Shoes

When coming to tap class, any comfortable clothes are appropriate, but tap shoes are necessary. While you can practice in street shoes, it is very important that classes are done in tap shoes so that you can hear the sounds and rhythms clearly. If you need tap shoes, here are a few places you can check out:

• Discount Dance, 2890 LaCienega Blvd, Culver City 90232 310-845-9467
  https://www.discountdance.com/index.php
• The Dance Store, 2509 S Robertson Blvd, LA 90034, 310-271-3664
  https://www.thedancestore.com/
• Danny’s Warehouse, 5701 W Adams Blvd, LA 90016, 323-954-8973
  https://dannysdancerswarehouse.com/
• Shelly's Dancewear, 2089 Westwood Blvd, LA 90025, 800-743-5597
  https://www.shellysdanceandcostume.com/

There are many types of tap shoes available to you. Prices can range from very inexpensive ($20) to VERY expensive ($500+). There are Mary Janes, Oxfords, Character Shoes and Split-Soles Shoes. When you are starting out, you won't need to spend a lot of money on tap shoes, BUT here are a few important tips:

• DO get lace-up shoes (NOT those with a strap or a bow),
• DO get shoes with taps already attached, preferably with screws and not plugs,
• do NOT get split-soled shoes, and
• do NOT get high-heeled shoes (or character shoes) but rather flat heels.

Also, make sure that if you walk heel-toe (as if you were walking down the street), you can hear the toe tap clearly. Sometimes the rubber they attach behind the front tap is so thick that it makes it difficult or impossible to hear it. If you can't hear that toe tap, you will need to have a shoe repair shop sand it down.