during steps like reverse cramp rolls (or inverted cramp rolls).
Beyond shoe features, stretching is crucial, especially when dancing in heels. While stretching should be a regular practice for all tap dancers, extra attention to your Achilles tendon, hamstrings, and IT band is essential when wearing high heel tap shoes.
High Heel Tap Shoe Brands and Recommendations
Both Bloch and Capezio offer comparable high heel tap shoe options, including T-strap and ankle-strap buckle styles. I’ve also worn Laduca shoes, which are exceptionally comfortable and flexible.
However, it’s important to note that these are fundamentally character shoes to which taps are added upon request. In my view, they are not primarily designed as dedicated tap shoes.
Roxane Butterfly’s Shoes by Casimiro
Roxane Butterfly’s Shoes by Casimiro stand out with a unique Cuban heel design and mesh detailing around the ankle. They offer a blend of feminine aesthetics and comfort, without compromising movement, and produce excellent sound quality.
Quick Tip: Remember that a cobbler can stretch shoes that feel too tight, offering a solution for fit issues.
Miller & Ben Tap Shoes: T-Step and Broadway Divas
Miller & Ben’s T-Step shoes often required strap elastic replacements due to wear.
In contrast, I highly recommend Miller & Ben’s Broadway Divas. These shoes are remarkably sturdy and supportive. With a 2 ¼ inch heel, they provide a fantastic sound and a solid feel for tap dancing.
For further insights into tap shoes, explore Episodes 023 and Episode 024 featuring Matt from Dancing Fair in Minnesota, a tap shoe expert. We discussed tap shoe customization, materials, and construction. Also, check out Episode 022 for student tap shoe recommendations and Episode 025 for reviews of professional flat tap shoes.
Explore More Tap Shoe Insights
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