Whether you view dance as a sport, art, or both, the fact is that like any sport or art, you need the appropriate equipment/tools in order to do it effectively. Whether that means a hockey helmet or a painter’s brush, without the proper equipment the task can be unsafe or potentially even impossible. Regarding kids’ hip hop classes in Vaughan, you definitely need to come prepared with the right footwear.
So, how do you know which are the right shoes for hip hop dance studios in Toronto? Keep reading to find out!
Why Should I Buy Dedicated Shoes for Hip Hop?
Before we dive into the types of shoes you can get for your child as they head into hip hop dance classes in Etobicoke, let’s first go into a little more depth as to why your child needs shoes with specific qualities for these classes.
While you can technically have your child wear their outdoor sneakers in the dance studio, many studios won’t allow this. Why? Because you’ll also be tracking in a bunch of dirt and grim from the outside world which can make the dance floor dirty or slippery, which in turn can make things less safe for your child when dancing.
Tips for Buying Hip Hop Shoes
Before your child begins hip hop classes in Vaughan, here’s how to figure out which footwear is best.
Athletic Footwear
As you’d imagine, your child will be moving around a lot in these shoes. As such, it makes sense to get athletic footwear. That doesn’t mean just any old pair of sneakers or tennis shoes, however. A lot of pressure in hip hop falls onto the ankles, and in order to ensure that they are supported, you’ll want to get a pair of flexible shoes that provide a good bit of ankle support. While perhaps not as specialized as jazz or ballet shoes, getting athletic footwear that has that ankle support and flexibility makes dancing both easier and safer.
Lightweight
As you’d imagine, dancing involves a lot of movement and running around, not to mention you’ll be on your feet for hours on end, potentially. In other words, you don’t want your child lugging around uncomfortably heavy shoes that weigh them down. It’s especially important in hip hop that can have a lot of upward leg movement and jumps, putting an extra bit of strain on the feet if your child is outfitted in heavy shoes. And the good news is that it’s easy to find the right lightweight sneakers; most have their weight listed in their specs, so just find lightweight shoes that are comfortable for your child and that’s already a good start.
Breathability
Humans sweat. It’s natural and fundamental to our physiology. But we can reduce how much we sweat and the suffocating feeling by wearing breathable material. Especially as dance ramps up and becomes more physically demanding, these breathable materials will be a great help. Not only does it help with things like smell, blisters, and even infections, but it can also help with comfort which in turn can help with confidence. And confidence is huge when it comes to dance, especially hip hop. Having one less thing to worry about (like sweat) helps your kid focus more on the dance itself. Look for shoes with mesh covers or made of canvas materials to get the most breathable shoes.
Arch Support
The constant bouncing and movement on the feet can of course naturally lead to foot pain. But one great way to mitigate the foot pain that can occur as a result of dance is by finding footwear with solid arch support. This can help reduce very painful conditions like plantar fasciitis. This is even more important for kids with flat feet. You should look for shoes with replaceable insoles and swap out the default insole for one that more perfectly matches your child’s arch. In general, for flatter feet, you want less of an arch, and for higher arches, you want higher insoles.
Cushion and Security
As your child bounds up and down during their hip hop routines, they’re going to want shoes that are comfortable and secure. That helps them feel comfortable and confident as they move, as well as keep them safe and comfortable as the dance goes on. Check out shoes that tout their ability to absorb impacts and provide support as key features.
How Much Do Hip Hop Dance Shoes Cost?
As your child bounds up and down during their hip hop routines, they’re going to want shoes that are comfortable and secure. That helps them feel comfortable and confident as they move, as well as keep them safe and comfortable as the dance goes on. Check out shoes that tout their ability to absorb impacts and provide support as key features.
The good news is that you can find discount shoes (with the above-mentioned qualities) for about $40. Of course, you can also find significantly more expensive shoes that cost upwards of $120. It all depends on what you’re willing to spend, what your child wants, the style and brand you’re looking at, etc.
But if you’re on a budget, just know that there are definitely affordable options out there.
Top Hip Hop Classes in Vaughan
Your kid has their shoes and is ready to dance; all you need now is a strong hip hop dance studio in Vaughan and Toronto.
Good news! Performing Dance Arts is renowned for having some of the best dance classes in Toronto for all styles, including hip hop.
Our dance classes in Toronto are designed to help your child do what they love—dance—while improving their skills and learning new moves along the way.
If you’re looking for one of the best dance studios in Ontario, then get in touch with us today! Contact us to register your child or learn more about which style and program fits best. We offer dance classes for all skill levels and ages!
