Gear Guide
Shoes
Ballet
Jazz
Lyrical
Modern
Pointe
- Fitting
- Prep
- Styles
Teaching
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| Ghillie |
| This lyrical shoe features a leather upper and a reinforced lacing system. The shoe,
in my opinion, is rather Scottish or Irish in appearance. The Ghillie is one of the most
comfortable lyrical shoes, allowing for easy turns and pivots on the ball of the foot. The
laces can be a pain, because they wrap right around your Achilles, so you have to learn to
tie them at just the right tightness. Otherwise, the ghillie is a great lyrical shoe.
Companies that make the Ghillie:
- Angelo Luzio
- Art Stone
- Capezio
- La Mendola
- Leo's
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| Grecian Sandal |
| The flexibility of a ballet shoe with the lift of a 1" heel. It has a
leather upper and a suede leather sole. While this shoe is often thought of as a teaching
sandal, it's not a bad lyrical shoe. While some people don't like the idea of a heel,
others find it comfortable and easy for quick changes. The leather of this shoe can
stretch, so go for a snug fit when trying it on.
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make the Grecian Sandal:
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| Hermes |
| The Hermes sandal has an all leather upper, a suede sole, and 1/4" heel. The
straps, thong between big toe and second toe, and the leather laces that wrap around the
ankle keep the shoe on. Hermes can be a very uncomfortable shoe because of the laces. It
is not a good idea if you have a quick change of shoe to make. On the other hand, the
Hermes are a very attractive shoe. They look really cool, but they don't necessarily feel
that way. If you do decide to go with the Hermes sandal, I would suggest having rubber
added to the sole. If you plan on wearing them for a while, it will make them last longer.
All you need to do is take them to your local cobbler. Make sure they make the rubber
split sole, so you'll be able to point your toes with ease.
When buying Hermes, it is important that you buy them about 2 sizes smaller than street
shoe. When standing up, it's all right if your foot is not all the way on the shoe. What's
more important is that you're able to point with them on. Make sure you trying pointing
with them on in the store. If the shoe slips of your foot when you point, go smaller. Try
a few frappès to make sure they will stay on. This is the most important factor when
trying on Hermes. Many times my friends have bought the shoes, tried them on in class, and
discovered they would not stay on their feet.
Companies that make Hermes:
- Angelo Luzio
- Art Stone
- Capezio
- La Mendola
- Leo's
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| Pedini |
| Much like the Grecian Sandal, with some variations the Pedini has a 3/4" Cuban
shaped EVA heel. Unlike the Grecian sandal, the pedini has a contoured adjustable T-strap.
It also has an elasticized arch, and a split suede sole. This shoe also doubles as a
teaching shoe and a lyrical shoe. With no ties that cut into the Achilles it is very
comfortable. Changing into them is easy. Like the grecian sandal, this shoe may also
stretch, so make sure it sites a little snug at first. As the shoe stretches out use the
buckle to tighten if necessary. Capezio is the only company that currently makes the
Pedini. Jazz dance sneakers also make a great
teaching shoe! |
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| Sandalsole |
| This sandal has a suede upper with half sole covering the ball of the foot for
protection in turns. The thong shaped upper fits between big toe and second toe. This shoe
is not very durable, for once the thong breaks the shoe is unwearable. Some people find
that the half sole makes turns impossible. Some dancers absolutely love the sandal because
they are the least amount of shoe, which is great for modern, and can be better to turn on
than going barefoot.
Companies that make Sandalsoles:
- Angelo Luzio
- Art Stone
- Bloch
- Capezio
- La Mendola
- Leo's
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