How Should Irish Dancing Hard Shoes Fit? A Beginner’s Guide
First hard shoes can feel very different from pumps. Learn what a secure fit should feel like, how to check toes and heels, and what should settle with wear.
Stephen Rock |
Advice & Education
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Dance Training Equipment Explained: Choosing Resistance Bands, Balance Tools & Ballet Barres
Wondering which dance training equipment is right for you? Compare resistance bands, balance tools and ballet barres, with practical advice on choosing a useful kit for home or studio practice.
Stephen Rock |
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Irish Dancing Shoes for Beginners: Pumps, Hard Shoes & What to Buy First
First class booked, but unsure which shoes to buy? Get to know Irish dance pumps, boys’ reel shoes and hard shoes, with a simple guide to what you need now...
Stephen Rock |
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What to Wear to Your First Adult Ballet Class
Starting adult ballet? Discover what to wear to your first class, from comfortable leggings and tops to ballet shoes, tights and optional layers, with a simple checklist to help you...
Stephen Rock |
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How to Choose Dance Tights: Footed, Convertible & Footless
Footed tights cover the feet completely. Convertible tights have an opening underneath, so you can switch between covered and bare feet. Footless tights finish at the ankles, leaving the feet...
Stephen Rock |
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DellaLo Milano Leotards: A Dancer’s Guide to Fit, Fabrics & Iconic Styles
Discover what makes DellaLo Milano leotards so distinctive, from their Italian cut and signature tulle to the way lace, lining and girth affect fit. This practical dancer’s guide explains the...
Stephen Rock |
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The Complete Pointe Shoe Guide: Fit, Shanks, Boxes & Vamps
A professional guide to pointe shoe anatomy, fittings, shanks, widths, manufacturer markings, repeat ordering, accessories and care.
Stephen Rock |
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Dance Shoe Soles Explained | Suede, Leather, Rubber & More
Suede, leather, rubber, tap plates, split soles, spin spots and hybrid designs, what actually changes beneath your feet? Our guide explains how dance shoe soles influence grip, glide, turns, flexibility...
Stephen Rock |
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The Ultimate Guide to Choosing Ballet Shoes
Leather or canvas? Full sole or split sole? Snug or with growing room? Discover how to choose ballet shoes that fit correctly and support every stage of a dancer’s journey.
Stephen Rock |
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How Should Irish Dance Pumps Fit? A Sizing Guide
Snug, secure or simply too small? Learn how to check the fit of Irish dance pumps, from measuring both feet to checking toes, heels and arches, with practical advice for...
Stephen Rock |
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How to Tie Irish Dance Pumps: A Step-by-Step Guide
Those little leather loops are easier to understand with a clear guide. Learn how to lace and tie beginner Irish dance pumps, with a colour-coded diagram, original photographs and practical...
Stephen Rock |
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Kinesiology Tape for Dancers: How to Use It & Tape Cuts
Kinesiology tape is a valuable tool for dancers, providing support, pain relief, and faster recovery from injuries without restricting movement. This elastic tape improves circulation, reduces inflammation, and stabilizes joints,...
Stephen Rock |
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How to Break In Pointe Shoes: A Beginner’s Guide
New pointe shoes can feel a little unfamiliar. Explore Niamh O’Flannagain’s exercise notes, with original photographs and practical tips to help you prepare your pair, work gradually in class and...
Niamh O’Flannagain |
