Movin' Easy Dancewear

NEW ballroom shoe styles available @Movin’ Easy, Pics available @Movin’ Easy Dance Blog

NEW Zumba and Dance Sneaker selection @Movin’ Easy, Pics available @Movin’ Easy Dance Blog

Movin’ Easy was in Boulder taking a Zumba class.  Teacher was wearing Bloch Dance Sneakers.  Dance Sneakers are a big seller at Movin’ Easy for all forms of dance, Jazz, Ballroom practice, Hip Hop, Contemporary, Zumba,  Aireal dancing. as well as everyday sports.

The bloch Dance Sneaker is a split sole so it hugs the arch, light weight and snug for versatile movement in any direction including on the toes.  The sole is made to spin and the shoe looks great even after long term wear.

I have worn this style for 10 years as an everyday shoe.  It lasts over a year and looks great the whole time.  And of course the most important is that I am always ready to dance.

Movin’ Easy is here at the Omni Hotel June 4-7 for tango workshops. We are selling Sansha and Bloch sneakers for comfort in the long haul of a four day workshop, all day and dance parties almost all night. We are also selling shoes for Jorge Nel who makes all the Tango conventions with a huge number of shoe styles, colors, and heel heights. Tango shoe buyers are interesting, ladies want high and flashy mostly and lower when their feet get tired.  Dance sneakers are good for guys as long as they have a classy or sporty dance shoe.

Argentine Tango requires fabulous initiative by both men and women to connect totally and to almost attack the space with subtlety and finesse.

Dance shoes made with quality materials and workmanship can last for years.

Heels and soles are replaceable.  Padding can be refurbished without destroying the shoe.

Straps can be repaired and full toes patched.

So if you have a pair of shoes that you love, take them to a reputable repair shop.

In Austin, we suggest Karavel Comfort Center at 5525 Burnet Road, 512-459-7603

Tight clothing is a traditional style for acrobats and gymnasts as well as dancers.  Logically the skin tight garments make movements easier without sticking or catching while performing difficult routines.

For dancers there are two other reasons.  One, tight clothing helps the instructor see how every muscle is working in order to correct the dancer’s moves and to help them complete the look of a long line or a shape.

Second, the tightness of the dancegear gives feedback to the dancer, indicating a pull here and a twist there,  signaling that they are using the correct  muscles.

As far as muscle health goes, a little compression is good and gives a head start on healing muscles that are challenged to the max.  Current fabrics also include spandex to wick the moisture away from the body cooling the outside and keeping the muscle warmth during periods of activity and rest.

Even, when the instructor does not ask to see the contours of the body, most dancers wear a tight layer underneath their loose clothing or under warmers that keep their bodies at a consistent temperature.

by Jo Ann barnes

I’ve been dancing swing for over 20 years in Austin (and around the country). We used to wear skirts, dresses – and very high heels – ‘dress clothing’ and the former dance briefs and dance hose. Then…the shoe manufacturers started making comfortable dance shoes – and the ladies now wear dress slacks – or jeans – and sweaters, glitter tops (longer styles, glitter, sheer). This wear is more comfortable for the ladies – and we can wear lower dance heels. (I do save my high heels for ballroom dancing – with skirts or dress slacks.

Save the Knees with Dance Shoes One of the sure ways to keep the body safe and working to its max is to wear the proper shoes. Yes, good dancing shoes matter for women, children, and for men. A perfectly fit dance shoe will save you much pain and physical surprises throughout your life.

A dance shoe has a special sole and is designed to the shape of your foot so that you can move easily in any direction. Bulky, loose shoes are not only dangerous, they hamper your movements and make learning to dance more difficult.

Unfortunately, discount versions of children’s dance shoes fall into this category of bulky and “hard to dance in” shoes. Children, most of all, are dancing for the pure joy of movement and do not need an uncomfortable shoe that has been fit sitting on the floor at a discount store.

Social and ballroom dancing shoes are critical for teens and adults who want to keep their bodies working well so they can have more fun dancing. Sticking to the floor does not help your dancing. Running shoes and casual shoes with rubber bottoms are notorious for damaging ankles, knees, and hips as the dancer tries to turn and move quickly from one direction to another.  In addition to making turning easier, a dancing shoe is secure on the foot, reinforced for extra support, and balanced to give more security between moves.

A professional fitting at Movin’ Easy DanceWear, whether for a highly technical pointe shoe, a ballroom shoe, or a children’s shoe, involves trying several different shoes. We explore your desired look and what you need with different styles, widths, openings for ankle and toes, types of straps, height of heel, padding, and support. The goal of a well-fit dancing shoe is to make dancing easier and more fun by providing comfort, security, and ease of movement. All of this and they make you look great as a bonus.

Salsa in Style: What to Wear for Salsa Dancing

by Barbara Lucke

Overall, the salsa crowd is a relatively fashion-conscious group. It’s a younger crowd than the ballroom dancers, and has a sexier vibe than the swing and country dancing crowds. Salsa dancers dress in trendy and sexy styles, and their choice of attire depends on the dance environment – that is, the venue and day of the week. While most salseros dress to impress, the crowd is accepting of those who don’t – but you’ll be asked for more dances if you’re looking good! Ladies usually wear short skirts and dresses or form fitting pants or capris when they go out salsa dancing. Sexy tops such as halters, low-cut tops, sheer tops, and midriff-baring tops are common, as well as feminine styles like flowy sleeves and ruffles. For a more casual look, salseras usually wear sexy jeans and a cute cami top or baby T. I would estimate that 40-75% wear dance shoes (depending on the venue), usually 2-3” heels, in a variety of styles and colors. A few women wear jazz slippers or basic black ballroom practice shoes for comfort. Some women wear street shoes, including high-heeled sandals, pumps, and even boots. The men dress fashionably as well, most often sporting trendy jeans and stylish T-shirts. (Note: This is not your gym t-shirt, but something more trendy.) Alternatively, many guys opt for dress slacks and collared shirts. A lot of guys wear trendy belts and shoes for an additional punch of style. I’d say about 30-50% of the men I see out salsa dancing wear dance shoes, usually basic black ballroom shoes, or sometimes black or white jazz slippers. Many men wear street shoes, which are either dress shoes or stylish, low profile sneakers. As I mentioned before, the attire depends on the dance environment. Here’s a quick guide to the salsa environments you’ll find in Austin. Copa Bar & Grill: Salseros usually dress up for this venue, especially on Saturday nights. Studio Socials (Go Dance, Footworks, etc.): Dress up or don’t, whatever you prefer. Studio socials are a more laid-back environment to focus more on your dancing skills and less on impressing others! Dallas Nightclub, Sunday Night Salsa: Dress up or don’t. You may even see some cowboys out there trying to salsa in their cowboy hat and boots. Oasis, Sunday Evenings: Dress light. The dancing is outside and you will be hot! Stiletto heels are a bad idea. They’ll get stuck between the wooden boards that form the dance floor. Speakeasy, Wednesday Nights: Dress up a little. But it is only Wednesday, after all. Salsa Congresses: Dress up, especially on Saturday, but they’re not going to kick you out if you show up looking casual. Everyone’s tired from traveling, workshops, and/or rehearsal. Some final tips regarding what to wear or not wear when you go out to dance salsa: Ladies – Avoid bracelets, dangling jewelry (long necklaces, big earrings), dangling chain belts, and other accessories that will go flying and whip your partner when you spin. Along the same lines, avoid long ponytails that will slap men in their faces. Try a messy bun or putting only half of your hair up instead. And while I encourage you to show some sexy salsa skin, make sure you’re supported and covered where you need it. All that shimmying and shaking can cause some embarrassing moments in the wrong shirt. If you choose to wear a tube top, make sure it will stay up while you dance! Men – Bring an extra shirt with you. Change when your first shirt becomes soaked with sweat. Also avoid wristwatches, which can scrape the ladies’ arms. Experienced salsa dancers: We want to hear from you! What is your favorite outfit to wear out dancing? Describe your favorite pair of salsa shoes or let us know where you buy your social dancing clothes.