I get tons a questions about dance shoes. I have addressed TAP shoes before in my blog and it really comes down to 4 syllables - Miller & Ben -or- for students Bloch. After the “which shoes do I tap in?” questions It stops there for the most part. However, there is more to unveil.

I see all students going from their “dolly dinkle” patten leathers to flat taps. I think this creates a problem with lifting heels when Tapping. Ideally I would like to see students n a small heel until they are about 12 years of age. I do not like to see Tap Dancers in a flat tap shoe until they have a greater understanding of technique. It isn’t until about 13 years of age that i move them to a flat tap shoe. This means the shoe choice actually aids in the learning curve of the dancer/student. I keep them in Blochs until their foot stops it’s quick growth spurts and then move them into a Miller & Ben shoe - Where they Tap happily ever after.

On a different dance shoe note. Remember the shoe is part of the leg line when you dance any style. Don’t forget about your Character shoes when performing a Theatre piece, a stylized jazz dance, or any other dance mood where a heel is more fitting for the performance than a flat shoe. Much to often I see the wrong choice of footwear on dancer’s feet when performing/competing.

Hope this helps - and as always

Tw/uS, A.

When I was I kid I forever wore Capezio. The Last Pair I put on my feet was k360s after T-Dogs. I tore through the seem in 2 1/2 weeks and Capezio said they couldn’t do anything about it. Thanks.For a While I thought my Boots for T-Dogs would be the only thing I could wear. Then I discovered Miller & Ben. The Best Tap shoes I put on my feet since I was just a kid learning how to tap dance and Capezio was the tap shoe king!

Anyway you should check these shoes out. I use the jazz tap master. I have own 3 pairs so far. 10 months, TEN, after I used the shoes for regular class I noticed a small tear near a seam. I told Ben about the rip. He was so sorry - mean while I couldn’t believe how well they stood up to my pounding for so long. He proceeded to give me a new pair of shoes and 5 months later I loved my second pair so much I bought my third pair! If you perform, Teach, or your foot has fully grown get a pair NOW! The first week or so they are tight. That is because the leather is of excellent quality and they stretch out. I notice a small amount of baseball glove oil speeds up the process.

Anyway, It comes down to my Blundstones or my B & Ms. However, if you want shoes for your students and price is an issue ( when isn’t it?) get Bloch techno taps. They last, they have a good all around sole, they sound excellent, and they don’t strip (the screws) as easy as Capezios.

Tw/uS,

Anthony