The Dance Stuff Diva

Capezio Daisy Ballet Shoes

Product Type:  Ballet Flats

Brand:  Bloch

Style Name:  Daisy

Style Number(s):  205X (Tot) 205C (child sizes)  205 (adult sizes) MSRP:  $19.00*

Colors Available:  Ballet Pink, Black, White

Sizes Available:

Toddler 6 (itty stinkin’ bitty) to Adult 10 in Narrow, Medium, and Wide widths.

Manufacturer Description:

Soft, quality leather, whimsical lining, and a no-lose-it ID tag make this the perfect beginner’s shoe. Moms and teachers especially love the tacked down drawstring you can’t pull out and a treated suede outsole that resists moisture for long-lasting wear.

  Best selling ballet shoe

Constructed of high quality, lightweight, soft, durable leather

Full chrome tanned suede leather outsole for durability

Daisy print on hung cotton lining

Unisex no-print lining for black colorway

“This belongs to” satin ID tag

Bar-tacked elastic drawstring

5/8″ pre-attached one-sided plush elastic rolls with the foot and does not dig in

Wider fit, shaped especially for children on a generous last

  Manufacturer’s Website: http://capezio.com

Kat’s Thoughts:

These first three paragraphs I feel apply to all full sole leather ballet shoes.  Skip down to see the info on just the Daisy.

So this shoe is kind of a “gold standard basic”.  Across the board, from all manufacturers, this style is one of the most popular styles of ballet flats.

Although, most of the full sole leather ballet shoes from the major companies will all fall into this description – they’re great for beginners and for those needing shoes just for a few performances (super inexpensive option).  Personally, I used them in performances where I just needed them for a few shows due to their low cost.  Full sole leather shoes are also good for developing strength in the foot.  While there is not a lot of resistance, there is still enough that it helps.

Only drawback I currently see with this style, regardless of manufacturer, is that it almost doesn’t come in big enough sizes (however some brands have started to add bigger sizes – FINALLY).  The Adult 10 sometimes isn’t large enough and we need to consider other shoes/brands.  This is kind of a downer when this shoe is a super high quality shoe for under $20.

So Capezio’s Daisy ballet shoe – great beginner ballet shoe.  The lining is super fun (printed flowers) but IMHO – not the best for boys.  I get it… in the pink ballet shoes – the Daisy print is perfect… but not feeling the monochromatic black/white lining they started out with for the black and white leather colors. So glad it sounds like in the new versions of this shoe (especially in black leather) that’s no longer the case!  🙂

This shoe runs “short and squat” as compared to it’s main competitor – the Dansoft.  My opinion – Bloch typically runs long & skinny as compared to Capezio (which I feel runs wider and a little shorter).  GREAT for wider feet or higher insteps.  Not so great for the pencil thin foot.

So a few other random notes –

-IMHO Capezio’s site does a horrible job of showing just this shoe.  The image above – I actually got as a screen grab (cropped down) from their linked YouTube video on the shoe.

-The Capezio toddler size 6 is about the cutest darn thing you can imagine.  Seriously.  Yes.  This is my (tiny) hand up next to it.  The shoe itself it only like 4 1/2″ long!

Maker:S,Date:2017-12-14,Ver:6,Lens:Kan03,Act:Lar02,E-Y

Maker:S,Date:2017-12-14,Ver:6,Lens:Kan03,Act:Lar02,E-Y

  Sizing Info:

Begin with street shoe size

Please note that Childrens shoes are cut wider and a size 1 child is equivalent to a size 3 adult

(However – the toddler sizes are LITTLE.  I’d really suggest trying up one size from street shoe to allow for those little feet to grow – because we all know they grow FAST!)

Material/Content:  Leather with cotton lining and elastic drawstring.  Single piece of ½” elastic sewn across the arch/instep.

Intro Date:  Unknown

Discontinue Date:  n/a

Other Notes:  – *A note about prices – while the MSRP is listed – it is just that.  Please remember that your local dance store also has to cover shipping costs, lights, rent, other utilities, and oh yeah – HUMANS!  When you go into a local dance store – please realize that you are possibly paying a premium for their expertise, knowledge, and having (most) products there on hand.  That’s not cheap.  Please don’t go “window shopping” there only to save a few bucks.  Especially on products under $100, it’s really not worth it.  Support your local store. Please.  When you do, you validate why we have physical stores and why we, as store owners, dedicate ourselves to providing you with products and knowledge we can stand behind.

Product Type:  Dance Tights – Footed

Brand:  Body Wrappers

Style Name:  –

Style Number(s):  C30 (child) / A30 (adult) and A30X  (Plus)

MSRP:  $14.40 – $17.70*

Colors Available:  C31 – Ballet Pink (BAT)*, Black (BLK), Coffee (COF), Dance Pink (DNP), Jazzy Tan (JTN)*, Light Pink (LPK), Light Suntan (LSN), Mocha (MCA), Stage Tan (STN), Suntan (SUN), Theatrical Pink (TPK)*, and White (WHT)  (* = XS/S only available in those colors)

A31 – Ballet Pink (BAT), Black (BLK), Coffee (COF), Dance Pink (DNP), Jazzy Tan (JTN), Light Pink (LPK), Light Suntan (LSN), Mocha (MCA), Stage Tan (STN), Suntan (SUN), Theatrical Pink (TPK), and White (WHT)

A31X – Black (BLK), Jazzy Tan (JTN), Light Suntan (LSN), Mocha (MCA), Suntan (SUN), Theatrical Pink (TPK)

Sizes Available:

C31- Child XS/S (1-3), Child S/M (4-7), Child M/L (8-14)

A31- Adult S/M, Adult L/XL, Adult Tall

A31X – Adult 1X/2X and 3X/4X

  Manufacturer Description:

Convertible tights can be worn as a footed or footless tight.

Manufacturer Website:  http://www.bodywrappers.com/details.php?id=243

Kat’s Thoughts: 

These tights are simply *the* gold standard that I measure all other tights up to – if I’m brutally honest.  Body Wrappers is doing a really good job of adding new colors to fill in “color gaps” that exist in their line.  Cappucino (CAP), Dark Nude (DKN), and Espresso (ESP) were all being added this fall 2017 (Child S/M (4-7) all the way to 3X/4X in plus sizes).

The tight itself feels amazing both in the package and on the leg!  It’s easy and smooth to get on and has some extra “flex” in sizing.  I’m 5’3 and can do either the Adult SM or the LXL. I, personally, prefer the LXL only because I don’t like the “cut in” on any tight (yep – I like my tights a little looser for my own comfort – BUT that is my personal preference).  But I can also wear the S/M without too much trouble.  I like that the waistband is durably sewn in on the tight. I know that some folks cut out the waistbands from old tights and use it for other purposes – having it sewn in makes the elastic more durable and easy to remove.  It’s all about structural integrity 🙂

The only time I’ve had/seen an issue with this tight is with extreme latex allergies (it’s actually a problem with all tights since latex is in tights).  Where the waistband is sewn in to the tight – has caused irritation in the past.  Luckily – this isn’t the case with 99% of people and easily solved (they switched to the “sister” A80 tight which has a knit in “self” waistband and minimized their exposure).

    Sizing Info:  Follow the size charts.  If you’re borderline (even by a few dots) – you may want to go up to the next size for your comfort.

Size chart for kiddos:

Size chart for Child M/L (8-14) and up:

Material/Content:  88% Supplex Nylon and 12% Lycra Spandex

Intro Date:  Unknown

Discontinue Date:  n/a

Other Notes:  Body Wrappers tends to keep these well stocked.  It doesn’t hurt that they make their tights here in the USA.  So usually – backlogs are fairly short (and they do have complementing styles if time is absolutely of the essence – check out the C80/A80 line for those).

*A note about prices – while the MSRP is listed – it is just that.  Please remember that your local dance store also has to cover shipping costs, lights, rent, other utilities, and oh yeah – HUMANS!  When you go into a local dance store – please realize that you are possibly paying a premium for their expertise, knowledge, and having (most) products there on hand.  That’s not cheap.  Please don’t go “window shopping” there only to save a few bucks.  Especially on products under $100, it’s really not worth it.  Support your local store. Please.  When you do, you validate why we have physical stores and why we, as store owners, dedicate ourselves to providing you with products and knowledge we can stand behind.

Bloch Sync Tap Shoes

  Bloch Sync Tap Shoes

Product Type:  Tap Shoes

Brand:  Bloch

Style Name:  Sync

Style Number(s):  

S0321L

MSRP:  $68.00*

Colors Available:  Black and Tan

Sizes Available:

Adult 4 to 12 in Medium width

Manufacturer Description:

The Sync tap is an oxford inspired style with new taps for optimal sound.

Features

Full leather upper with reinforced eyelets

Durable, strong and stable shoe with perfect…

Pillows for Pointe Demi-Gel Digital Tube - comfort for between those toes!

    Pillows for Pointes Demi-Gel Digital Tube

Product Type:  Pointe Shoe Accessories

Brand:  Pillows for Pointes

Style Name:  Demi-Gel Digital Tube

Style Number(s):  PFP15

MSRP:  $6.95*

Colors Available:  One Color

Sizes Available:  One Size

Manufacturer Description:

Elastic fabric with gel strip inside

Reduces pressure

Suitable for any small toe

Cut to size as needed

Hand wash and air dry

Manuf…

Capezio's super popular stretch canvas Hanami ballet shoe is comfortable and pretty on the foot. @Capezio #hanami #balletshoes

  Capezio Hanami Ballet Shoes

Product Type:  Ballet Flats

Brand:  Capezio

Style Name:  Hanami

Style Number(s):  2037C/2037W

MSRP:  $23.00*

Colors Available:  Light Pink (LPK), Black (BLK), White (WHT), Nude (NUD), Light Suntan (LSN), and Mocha (MOK)

Sizes Available:

Child Toddler 8 to Child 2.5 Narrow, Medium, and Wide

Adult 3-14.5 Medium and Wide.  Narrows available in most sizes under Adult…

Gellows are patented, seamless, unique, and REVERSIBLE toe pads from Pillows for Pointe are kinda awesome. Just sayin' #PillowsForPointes #Gellows

Pillows for Pointes Gellows Toe Pads

Product Type:  Pointe Shoe Accessories

Brand:  Pillows for Pointes

Style Name:  Gellows Toe Pads

Style Number(s):  GEL

MSRP:  $19.50*

Colors Available:  One Color

Sizes Available:  Small/Medium and Medium/Large.

  Manufacturer Description:

The only REVERSIBLE, SEAMLESS gel pad for the ballerina. (patent #6810603B1) One side is gel and the other is a SEAMLESS…

Hi there!

I’m doing something a little different for this post.  I’m going to compare and contrast the Capezio Freeform shoe with the Dance Class Modelo shoe.

Hi there!

I’m doing something a little different for this post.  I’m going to compare and contrast the Capezio Freeform shoe with the Dance Class Modelo shoe.

Product Type:  Ballet Flats / Jazz Shoes / Hybrid

Brand:  Body Wrappers/Angelo Luzio

Style Name:  “Billy”

Style Number(s):  402A

MSRP:  $39.00*

Colors Available:  Black, Jazzy Tan

Sizes Available:

  Adult 4-11.5 Medium (including half sizes)

Manufacturer Description:

STYLE: 402A

totalStretch® Canvas

• comfortable machine washable • antimicrobial control stretch moisture wicking • one-seam arch construction • arched anatomical last hugs the foot in pointe • hugging anatomically fit heel • ”spin-ready” suede sole • high no-pressure toe area

  Manufacturer Website: http://bodywrappers.com/details.php?id=1523

Kat’s Thoughts: 

This shoe has since been moved to closeout/discontinue status since I wrote this review – however I’ve seen an uptick in traffic on my other blog where I first wrote this – looking for information on this shoe. I have copied and pasted the review from there.  My original review was written and published on Nov 8, 2013.

==================

So this is a totally different shoe than what we’ve seen yet.  Yes–at first glance, it’s a ballet shoe with a heel.  BUT that’s where it ends.

This unique shoe was designed and inspired by amazingly talented Billy Bell (Artistic Director of the Lunge Dance Collective).  Seriously–that man has more talent in his pinky than I do in my whole arm! Anyways–enough about that… let’s talk about his shoe.

The Billy was specifically designed by Luigi Luzio for contemporary and jazz dancers.  At first glance, the most identifiable unqiue trait is that there is only one seam on the shoe–and it’s ON THE BOTTOM!  (*collective gasp!*).  What does this mean?  No side seam to interrupt the line of the foot and with low sides and a high heel–your feet will be shown off to their best! That single seam also hugs your arch like a dream!  Even feet with no arches have arches in this shoe!  *happy sigh*

The next question that probably pops into your head is “wait–low cut sides… how does the shoe stay ON?!”.  Easy–the low cut sides are paired with a beautifully sculpted high heel back and an elasticized casing around the foot.    The shoe also features a slightly longer vamp (but not absurdly long) to help protect the toes during slides, drags, turns, and floor work.  Proportionally, the vamp is beautifully matched to the low sides and the higher heel back.  The vamp is also cut so that minimal pressure is put on the metatarsals from the shoe.

This shoe is built specifically to a right and left foot so that you get a perfect and appropriate fit for each food.  Luigi even hand-sculpted the lasts that these shoes were built on!  Talk about attention to detail!!

Let’s talk about the bottom of the shoe quick–the suede sole means that this shoe comes “spin-ready” and is perfect for turning, sliding, and spinning.  There is also a padded rubber heel to help cushion those sometimes painful (and loud) landings.  Finally–this shoe has a tapered suede insole that helps to keep feet free from the friction caused by your feet sliding within the shoe.

So it’s also machine washable (hey!  no more stinky shoes!!!), and the canvas has antimicrobial and moisture wicking properties.  This shoe comes in black and jazzy tan (matches the jazzy tan tights) and comes in adult sizes only from 4 to 11.5.

Body Wrappers did two YouTube videos of this shoe.  You can see Billy talking about it here and actually dancing in it (and putting it through it’s paces) here.

  Sizing Info:  If memory serves – men fit same as street.  Ladies 1.5-2 sizes down (like their 246 and 247 shoes).  But I don’t remember exactly – so there may be some play here.

Material/Content:  TotalStretch Canvas

Intro Date:  I think it was around 2012/2013…

Discontinue Date:  ~2017/2018

  *A note about prices – while the MSRP is listed – it is just that.  Please remember that your local dance store also has to cover shipping costs, lights, rent, other utilities, and oh yeah – HUMANS!  When you go into a local dance store – please realize that you are possibly paying a premium for their expertise, knowledge, and having (most) products there on hand.  That’s not cheap.  Please don’t go “window shopping” there only to save a few bucks.  Especially on products under $100, it’s really not worth it.  Support your local store. Please.  When you do, you validate why we have physical stores and why we, as store owners, dedicate ourselves to providing you with products and knowledge we can stand behind.

Bunheads bobby pins - great for subtly anchoring hair!

  Bunheads Bobby Pins

Product Type:  Hair Accessories

Brand:  Bunheads (owned by Capezio)

Style Name:  –

Style Number(s):  

BH446 (Blonde), BH447 (Light Brown), BH448 (Dark Brown), BH449 (Black)

MSRP:  $3.00*

Colors Available:  Blonde (BLD), Light Brown (LBR), Medium Brown (MBR), Dark Brown (DBR), Black (BLK), and Auburn (AUB)

Sizes Available:

One size

Manufacturer Description:

Double coated…

Product Type:  Hair Accessories

Brand:  Bunheads (owned by Capezio)

Style Name:  –

Style Number(s):  

BH420 (Blonde), BH421 (Light Brown), BH422 (Medium Brown), BH423 (Dark Brown), BH424 (Black), BH425 (Auburn)

MSRP:  $3.00*

Colors Available:  Blonde (BLD), Light Brown (LBR), Medium Brown (MBR), Dark Brown (DBR), Black (BLK), and Auburn (AUB)

Sizes Available:

One size

Manufacturer Description:

“These hairnets always keep my most stubborn strands of hair in place. They last so long and always make my hair look polished and clean.”  – Skylar Brandt, Capezio® Athlete

Strong and nearly invisible. 6 colors to best match your tone. Three to a pack, separated by white paper so they can be easily handled.

Invisible hair nets

Keep hair looking neat and tidy

3 per package

Manufacturer’s Website: http://www.capezio.com/

Kat’s Thoughts:

These harinets by Bunheads are like those old Goody brand ones that you used to be able to find everywhere (the 3 to a package, ultra fine, invisible nets – almost the old “cafeteria lady style” that it seems no big box mart carries now).  Yes–these really do blend in with hair and help keep those annoying frizzies way down.  There are 3 nets per package and yes–they do come in AUBURN!!!

If in doubt on color–its best to go darker since your eyes don’t typically pick up as easily on darker colors than lighter ones.  Blonde, Light Brown, Medium Brown, Dark Brown, Black, and Auburn are the color offerings here.  One size net.

Sizing Info: They’re one size.

Material/Content:  Nylon

Intro Date:  Unknown

Discontinue Date:  n/a *A note about prices – while the MSRP is listed – it is just that.  Please remember that your local dance store also has to cover shipping costs, lights, rent, other utilities, and oh yeah – HUMANS!  When you go into a local dance store – please realize that you are possibly paying a premium for their expertise, knowledge, and having (most) products there on hand.  That’s not cheap.  Please don’t go “window shopping” there only to save a few bucks.  Especially on products under $100, it’s really not worth it.  Support your local store. Please.  When you do, you validate why we have physical stores and why we dedicate ourselves to providing you with products and knowledge we can stand behind.

Product Type:  Leotard

Brand:  Motionwear

Style Name:  Sophique collection

Style Number(s):  2723

MSRP:  $48.00*

Colors Available:  Sophique Black (987)

Sizes Available:

Adult Petite thru Adult XL

  Manufacturer Description:

Fall 2017 Fashion

Sophique Zip Front Mock Neck Paneled Back Tank Leotard

Style 2723 in fabric 987

For the aspiring professional.  Each Sophique style is crafted in luxurious black nylon spandex.  Styles are accented with a classic floral mesh.

Manufacturer’s Website: http://motionwear.com

Kat’s Thoughts:

When I first saw this leotard (back in the summer of 2017), I was absolutely blown away by the simple beauty and design of this leotard.  It’s clear a lot of thought went into the design of the fall 2017 Sophique collection.

By far and in large – this was my favorite design out of the bunch.  The zip in front accommodates many different busts and levels of modesty desired.  The zip front also gives a little “oomph” in the support department too.  The shoulders are well covered in this style – even though it is a sleeveless style.  The back opening is modest, but very prettily framed by the mesh and floral lace accent fabric.  The diamond opening is perfect to allow for some “openness” but without feeling like you’re going to fall out of the leotard… or expose something you don’t want exposed!

The amount of craftsmanship that went into this leotard (both in the design and actual construction/sewing) blows my mind.  These aren’t super easy fabrics to work with – and yet a structured work of moving art was created!  The abundant level of talent of the designers in this leotard is only matched by the beauty of the dancer who will wear it!

Sizing Info:  Motionwear typically runs pretty true to it’s size chart.  I’ve only had a handful of styles that didn’t.  Definitely measure yourself if you’re in doubt.

Link for chart:  https://motionwear.com/sizing/

Material/Content:  Nylon Spandex with lace and mesh

Intro Date/Season:  Fall 2017

Discontinue Date:  This is fashion.  Get it while you can!  Sometimes styles will carry over from season to season.  Most times not though.  🙂

Other Notes: – *A note about prices – while the MSRP is listed – it is just that.  Please remember that your local dance store also has to cover shipping costs, lights, rent, other utilities, and oh yeah – HUMANS!  When you go into a local dance store – please realize that you are possibly paying a premium for their expertise, knowledge, and having (most) products there on hand.  That’s not cheap.  Please don’t go “window shopping” there only to save a few bucks.  Especially on products under $100, it’s really not worth it.  Support your local store. Please.  When you do, you validate why store owners have physical stores and why they dedicate themselves to providing you with products and knowledge we can stand behind.

Conservative but still fashion forward leotard from Motionwear's Sophique line! Floral lace back (wrap around detail/cutout at midriff) and mesh insert at shoulders!

  Motionwear 2980 Paneled Tank Leotard in Sophique

Product Type:  Leotard

Brand:  Motionwear

Style Name:  Sophique collection

Style Number(s):  2980

MSRP:  $44.00*

Colors Available:  Sophique Black (987)

Sizes Available:

Adult Petite thru Adult XL

  Manufacturer Description:

Fall 2017 Fashion

Sophique Zip Front Mock Neck Paneled Back Tank Leotard Style 2723 in fabric 987 For the aspiring…

Product Type:  Ballet Flats / Jazz Shoes / Hybrid

Brand:  Capezio

Style Name:  Freeform

Style Number(s):  FF01/FF01A

MSRP:  $45.00*

Colors Available:  Black, Caramel, Light Pink

Sizes Available:

Black and Caramel:  Adult 4-14 Medium and Wide.

Light Pink:  Adult 4-10 Medium and Wide

  Manufacturer Description:

Feel free to dance any form of dance in these versatile ballet shoes. Soft leather molds to your foot as the mesh hugs every contour. Along with suede sole patches and a low profile, the Freeform allows you to feel the floor and show your foot to its greatest potential. A completely elasticized top line, no drawstrings, and added dual placement elastic help secure the shoe.

Upper constructed with soft durable sheep skin glove leather and Nylon/Lycra® Spandex

Split sole

Suede sole patches contoured and cushioned for comfort

Plush elastic topline keeps the shoe from gapping while articulating the foot

No drawstring or adjustment required

5/8″ one-sided plush elastic is attached and can be placed on the heel or over the instep

Patented PowerPointe Construction® and seamless, powermesh arch removes excess material from the arch

Begin with street shoe size

Men 2 sizes up

  Manufacturer Website:  http://www.capezio.com/freeform

Kat’s Thoughts: 

This shoe is interesting…. the predecessor (if memory serves correctly) was the Z11 Fizzion shoe (discontinued a few years ago though).  The Z11 took the thought of a ballet shoe, a jazz shoe, a sock, and a foot undeez shoe, threw them into a blender, and came out with a true “hybrid” shoe.  The Freeform follows a similar path!

The Freeform’s leather is glove and “buddah” (butter… with an accent) soft!  The leather happily conforms to the foot and is fairly thin.  The fabric inserts also allow the shoe to stretch without bunching and is a supremely flexible shoe.  There’s no “hard” heel or really stiff surface in this shoe. The seaming on this shoe is stretchy fabric and is seamed so that even those of us who aren’t blessed with crazy amazing arches – this shoe will give the illusion of something there! The suede sole is great for turners and I think it’s a good shoe for the “bunheads” who happen to need a different shoe for a performance.  It is easy to switch between the feel of a “regular” ballet shoe and this shoe seamlessly.

The suede on the inside of the heel is quite soft and holds onto heels well – which is a particularly great thing when you realize that the back of this shoe is comparatively low cut (much closer to a ballet shoe).  The elastic isn’t scratchy and quite soft against the foot.  The down side of that “plushieness” on both the elastic and the suede is that suede likes to hold onto odors.  Just a fair warning.  Airing out the shoes definitely help with that issue though!

The black is well, black.  The light pink is what I’d almost consider a pale ivory match (better for the very pale amongst us).  The caramel isn’t a darker brown though.  While it’s very pretty – I think it’s a little lighter than some of their other caramel colored shoes.

But that all said… this shoe traded off durability for the sleek look.  It just doesn’t hold up as well as most other shoes out there.  Unlike many other shoes – the flooring factor doesn’t play much into account.  As in – it really doesn’t matter what type of flooring you’re dancing on – this shoe will still tear easier (as compared to other shoes).  The leather and fabric choices that make this shoe so beautifully sleek – just don’t hold up well to repeatedly hard wear.  Another thing – in this shoe – it’s absolutely IMPERATIVE to keep toe nails trimmed shorter and filed well.  Because this leather is just THAT soft/thin.  You may find yourself going through these pairs much more rapidly than you do with your other dance shoes.

All in all – very durable?  No, not really.  Beautiful, sleek, makes feet and leg lines look brilliantly beautiful?  Yes.  All over YES!

  Sizing Info:  Generally – these have been very small as compared to the recommendation on fitting same as street shoe.  I’d strongly recommend (for ladies) fit 1.5-2 sizes up from your street shoe.  Men – add 3-4 sizes!  These do run small and narrower (compared to most of Capezio’s other shoes).

Material/Content:  Leather, fabric, elastic

Intro Date:  I think it was around 2012/2013…

Discontinue Date:  n/a

Other Notes:  It’s a pretty popular shoe – so Capezio usually keeps them pretty well instock. However – peak times do happen and if they’re out – try a different combination of size/width. (eg if you’re usually a 7 wide, try a 7.5 medium).

*A note about prices – while the MSRP is listed – it is just that.  Please remember that your local dance store also has to cover shipping costs, lights, rent, other utilities, and oh yeah – HUMANS!  When you go into a local dance store – please realize that you are possibly paying a premium for their expertise, knowledge, and having (most) products there on hand.  That’s not cheap.  Please don’t go “window shopping” there only to save a few bucks.  Especially on products under $100, it’s really not worth it.  Support your local store. Please.  When you do, you validate why we have physical stores and why we, as store owners, dedicate ourselves to providing you with products and knowledge we can stand behind.

Product Type:  Ballet Flats / Jazz Shoes / Hybrid

Brand:  Dance Class by Trimfoot

Style Name:  Modelo

Style Number(s):  MD100/101 (Black)  MD200/201 (Caramel)

MSRP:  $45.00*

Colors Available:  Black, Caramel, Light Pink

Sizes Available:

Youth 1 to 4 and Adult 5 to 12 (Whole sizes only. One width)

  Manufacturer Description:

Our Modelo is constructed of soft leather and spandex for a snug fit. It also features suede sole patches and an elastic heel strap, making it a great choice for ballet, jazz, lyrical, modern and contemporary dance.

  Manufacturer Website:  http://www.trimfootco.com/jazz-shoe-modelo-md201-women-s.html

Kat’s Thoughts: 

I like this shoe… I’d almost consider it a more durable version of the popular Capezio Freeform shoe (and a little bit less expensive too)! The leather and the fabric both feel thicker (and subsequently more durable) and it’s not as “soft” of leather as the Freeform is. The shoe is a matte finish and has lycra spandex in the “stripes” of the shoe. There’s actual elastic for the seaming (not elasticized fabric) on the outside of the shoe and there’s also elastic all around the foot opening of the shoe. The caramel on this shoe is a darker – more of a suntan – caramel. The shoe fits wide but runs generally pretty true to street shoe sizing. These do not come in half widths. There is some “play” in sizing especially if you have narrow to medium width in feet (try a size down for narrow feet). The fabric also allows for a bit more “growing” or “stretch” room in this shoe than a regular jazz shoe. This shoe (because customers have said it’s more durable) is a great practice shoe – especially if you need or want to use the Freeform for performances. It’s (anecdotally) a longer lasting shoe than the Freeform and held up decently on carpet (although they would still tear – it just wouldn’t tear as fast as many other shoes would). It also looks pretty good on most feet. I really liked fitting boys/men in this shoe because I think the way it’s cut fits better on that type of foot (the men I fit typically had a longer, wider metatarsal with a lower instep). 

Sizing Info:  Generally – these have been true to street shoe.  They do run on the wider side.

Material/Content:  Leather, fabric, elastic

Intro Date:  I think it was around 2013… but really not sure.

Discontinue Date:  n/a

*A note about prices – while the MSRP is listed – it is just that.  Please remember that your local dance store also has to cover shipping costs, lights, rent, other utilities, and oh yeah – HUMANS!  When you go into a local dance store – please realize that you are possibly paying a premium for their expertise, knowledge, and having (most) products there on hand.  That’s not cheap.  Please don’t go “window shopping” there only to save a few bucks.  Especially on products under $100, it’s really not worth it.  Support your local store. Please.  When you do, you validate why we have physical stores and why we, as store owners, dedicate ourselves to providing you with products and knowledge we can stand behind.