Are Chuck Taylor’s Good Dancing Shoes?

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Charles Hollis “Chuck” Taylor was an American basketball player and shoe salesman. He is best known for the best selling basketball shoe in history, the Chuck Taylor All-Star sneaker. The Chuck Taylor shoe has also made its place in the world of dance as well. Whether they are safe and foot friendly is something worth exploring.

Feet can take a beating during dance with quick movements and hard landings. They are the foundation needed get the body where it needs to go and need to be properly supported or feet may give up before the music is over. For a style such as swing dancing, high heels have no place. Dancers need comfortable shoes with some sliding capabilities and Chuck Taylor’s are a great sneaker that do the job well. They have a snug fit to the foot and the right amount of tread to allow feet to move across the floor smoothly. They have a flat rubber sole that can help a dancer to remain balanced in the feet.

A couple negatives to note about Chuck Taylor’s is that they do not provide a great amount of support and feet and arches can feel strained if worn for long periods of time. They are also typically made of canvas, which does not wick moisture and tend to keep foot odor locked in.

Listen to your feet as well as the music while you dance. If wearing Chuck Taylor’s cause foot pain, ditch them and make an appointment with Dr. Tina Boucher, a foot specialist in Meriden, CT. She can diagnose your foot pain and offer appropriate treatment options. Call our podiatric office at (203) 238-3668 or visit us online at www.centralctfootcare.com.

Related articles

• ABC-Mart x CONVERSE Chuck Taylor All Star
• KICKS/HI x CONVERSE First String Chuck Taylor Premium High - Tiger Camo II
• Firmament Camo Chuck Taylors

Guide to Ballroom Dancing – Just in Time for the Holidays

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Do you find yourself daydreaming while watching shows like Dancing With The Stars, wishing you were the one twirling around? With the holidays around the corner and many parties to attend, it is never too late to get into ballroom dancing.

A Little History Lesson

All ballroom dances are performed partner style and each have their own steps, music and flavor. Here are a few styles that if learned would give a great basic foundation for being a ballroom dancer:

Waltz
This dance originates from the 1800’s. It began as a very “provocative” dance as it wasn’t customary for men and women to dance so close together. It is a beautifully elegant style with smooth, flowing movements.

Tango
The Tango has African, Indian and Latin influences and is set apart from other styles with its big dramatic movements.

Cha Cha
Introduced into the United States in 1954, the Cha Cha has its roots in the ritual dances of the West Indies. It is one of the most popular of the Latin dances and can be difficult as one needs to understand the musical timing to dance it properly.

Fox Trot
This style of dance made its appearance in 1913 and has been one of the most popular dances of the 20th century. It is composed of basic movements that are elegant and classy. It brings back the memories of such dance giants such as Gene Kelly and Fred Astaire.

Ballroom dance can take some hard work but it is fun and great activity to do with your spouse, friends and even kids! It takes a lot of practice so wear the right footwear. Be sure to see Dr. Tina Boucher, a foot specialist with a passion for her dance patients, if you have any foot pain. Call our podiatric office at (203) 238-3668 or visit us at www.centralctfootcare.com.

Related articles

• Metropolitan Ballroom Brings the Finest Ballroom Dancing to Charlotte, NC - 4 Major Events including a Celebrity Packed "Dancing with the Stars" Concept Fundraiser
• Ballroom Dancing
• Local fifth graders take lessons in ballroom dancing