Dancing can sometimes be confusing and overwhelming. It's certainly a lot of information all at once, so we are here to ease the load for you in regards to all things related to dance shoes. In these 3 videos below you will find answers to most of your common questions. Your host is Ilia Kolosov, the man that runs AIDA Dance USA and caters to all of your needs.

First, we cover what shoes are supposed to fit like. This is a classic 3 point check:

- Where are your toes?

- How much room is the the heel cup?

- How tight or loose are the straps over the toe box?

To get a deeper understanding of these and other concepts please begin watching the video below. 

How was that? If you still have unanswered questions, leave them in the comments below and we will help you out.

Next, we talk about heels, heel shapes, heel heights, and their purpose. Buckle up, because it's a lot! All heels for women shoes can be either flare or slim, and the video shows the difference. Then, the heights range from two inches to 3.5 inches, and can be either flare or slim. Flare heels are generally used for standard and smooth dancing, while slim is used for latin and rhythm. It's really your own preference, but that's the general concencus.

Men shoes are a lot simpler. Standard shoes and smooth shoes share a two centimeter heel, while latin and rhythm shoes can come in 3.5cm, 4cm, or 4.5cm heel heights. Check out the video to find out more!

Finally, the third video covers major things not to do with your shoes so that they last longer.

The most powerful combination of forces that destroys shoes is heat and moisture. A lot of dancers leave their shoes to rot in the shoe bag after dancing. This must be stopped immediately. If you do this, we urge you to cease. Why? Without proper ventilation all your sweat and heat you generated during practice begin to sediment into the material of the shoe. You will never get it out. Your investment will be ruined. Don't do it!

Second, use the shoe brush instead of pouring water on the floor and stepping on it. The best way to get friction is to rough up the suede sole of the shoe, not wet it.

Third, if you must wash your shoes, take it to a shoe repair place or get some advice. Don't spot clean. Washing machine is ill advised, but it's doable.

Fourth, don't try dying your own shoes unless you really know what you are doing.

Here is the video and I hope you enjoy it:

That's it for our first segment! In two weeks please tune in for the rest of the videos. Thanks for reading and watching everyone! Happy July 4th to all!