How much are irish dancing shoes


Irish Dance Shoes | Irish Dance Hard Shoes

" Corr's Shoes - Made with the Dancer in mind."

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Welcome and thank you for visiting our Irish dance shoes store!  The Corr's Irish Shoes™ brand products have represented the next generation in safety and comfort for the Irish dancer since their introduction in 2001. 
 
Comfort, quality, safety, durability, affordability . . . it is in these areas that Corr's Irish Dance Shoes distinguishes itself in the marketplace - handcrafted, and designed step-by-step with dancers for dancers.

Our Irish Dance shoes including Ghillies and Jig Shoes are handcrafted using the latest technologies allowing for greater arch support, flexibility, making it easier to enhance performance while protecting from injuries.

Corr's strives to bring you the best quality products, at prices you can afford and we have been pleased at the abundance of positive responses we've received from dance teachers, dance professionals, champion and amateur dancers around the country and around the world.  

  • Corr's Champion Irish Dance Hard Shoe

    Corr's Champion Irish Dance Hard Shoe

    Regular price
    $155.00

    Sale price
    $155.00 Sale

  • Corr's Eco Power-Flexi Irish Dancing Jig Shoe

    Corr's Eco Power-Flexi Irish Dancing Jig Shoe

    Regular price
    $99.00

    Sale price
    $99.00 Sale

  • Corr's Essential Jig Shoe

    Corr's Essential Jig Shoe

    Regular price
    $78. 00

    Sale price
    $78.00 Sale

  • Irish Dance Hard Shoes

  • Irish Dance Soft Shoes

  • Highland Ghillies

  • Irish Dance Shoe Accessories

I just wanted to drop you 
a note to let you know that my daughter's hard shoes arrived today . . .she was thrilled to find that they needed almost no breaking in. She says they are the most comfortable shoes she has ever danced in!

C. Farrell (Loganville, PA)

I must tell you, we brag up your excellent shoes and superb service where ever we go! It is one thing to have a superior product. .., it means OH SO Much More to have an excellent product AND excellent service to stand behind the product. Thank you for being people we have come to count on for our children's Irish Dance Needs!

R. Hurst (Virginia Beach, VA)

Splendid! They fit perfect, they're very comfortable and what a great sound! The first time I wore them was like I danced forever with it! What a pleasure to use the right tool for what you're doing ... Keep on doing what you're doing now: Superb shoes for dancers!!!!!

A. Le Bel (Quebec, Canada)

Hi, I just wanted to let know how much my seven year old has enjoyed her new shoes. Her [other brand] left her feet with rub marks and blisters sometimes with in thirty minutes of practicing. She practiced for over two hours (her doing not mine!!!!) without a mark on her feet. They have made a huge difference in her willingness to practice!!! She is thrilled with the sound she can make with them - I have to admit it can be a bit overwhelming at home on our hardwood floors!!!! I thought you'd like to know that you have made a big difference for my little girl! Thank you

B. Coppersmith (Nashville, TN)

My daughter has been Irish Dancing for 2 years now! So now she has her very own first pair of Corr's hard shoes and let me tell you--they have made a major difference!! She has not complained -and to tell you the truth-she has put them on at least 5-6 hours in the past 2 days!! We used to beg her to put the [other brand] on for even 1 hour a day. It was her first feis to dance as a novice-and she came home with 3 trophies!! You can be assured we will continue to look for Corr's as her dancing shoes!! Thanks again.

The Longo's (Pittsburgh, PA)

We received our order so quickly, thanks!! This is our second pair of Corr's hard shoes (the first pair having lasted an unprecedented 21 months!). We are excited to be trying out the Champion hard shoe ... already we have noticed that the shoes produce a much louder sound. Thank you again for your prompt and personal service.

L. Cavanaugh (Hollister, CA)

The shoes indeed arrived today - so fast! The fit is just right. My daughter has already fallen in love with them ...They are so comfortable, and yet offer great support. She also commented that the sawn-off toe wedge is better positioned than she has had on previous shoes. Thanks for all your help. We are definitely converts to Corr's and will be spreading the good word!

W. Horwege (The Woodlands, TX)

I must commend all of you at Corr’s on your very personal, attentive, and rapid service … The 6’s were received yesterday, my daughter put them on and they fit her perfectly. She said they are as comfortable as bedroom slippers … she wore them to class and loves them. And, her feet look lovely in them … The split sole [ghillie] molds so well to her feet that the feet appear to be more arched now.

I. Rogoff-Barnes (Alpharetta, GA)

...I want to say that the design of the shoes is *fabulous*--anyone who can come up with comfortable hard shoes and a ghillie that actually allows you to show your arch...well, that person has my vote. Even my mom, who has not had to deal with a light shoe for about a decade, said 'Oh, they make your feet look like a picture!

H. Donnelly (Thousand Oaks, CA)

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Irish Dance Socks | Poodle Socks

  • Feis Mate Ultra Low Irish Poodle Socks

    Feis Mate Ultra Low Irish Poodle Socks

    Regular price
    $12. 00

    Sale price
    $12.00 Sale

  • Feis Mate Ankle Length Irish Dance Socks

    Feis Mate Ankle Length Irish Dance Socks

    Regular price
    $9.45

    Sale price
    $9.45 Sale

  • Irish Dancing Tights

    Irish Dancing Tights

    Regular price
    $19.00

    Sale price
    $19.00 Sale

  • Antonio Pacelli Ultra Low Irish Dance Poodle Socks in White Color - Premium Traditional Dance Socks

    Antonio Pacelli Ultra Low Irish Dance Poodle Socks in White Color - Premium Traditional Dance Socks

    Regular price
    $8. 70

    Sale price
    $8.70 Sale

  • Antonio Pacelli Ultra Low White Irish Dancing Poodle Socks with Sparkle Weave Made in Ireland

    Antonio Pacelli Ultra Low White Irish Dancing Poodle Socks with Sparkle Weave Made in Ireland

    Regular price
    Sold out

    Sale price
    $8.25 Sale

  • Antonio Pacelli Premium Ankle Length Poodle Socks for Irish Dancing in Ultra White Color

    Antonio Pacelli Premium Ankle Length Poodle Socks for Irish Dancing in Ultra White Color

    Regular price
    $8. 80

    Sale price
    $8.80 Sale

  • Antonio Pacelli Ankle Length Irish Dance Socks with Seamless Toe and Arch Support for Comfort and Balance

    Antonio Pacelli Ankle Length Irish Dance Socks with Seamless Toe and Arch Support for Comfort and Balance

    Regular price
    $9.45

    Sale price
    $9.45 Sale

  • Antonio Pacelli Championship Length Poddle Socks for Irish Dancing- Made of Soft Cotton and Nylon

    Antonio Pacelli Championship Length Poddle Socks for Irish Dancing- Made of Soft Cotton and Nylon

    Regular price
    $7. 95

    Sale price
    $7.95 Sale

  • Antonio Pacelli Diamante Poodle Socks- Ultra Low Length Socks with Small Diamantes for Irish Dancers

    Antonio Pacelli Diamante Poodle Socks- Ultra Low Length Socks with Small Diamantes for Irish Dancers

    Regular price
    $17.95

    Sale price
    $17.95 Sale

  • Antonio Pacelli Diamante Poodle Socks- Championship Length Irish Dancing Shoes Socks with Small Diamantes

    Antonio Pacelli Diamante Poodle Socks- Championship Length Irish Dancing Shoes Socks with Small Diamantes

    Regular price
    $17. 95

    Sale price
    $17.95 Sale

  • Hullachan Ultra Low Premium White Poodle Socks for Irish Dancing with Arch Support- Ultra Low Length

    Hullachan Ultra Low Premium White Poodle Socks for Irish Dancing with Arch Support- Ultra Low Length

    Regular price
    $11.95

    Sale price
    $11.95 Sale

  • Feis Mates Irish Dance Poodle Socks- Championship Length

    Feis Mates Irish Dance Poodle Socks- Championship Length

    Regular price
    $9. 00

    Sale price
    $9.00 Sale

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How to choose dance shoes?

Part 1: ballroom, hip-hop, flamenco, folk dances, tap

Tangeros dance on their toes and slide smoothly on the dance floor, breakdancers jump and spin on the floor, hustle performers (girls) move their heels so that if you follow them , your head will start spinning. Each dance genre has its own shoes. And choosing it is very simple: you just need it to be comfortable, beautiful and eternal. Nonsense.

We've rounded up the smartest tips for choosing shoes for a variety of dance styles to make your task just a little bit easier.

Classification of dance shoes

Dance shoes, regardless of direction, are divided into men's and women's, training and demonstration, children's and adults'. But the basic classification is considered to be a breakdown by style:

  1. Sports (ballroom) dances.
  2. Hip Hop
  3. Flamenco
  4. Folk dances
  5. Step
  6. Country Dance
  7. Jazz
  8. Belly dance
  9. Modern
  10. Lindi Hop

Here we will talk about the first five directions. The remaining five are in the next post.

Sports dance shoes

Ballroom dancing, which today is increasingly called sports, is performed on a sliding parquet. They share the European (standard) and Latin American dance programs. Each of them has its own shoes, which, however, have a lot in common.

Women's dance shoes
  1. Preferred last materials are satin, brocade, patent leather and plain leather.
  2. The sole of the shoe must be leather or suede for safe and airy spins and slides.
  3. Sandals for ballroom dancing must have a heel - so that the foot does not slip out during movement.
  4. Make sure your shoes have a strap. So the shoes will stay on the foot more firmly.
  5. Dance shoe straps often stretch. Take shoes with straps that have a supply of holes or space for them - you will have to change the level of fastening.
  6. Unfortunately, not only the straps stretch, but also the shoes themselves. Professional dancers take shoes a size smaller, but they can afford it due to experience and habit. If you are just starting to dance, choose satin shoes - they stretch a little less than leather.
  7. The lighter the shoes, the cooler.
  8. In the European program, the heel height varies from 4 to 7 centimeters, depending on height and personal preference.
  9. Latin program uses heels 5 to 9centimeters. Most often, these are sandals with a closed heel and several straps.
  10. The arch support plate, which is glued under the insole, only reaches the middle of the foot, so that the leg remains as flexible as possible.
Men's dance shoes
  1. Preferred materials are regular or patent leather.
  2. Arch support reaches the ball of the foot (slightly longer than for women).
  3. For the European program, a very low heel is used - 2 centimeters.
  4. For Latin American - up to 5 centimeters. The arch support, on the contrary, becomes shorter and reaches the middle of the foot.
Hip-hop

Classic hip-hop shoes - sneakers. Hip-hop dances are performed anywhere (traditionally - on the street), so shoes should be comfortable for any surfaces.

There is no division into men's and women's shoes, because everyone is equal.

  1. Shoes should be as light as possible. Often hip-hop is performed in basketball shoes, which are traditionally made weightless - athletes can jump as high as they like in them.
  2. The sole should be flat and bend well - this is worth checking in the store.
  3. Shoes must glide well so that spins are easy.
  4. Take shoes exactly in size: the foot should not hang out in the sneaker, and thick socks for fixation will not work.
  5. Sneakers must be made from natural fabrics or have ventilation. Otherwise, your feet will be very hot, and you will not be up to dancing.
Flamenco

Flamenco is a Spanish folk dance in which the shoes are a percussion instrument. And in every sense: it should be not only comfortable and beautiful, but also sonorous - to tap your heels in such music. Traditionally, flamenco is performed alone or in groups, but there are also paired varieties.

For men, regular low-heeled leather shoes with flexible soles are suitable. And the woman who is in the center of attention will have to think about the choice:

  1. Stable boats are suitable for the first classes. Ideally, they have a strap for additional fixation. If not, you can use an elastic band.
  2. The heel must be made of wood (Spanish yew) or leather (no plastic). The recommended height is from 4 to 7 centimeters.
  3. The sole is made of two layers of leather, the outsole is made of three. It must protect the foot from damage during impacts and, at the same time, have sufficient flexibility for maneuvers.
  4. The upper part of the shoe is made of leather - plain or patent leather.
  5. The toe must be rounded. It is made of double leather or leather with a sealing insert. This is necessary so that the dancer can confidently stand on it.
  6. Avoid rigid inserts - the foot should bend perfectly.
  7. Traditionally, studs are used in heels and outsoles to make the sound of tap dancing louder and richer. The studs should fit perfectly into the sole - so as not to interfere with sliding and not to sink into the skin.
Russian folk dances

Russian folk dances are artistic and provide a large selection of shoes - from shoes to boots (five varieties in total: boots, shoes, square dances, ichigi boots, Romanian). Most often, these dances are performed collectively - both by women and men.

All five types of shoes have common characteristics that should be considered when tailoring and choosing shoes / boots.

Women's shoes for Russian folk dances
  1. Shoes for Russian folk dances should be bright and embroidered.
  2. Traditional material - thin leather with overlay patterns or embroidery.
  3. Heel - low (4 cm), stable, thick.
  4. Sole and heel materials are also leather, sewn in several layers.
  5. If you choose shoes for folk dances, then don't forget about the fixing strap.
Men's folk dance shoes
  1. Men dance in boots that almost cover the calf. There are models with a high knee pad made of leather.
  2. Boots should have toe and heel inserts so that the foot can bend easily.
  3. Heel - 2 centimeters. Made from stacked leather.
  4. Pad material - leather. Color: black, red, white. Embroidered options available.
  5. Leather sole, solid. The instep is slightly shorter than the foot.
Tap and Irish dances

There are two types of Irish dances, depending on which shoes are selected - this is a "soft" dance and step. For soft dances, there are women's and men's shoes, which differ in many characteristics. For step (jigs) shoes are universal and differ only in size.

Soft Irish dance shoes
  1. Women's and men's soft dance shoes - leather ballerinas with tight lacing from the toe and microscopic heels.
  2. Material - matte or patent black leather.
  3. On the soles are plastic heels for sound. Women have heels on the toe and on the heel. In men - only on the heel. In the female version, a model with a solid sole can also be used.
  4. If you choose shoes made of thin leather, then you need to take one size smaller. If from dense - size to size. The skin has a tendency to stretch.
Tap shoes
  1. Tap shoes are made entirely of leather. Plastic heels are made on the toe of the sole and on the heel.
  2. Boots cover the entire foot. Fastened with tight lacing.
  3. The classic color of the boots is matte black. Models with a white toe and a white strap on the top are allowed.

Have you noticed that despite the huge difference between the dances, the recommendations for choosing shoes are very similar? Indeed, the most important thing when choosing is:

  • Exact fit to foot and shoe for stability and protection against injury.
  • Flexibility - in order to be able to perform any pas.
  • Lightweight. So that the shoes are not a heavy load and do not interfere with flying around the dance floor.

So, if you are into modern, jazz or other dances, for which we will talk about shoes in the second part of the article, you can choose shoes for them right now. Or wait for detailed instructions, which will be in a couple of days.

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Why Irish dancing is brain dancing?

The performance of an orchestra of bagpipes and drums from the EU countries at the Amur Waves International Military Music Festival of Brass Bands aroused great interest in everything Irish. IA "Khabarovsk Territory Today" talks about traditional Irish dances.

"Dance of the Wonderful People" is a rarity for Khabarovsk. There are only two schools in the whole region that can teach traditional Irish dance. Light jumps, gliding steps, swift throws and leg sweeps, combined with a calm body, make a mesmerizing impression. The head of the school of Irish dance Irish Wind (Irish wind) helped to understand the intricacies of the choreography Anastasia Merkurieva .

Crazy Dancing

The history of the Irish national dance reflects the events that took place with Ireland itself, starting from the 20th century BC, and ending with the 20th century of our era - the migration of peoples and the invasion of conquerors, the change of religions. Every culture that the Irish came into contact with contributed to their dance tradition. Initially, the dance had a ritual meaning: it was performed, praising the sacred trees and the sun. Coming from the mainland to Ireland, the Celts brought with them religious dances, some elements of which have survived to this day.


Due to the oppression of the culture of Ireland, which began in the 18th century, national dances were performed for a long time only under the cloak of strict secrecy. They were sharply condemned by the Christian church as "insane" and "bringing misfortune." Some historians even believe that the characteristic motionless position of the hands on the belt appeared in Irish dance just after the church declared the movements of the hands obscene.

There are few schools of this choreographic direction in the Far East. For example, there are only two of them in Khabarovsk, and one each in Vladivostok and Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk. Irish Wind Anastasia Merkurieva created in 2008. Then she decided to change her dance direction and leave modern dance. At first, folk dances were in priority, but an accident led precisely to the “dance of the wondrous people”.

“I have been dancing since childhood. And by chance I saw Irish for the first time and my impression was - “Oh! I want to go there! And to this day I really like it. An unusual combination of pride and mischief, dignity and temperament. I like that Irish dance is a combination of ballet and tap. Even if there is no music, you can put on your shoes and make your own music,” Anastasia said.


The main composition of the "Irish Wind" is not numerous, it consists of about 20 people. They are part of the Ceilidh school and belong to the largest Irish dance commission, An Coimisiun le Rinci Gaelacha. Dancers perform not only on various stages of Khabarovsk, but also go to all-Russian and world championships, winning medals.

Dance by the rules

To establish uniform rules for the performance of dances, competitions and refereeing, the Irish Dance Commission was founded in 1929. So, the dance technique has changed significantly. Schools were able to use large halls and a wide stage. The dancers were no longer limited in space and movement, which led to many new steps and jumps, including passages all over the stage. The rule was finally fixed to keep hands strictly along the body.

Three main types of Irish dance: solo, ceili and set. Solo mainly acts as a spectacle prepared by masters, or as a competitive form. It requires professionalism and many years of experience. Kaylie is a long dance in a line and in a circle. Kaylee is characterized by jumping and hands tightly pressed to the body - “hands at the seams”.

Set dances appeared a little later after the Irish soldiers who participated in the wars with Napoleon brought with them quadrille “from the mainland” - four pairs opposite each other, forming a square. A quadrille with an increased tempo and actually Irish movements became known as a set. Sets consist of figures - movements performed in a certain sequence. There are no jumps in the set that are typical for step dances, but due to the many varieties of steps, it looks very diverse.

Initially, Irish dances were performed only by men. When the step appeared, women were not trusted with it either. Now everything is mixed up. It is important that a dancer of any level can take part in the championships, be it a beginner amateur or a high-class professional.

As for the musical accompaniment, according to Anastasia Merkurieva, this dance can be performed not only to Irish music, but also to modern music.

“Figure dancing helps develop team spirit. There are no clear distinctions in staged dances, you can invent anything you like. Everyone finds his own. In sports, in competitions, it is important to observe lines, figures, the position of each dancer in space relative to the other partner. Irish dancing is brain dancing. First you need to think a lot, and then do it with your feet. Kind of math. Because it is necessary that the final figure turned out to be even, ”the interlocutor noted.

Rhinestone tie and curly wig

The usual men's clothing for dancing at the beginning of the 20th century was breeches or trousers, a wide belt, high stockings, and a shirt. The pants took root and became a truly national clothing in popularity. The wide belt of dancers was transformed into a trophy - special award belts were the pride of male dancers. Until the end of the last century, when men still danced in kilts, a common item of men's and women's dance wardrobe was a shawl or "cloak" (brath). Previously, it was a functional element of clothing, a rectangular piece of fabric, which was fastened on both or on one shoulder with a brooch. In the last century, male dancers wore a cloak attached to their jackets, but now this fashion is a thing of the past along with kilts.


Now at the competitions, dark trousers, a colored shirt and a vest have become standard clothing for men, some wear a tie. Fashion for bright and shiny outfits has reached men's wardrobes only in recent years. Shiny vests and dazzling ties in rhinestones are not at all a sign of bad taste, but a tribute to the need to stand out from the crowd.

Women's dresses were first decorated with a modest pattern around the neck, shawls were embroidered in the corners. Capes with hoods came into fashion for a short time, but over time, in dance costumes, they were shortened and began to be fastened only on one shoulder in a masculine manner. A short jacket was worn over a dress with a pleated skirt. Then they went out of fashion, and were replaced by overhead collars and cuffs on dresses.

Patterns on dresses appeared in the 20s of the XX century, but their painting cannot be compared with what can be seen now. The traditional colors were green, saffron and white. They tried to avoid red, as reminiscent of the red caftans of the British. Now all the preferences of the beginning of the last century are forgotten and there are no restrictions in the palette.

However, the Irish Dancing Commission has a separate division that enforces the rules regarding costumes. Specialists make sure that dances are demonstrated in the best possible way at competitions. For example, girls dance not only in brightly embroidered dresses, but also in rather modest ones, beginners dance in school dresses and skirts, more advanced dancers order solo dresses in rhinestones and beads. An important point is always a long sleeve and closed collarbones, and the skirt should not be shorter than the distance of the palm from the knee.

The dancer's hair must be strongly curled. This is a long-standing tradition that all dancers unquestioningly observe. Since the performers of Irish dances are deprived of the opportunity to express their emotions (the movement of the hands is prohibited, the head and body are motionless), it is believed that the curls soaring up allow at least a little to enliven the dance and add coquetry. Dancers at lower levels have the choice of wearing a wig or curling their hair.

Irish dancers wear white socks under their shoes, and this is not at all accidental, because the fine work of the feet, movements that can be missed if the foot is in black, are much more distinguishable.


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