Flamenco Shoes

Today, flamenco music and dance is being performed and recognised as a professional art form, all over the world. This has actually been the case since the early nineteen hundreds. Since then, it has been developed and diversified, but has never lost that 'thing' which makes it "flamenco".

A particular style of flamenco shoes, as with ballet or tap, are worn by the dancers. This is true of the women 'bailaoras', the correct footwear for male dancers, 'bailaores', in a good strong boot! "El baile flamenco" is a passionate and energetic form of dance, and the artists spend many years learning the techniques. The tapping and stamping to a rhythm, known as the 'palo', is an essential part to the performance, and the music. The feet create the percussion, and usually the movements are without formal choreography, pure improvisation and expression. The dancer leads the music, and does not follow it. This is why the heel and toe of a flamenco shoe have nails in them. Not dissimilar to a high heeled Jazz shoe.

Flamenco can take years to understand, and perform. If you are just starting out, the shoes may not be essential immediately. Generally, a good sturdy shoe, with a medium sized heel, is sufficient. Just to get you started! However, eventually, a dancer will need to have the proper shoes, vital for perfecting the rhythmic tapping movements of the foot. The shoe is simple in style, with a single strap, or buckle, and the colours are usually limited, black and red. Some of the more extravagant designs for the stage may have lace up ties instead. These are not considered the best selection off stage. Heels are no more than a couple of inches high, and the necessity for them to be strong is paramount. For the dedicated dancer, their shoes are their greatest asset. Not only do they help develop technique, they also save the feet from all the perils attached to constant tapping and stamping!

One of the first questions, most new students will ask, is, "which shoes sound the best?" How the flamenco shoes sound will depend greatly on the surface you dance on. Any good flamenco shoe will produce a great sound. Whether they are made of leather or suede, will make no difference either. There are many manufacturers making shoes for the amateur and semi professional dancers. Naturally, they are produced in Spain, but they are manufactured in America too. Whichever you prefer, it is important to weigh up the pro's and con's for each style. Material, Leather or synthetic? Design, Buckle or strap? Be realistic when choosing the right heel for you. Plus, remember they will take some time to break in. If you do order from Europe, make sure you familiarise yourself with the Euro sizes. Break a leg!