Heather Smith Former 5 Time Professional United States Standard Champion

An issue I feel that needs to be addressed which may seem like a small problem to some of you, but believe me it is gradually starting to affect the lady dancer in quite a big way, is the ultimate need to wear the ladies low heeled practice shoe right up until the day you are competing.

Please don't misunderstand me all of the social dancers out there, or all of the ladies who have foot or ankle problems, this issue is not for you. I am simply directing this to all of the pro-am, amateurs, and pros out there who choose to compete.

First of all the lower heel changes your center of gravity and weight to your partner, and the minute you wear that high slinky heel, oh my goodness, suddenly everything changes and we blame the floor and our partner etc, etc. But really the bottom line is you haven't rehearsed enough in your high heels to have perfect balance.

Ladies, please take note on this one because my growing concern as a judge and traveling coach is that when I travel to many studios and see good dancing and good balance, then get overwhelmed when I see these same students compete with almost no balance after too little time in those Standard pumps.
My advice is at least 3 times a week leading up to a competition, wear your pumps and the week of the event wear them as long as you can.

By Heather Smith
Former 5 Time Professional United States Standard Champion

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