All about modern footwear

If it's your first time taking modern, contemporary, or lyrical dance, you may not know what kind of footwear to choose.  In general, you will have the choice of going barefoot or choosing from several types of footwear.  Wearing modern footwear is beneficial because it keeps your feet from getting too dirty or blistered while you dance.  Some schools and teachers prefer students to have a particular type of footwear, so check with your dance studio before making a purchase.

Foot Undies

One common type of footwear is a foot undie .  Many brands including Capezio and Danshuz make such items.  Dancers call these items many names such as "footies" and "paws."  They can also be called half soles, but usually this term refers to another type of modern footwear.  This type of footwear is like a half sock with holes for the toes.  Some brands have two holes, one for the big toe and one for the rest of the toes.  Other brands have a hole for each toe.  I recommend trying some on at your local dancewear store to see what style works best for you.  

The main purpose of the foot undie's design is to provide a "spin spot" on the ball of the foot while leaving the barefoot look.  Most brands have colors that match various skin tones (however sometimes darker colors are special order).  Some brands have fun designs and colors like animal prints too.

When considering sizing, these items usually have a guide created by the brand (the size chart is usually on the item's packaging or available on the brand's website).  The charts are usually accurate, but go up a size for a wide foot.  You need a very tight fit with a new set of foot undies; they usually stretch out a lot with wear.

Foot wraps

These options are similar to foot undies, but they cover the heel of the foot as well.  Foot wraps are really good if you have dry heels or are prone to blisters in that area of the foot.  They are bulkier than foot undies, so the extra protection comes at a bit of a price.  Again, the size charts are a good place to begin when choosing a size, but wide feet may need a size up.  This type of footwear usually comes in tan.

Half-shoes

A half-shoe is like a ballet shoe in the front, but it has elastic straps in the back instead of a shoe heel.  This style of footwear is good if you have blisters on your toes.  These also help you turn even better since your toes are covered and won't stick to the floor.  This option is also a little bulky like foot wraps, so if you need a total barefoot look, this one may not work.  

When considering sizing, try on the footwear and make sure the fabric front completely covers the ball of the foot so you can turn without sticking.  Some brands run wide, so be careful that the sides of the footwear follow the sides of your foot and don't gap.  This type of footwear usually comes in tan. It is sometimes also called a pirouette shoe. 

Lyrical shoes

This type of footwear completely covers the foot, but the sole is very thin and flat so you can feel the floor.  Your foot will be completely protected from blisters and floor dirt, but the shoe may show, even from a stage distance.  This type of shoe also has a tendency to be low cut on the sides and heel, so it may ride down or even slip off if your feet are very narrow.  This kind of shoe usually comes in tan and black.

I recommend trying on this type of shoe at a dancewear store because they often run small.

Jazz or ballet shoes

This type of footwear is usually appropriate if you also take jazz or ballet at the same studio.  Both of these types of shoes cover the foot and protect you from dirt and blisters, but they are thicker and can look bulky.  If you are using ballet or jazz shoes for modern or contemporary dance (and you will be using them for performance), choose a color that is close to your skin tone.

Socks

If you are a beginner in modern dance, it's ok to wear socks as your footwear.  They can be a little slippery, but they cover your feet and help you turn with ease.  Choose low cut athletic socks that match and are a subdued color (like black or gray).  It is usually not ok to wear socks for performances unless it is part of a specific costume.

Bare feet

Bare feet are usually the most aesthetically pleasing when doing modern dance.  Your dance skills seem more impressive when you are executing movements (especially turns) without the help of a shoe.  Bare feet are very vulnerable to blisters and other injuries though, so take care.  I recommend having at least one type of modern footwear in your bag, even if you only use it when your feet are sore.  You can use footwear for your regular classes and prevent injuries, then go bare when it comes time to prepare for a performance.

Do you have a favorite kind of modern footwear?  Comment below!