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Review: Moccis, Hand-Sewn Swedish Moccasins

September 3, 2016 by 4dancers

moccis-logo

 

by Catherine L. Tully

If it’s one thing dancers love, its to pamper their feet – and with good reason – they are our tools. To that end, I’m always interested in trying out something new in that department…

So, when Moccis reached out to me to check out a pair of their moccasins, of course I said yes!

Hand-sewn in Sweden, these “slipper socks” remind me of ones I wore as a child, just more stylish. I chose the “Stoney River” option, gray with bright blue stars. They have many different patterns for adults and children, such as pandas, crocodiles and hearts, but there are also fairly plain options if that’s just not your thing. Most of the designs are limited runs, so they are always changing, which keeps the lineup interesting.

stoney_river_baby_001The “sock” part is made out of breathable fabrics, and the sole is an anti-slip, washable (40 degrees) leather, which is nice. The stitching gives the slippers that cute, hand-made feel, and they are quite comfortable. Instead of having the bottom of your foot on the leather, there is a thin, soft layer between. I slid them on, and they felt great! These are perfect for fall weather, but I can see myself wearing them in the winter months as well.

Part of the reason I decided to review these is because I thought dancers might like them, and after getting my pair of Moccis, I think that is true. Take a peek at their line and see if there is one that calls to you…there are quite a few to choose from!


Disclosure: I was not paid for this review, but did accept a review pair of Moccis so I could check them out for myself and pass on my thoughts to readers.

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Filed Under: Other Footwear Tagged With: footwear for dancers, hand made slippers, hand made socks, Moccis, slipper socks, slippers

Review : Shashi Socks

January 12, 2015 by Rachel Hellwig

by Rachel Hellwig

Shashi socks. STAR style in Sugar Plum.
Shashi socks. STAR style in Sugar Plum.

Shashi socks are designed for pilates, yoga, and barre-style workouts. They sit low on the ankle and feature slip-resistant grippers on the bottom and mesh panels on top. Mine also had a sprinkling of sparkle sequins on the mesh – the STAR style.

I loved the streamlined feel of Shashi socks and enjoyed just wearing them around the house. But, more importantly, Shashi socks achieve their objective of keeping your feet cool while you do pilates, yoga, or barre-style exercises (not traditional ballet barre exercises of course, as the grippers would interfere.)

Shashi socks require a little care when washing. The Shashi website says, “Machine wash warm inside out. Gentle cycle. Line dry.” My pair are purple (sugar plum) so I decided to wash them on a cold, delicate cycle. I noticed that a couple of sparkles came off in the process, but, other than that, they held up well. I dried them overnight (about 6 hours) and they were ready to go for a morning workout.

Overall, I really like this product. It fills the need for exercise footwear that falls in between sock and dance slipper.

Filed Under: Other Footwear, Reviews Tagged With: dance product review, dance products, Product review, Shashi socks, Shasi socks product review

Freetoes Toeless Socks – Interview with Katelyn Lohr

September 29, 2014 by Rachel Hellwig

Katelyn Lohr
Katelyn Lohr. Photograph by Douglas Homer.

4dancers wanted to share this interview with Katelyn Lohr, well…because we like her product. And, because we think it’s pretty cool that she founded a business based on an idea she had.

Read more about her story in this interview…

What Inspired Freetoes?

When I was eight, I wanted to wear my flip flops outside when it was cold out. My mom said I had to wear socks and shoes. So, I came to her with scissors and socks. It was my way of following the rules but still getting what I wanted!

 

How can Freetoes be helpful to dancers?

Dancers have been pulling their leg warmers down around their heels forever. Freetoes are great with leg warmers because they keep the leg warmers from sliding too far down, and they offer a little extra support. I also think they would be great for costumes during performances.

Freetoes give dancers the slip they need to move freely across the floor, but, because the toes are free, they also have that grip that is so important. Freetoes keep feet warm, keep heels from drying out on the wood floors, and can help make tights last a little longer.

 

Freetoes Pink 1
Freetoes Ballerina Pink. Photograph by Douglas Homer.

How can Freetoes be a fun part of your wardrobe in general?

Freetoes are so much fun! They come in so many funky colours and designs. They work with such a variety of footwear too. Everything from flip flops, riding boots, crocs, peekaboo toe boots, sandals, and Vibram barefoot sports shoes. They are fun and extremely practical.

 

 How many different patterns/colors of Freetoes do you offer?

We currently have 12 different colours and patterns in stock…we call them flavors! Variety is the spice of Freetoes. Something we learned early on in developing this product was that people wanted to buy more than one pair because we had such a wide variety of colours and designs. We like to carry some staple colors like Solid Black and Pink, but we get wild with patterns like Electric Zebra and Teal Blue Leopard!

 

Freetoes Stripes 2
Freetoes Electric Zebra. Photograph by Douglas Homer.

Do you have a favorite pattern/color?

It’s really hard to pick a fav because we are always getting new ones in. Right now, I would say Black and White Stripes, but I do wear the Solid Black and Pink ones most often.

 

[Read more…]

Filed Under: 4dancers, Other Footwear Tagged With: business, footwear, Freetoes, Freetoes Toeless Socks, interview, Katelyn Lohr, socks

Shoes For Irish Dance

March 15, 2013 by 4dancers

In honor of the upcoming St. Patrick’s Day holiday (and because one of our themes this quarter is dance shoes) today we’re taking a closer look at shoes for Irish dance. We asked the well-known Chicago-area Irish dance instructor, Sheila Tully Driscoll to share some information about these shoes with us – and she was kind enough to oblige…

Ghillies (photo courtesy of Tully Academy of Irish Dance)

What are the main types of shoes are used in Irish step dance?

Irish dancers wear two types of soft shoes called Ghillies & Reel Shoes. Ghillies fit more like ballet slippers and are made of black leather, with a leather sole and a very flexible body. They lace from toe to ankle and do not make sounds against the dance surface. They are worn by female dancers for the light jig, the reel, the single jig, the slip jig, and group dances with two or more people.

The second kind of soft shoe is worn by male dancers – these are called “reel shoes” and are similar to jazz shoes in black leather, with fiberglass heels that can be clicked together while dancing. Some male dancers do not wear fiberglass heels. The men’s steps may be choreographed in a different style to girls’ in order to take advantage of the heels and to avoid feminine movements in steps.

Irish dancers also wear a pair of hard shoes, which are much bulkier and typically have fiberglass tips for a louder sound. dancers often refer to them as “Heavies” or Jig shoes.  Both are traditionally made of black leather.

Do the shoes require breaking in, and if so, how is that typically done?

Hard shoes need breaking in by wearing them in as much as possible! Doesn’t matter if you’re walking, running, dancing, skipping – the shoes need to be worn in. Repeatedly bending the shoe also helps soften the leather.  Some of the dancers use leather softener like Hot Glove cream.

Additionally, make sure the shoes fit CORRECTLY. Nothing is worse than an ill-fitting shoe! The shoes should have a snug fit at the start, allowing for possible stretching of the leather.

Hard shoes for Irish Dance (photo courtesy of Tully Academy of Irish Dance)

On average, how much do the shoes cost?

Soft shoes are around $90 and hard shoes around $180.

Can you share any interesting information about Irish step dance shoes in terms of their history?

The first hard shoes had wooden taps with metal nails. It was common practice in the 17th and 18th century to hammer nails into the soles of a shoe in order to increase the life of the shoe. Dancers used the sounds created by the nails to create the rhythms that characterize hard shoe dancing.

How important are the shoes to overall performance?

Since Irish dance is focused on rhythm and foot placement, it’s ALL about the shoes.

How young can an Irish Dancer start?

We start dancers around 5 years old although we have had a few younger dancers if they are ready.

What is some advice you would give to new dancers?

Anything new is hard.  A lot of practice trains your mind, body and feet to move correctly and helps you practice timing as you learn to step to the beats. Also, you may be sore once you start dancing. Buy Sportscreme (or Flexall, or Icyhot, etc.) – its proven to be a lifesaver for many dancers! A little dab of Sportscreme after you dance takes all the pain away.

Sheila Tully Driscoll

About Sheila Tully:  As Founder and President of the Tully Academy of Irish Dance, Sheila Tully Driscoll has been teaching Irish Dance lessons for over 45 years.  A champion Irish dancer herself, she began teaching Irish Dance in her mother’s basement while she was in college. Sheila received her T.C.R.G. designation (official Irish Dancing Teacher certification) in 1972 and her A.D.C.R.G. designation (official Irish Dancing Adjudication certification) in 1976. Today, she is the longest tenured Irish dancing teacher in the Chicago area and is highly regarded nationally and worldwide. She is a member of An Coimisian Le Rinci Gaelacha, the international governing body of Irish Dancing and adjudication as well as a member of the Irish Dance Teachers Association of North America and the Irish Dance Teachers Association of Mid-America. Taught by Pat Roche, one of the pioneers of Irish Dancing in Chicago, Sheila continues her hands on teaching in the classroom as well as participating as a judge at Irish dancing events.

Sheila’s Irish Dancing Academy, which opened its beautiful new studio in Glenview in 2003, is highly regarded in the Irish Dance community as her programs have produced many champion dancers and winning teams. Tully Dancers have successfully competed in many regional and national competitions as well as the World Irish Dance competition in Ireland. Her dancers have also performed all over North America entertaining a wide variety of audiences.

Visit our Website: www.tullyirishdancers.com

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Filed Under: Other Footwear Tagged With: ballet slippers, chillies, dance shoes, irish dance shoes, irish step dance, jig shoes, reel shoes, sheila tully, shoes for irish dance, st. patricks day

The Clogging Shoe

February 26, 2013 by 4dancers

A clogging shoe
Clogging Shoe, Photo by Dorothy Stephenson

by Dorothy Stephenson

Known as the “melting pot of dances,” Clogging came about when the nation’s Irish, Scottish, English, and Dutch-German ancestors settled in the mountains of Appalachia on the east coast of the United States. As different cultures came together, their native dances began to intertwine signaling the birth of Clogging, an old dance form that continues to grow, evolve, and become more popular everyday. As clogging spread through the nation, other influences, such as Cherokee Indian, African, and Russian, contributed to the newly formed dance style.

I have been Clogging for twenty-three years. Ten years ago, when telling someone I was a “Clogger,” I would have to explain myself and how “Yes, Clogging is similar to what Fred Astaire did,” but “No, it’s not what Michael Flatley does.”  Nowadays, when I vocally label myself as a “Clogger,” I usually get a “Wow! I love Clogging!” This dance form has appeared on stages as simple as county fairs all the way up to national television on shows like “So You Think You Can Dance,” “America’s Got Talent,” and “America’s Best Dance Crew.” And the tool that each clogger needs? Their shoes, of course!

Just like Clogging, Clogging shoes have evolved and changed since the dance form’s predecessors began in places like Wales with wooden clogs and Ireland with hard shoes. In the 15th century, dancers replaced the original wooden clog with a leather-topped shoe that had a full wooden sole. By the 16th century, dancers added separate wooden pieces on the heel and toe of the shoe.

These pieces, also called “flats,” are where the term “flatfooting” came from. Flatfooting, an ancestor of today’s American Clogging, is still practiced and respected in the clogging world today. In fact, Clogging competitions have a special solo category devoted specifically to flatfooting, and Cloggers of all ages will gladly clear the dance floor to marvel at dance patriarchs who will shake the dust off of their old flats to perform one more time.

Throughout Clogging’s evolution, dancers added another important element to their shoes – taps. Two “jingle” taps (also known as Steven Stompers) are attached to each shoe – one tap on the heel and one tap on the toe. With a flat stationary tap directly attached to the shoe, a dangling or “jingle” tap hangs slightly from the stationary tap to create a double tap that makes the signature clogging sound, which features just a little more sound than tap shoes.

Regular taps cover only the bottom of the shoe while buck taps have a small metal lip that bends over the toe. Where the regular tap didn’t make sound when a dancer stuck their toe, the buck toe creates sound and provides further support if contemporary dancers are executing toe stands. Present-day clogging shoes are usually black and white though some teams will occasionally branch out taking the stage with silver, red, or other colored shoes.

clogging shoe with taps
Full Sole Clogging Shoes, Photo by Dorothy Stephenson

When original Appalachian Clogging began, it was an individual form of dance where the dancer used their feet to turn out rhythmic percussive sounds to accompany music that was most likely bluegrass. Today, more complicated steps and more influences of different dances, such as hip hop and pointe, have dribbled into Clogging and have further urged the evolution of Clogging shoes. With steps, such as toe stands (where Cloggers balance on their toes), increasingly complicated choreography is made easier with a more flexible shoe. Clogging shoes with split-soles have emerged. Some feature a full sole with a soft leather upper, such as the Director’s Cut shoe, while others, such as Signatures Split Soles, have a complete split sole with hard leather on the toe and ball of the foot and the traditional heel block. There is no sole to support the arch of the foot, only leather.

Clogging shoes, split sole
Example Of Split Sole Clogging Shoes, Photo by Dorothy Stephenson

As more intricate steps developed, the full sole shoe restricted the movement of a dancer’s toes making it difficult and sometimes impossible to execute new steps. Split-sole shoes make it much easier for a dancer to bend their foot to achieve optimum sound and execute toe work.

Whether it was in the 15th century or the 21st century, Clogging shoes have always been used the same way – by striking the heel, the toe, or both against the floor to create rhythmic sounds usually to the downbeat of the music. If you haven’t seen Clogging, check it out. It is truly a dance form that has something for every personality – young, old, city, country, traditional, contemporary – and Clogging choreography can accompany a wide variety of music ranging from country and bluegrass to 1940’s swing and big band to jazz, hip hop, and even rap. The sky is the limit.

Want to see some cloggers in action? Here’s a video of Rhythmic Alliance competing with their Line Formations routine:

sundance studios director
Dorothy Stephenson, Photo by Kathy Cobb Photography

Dorothy Stephenson began her clogging career in 1990 when her mother enrolled her with the Little Switzerland Cloggers. Today, she leads Little Switzerland along with two other groups – Rhythmic Alliance, a competitive team, and Sundance Express, a professional performance troupe.

She also owns Sundance Studios & Productions Company, a dance studio and productions company specializing in clogging instruction and performance.

Filed Under: Other Footwear Tagged With: america's best dance crew, america's got talent, clogger, clogging, clogging shoes, dance form, dance shoes, fred astaire, So You Think You Can Dance, sundance studios

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