Choosing the Right Tap Shoes for a Young Dancer: A Guide to Bloch Ladies Economy Jazz and Sync Tap Leather Shoes

First off, it's wonderful to hear that you're starting tap dance at the age of 16. If you haven't seen Bloch shoes in person yet, the 'Sync' shoes do indeed seem to be more formidable and appear quite good. However, if you can try them on, always go for the best feel. This is crucial for your comfort and performance during dance practice and performances.

Starting tap dance can be an exciting journey, and choosing the right shoes is a crucial step in that process. In this guide, we’ll explore the differences between Bloch’s Economy Jazz Tap Shoes and Sync Tap Leather Shoes, and help you make an informed decision on which ones might suit you best.

Understanding the Differences Between Bloch’s Economy Jazz Tap Shoes and Sync Tap Leather Shoes

When it comes to choosing tap shoes, it’s essential to understand the nuances between different types of shoes. Bloch offers two popular styles for their ladies tap shoes: Economy Jazz and Sync Tap Leather. While both are high-quality options, they serve different purposes and cater to different dancers.

Economy Jazz Tap Shoes are designed with a focus on cost-effectiveness while maintaining the necessary quality for tap dancing. These shoes are made with a blend of materials that can handle the rigors of dance practices and performances, but they may not be as sturdy or durable as the Sync Tap Leather shoes. They are perfect for beginners looking to try tap dance without a significant investment.

Sync Tap Leather Shoes, on the other hand, are sturdier and more durable. They are made with premium leather, which provides a more rigid soles and a better grip, making them ideal for advanced dancers or those who perform regularly. These shoes are designed to last longer and handle the demands of more complex tap dance routines.

The Most Important Things to Consider When Choosing Tap Shoes

While the sound is undoubtedly the most crucial aspect of tap dance, there are a few other factors to consider when choosing your tap shoes. Here are some key points to keep in mind:

The Sound

The sound that your tap shoes produce is the hallmark of good tap dance. If your shoes don’t sound right, nothing else matters. Every tap dancer knows that a crisp, clear sound is essential for a performance. Make sure your shoes have proper taps that are securely fastened and aligned.

Comfort and Fit

More than just sound, the fit and comfort of your shoes are paramount. Yes, the sound is crucial, but you need to be able to dance in your shoes, not just stand in them while you tap. Ensure that the shoes fit snugly but not too tightly, and that you can move easily without feeling any discomfort.

Durability and Material

As you progress in your tap dance journey, you’ll need shoes that can handle the rigors of more challenging routines and frequent use. Premium materials like leather in Bloch’s Sync Tap Leather shoes provide better durability and longevity, making them a wise investment for dedicated tap dancers.

Additional Tips for Young Tap Dancers

Here are some additional tips to help you not only pick the right shoes but also enhance your tap dance journey:

Staying on Your Toes and Keeping Your Knees Bent

Always keep your feet pointed and your knees bent. This stance allows you to maintain balance and control, which are essential for executing advanced tap steps. Staying on your toes also helps to minimize the impact on your feet during jumps and other movement.

Executing Advanced Steps

For hard steps where you are leaving the ground, such as pull back, wings foot, and jumps, push off on the way up and land softly on the way down. This technique ensures that you maintain control and reduce strain on your feet and legs.

Every Day Counts

Remember that every day that you tap dance is another day you can tap dance. Tap dance is a skill that improves with practice. Even when you’re not in a practice setting, you can incorporate tap dance into your daily routines. Whether you’re waiting for transportation, standing in line, or going through the supermarket, use these moments to practice small steps and patterns.

A Personal Tap Dance Journey

I started tap dancing in the ‘50s, around first grade. Over the years, I’ve been in some shows and taught some classes, but it was not my main profession. However, I always tapped! Whether I was waiting for transportation, standing in line, or going through the supermarket, those moments were also good opportunities for dancing. Tap dance, after all, can be practiced anywhere, anytime.

Trivia: Did you know that I was in a show with Jason Samuels Smith when he was your age? A few years before that, I had even taken some jazz classes from his mother to brush up for an audition. This just shows how tap dancing has evolved and how it continues to impact generations of dancers.

Good luck with your tap dancing journey! I hope you enjoy it as much as I always have.