Focus on
Malcolm Hill Head of Faculty Development for Latin American, Modern Ballroom, Sequence latin@istd.org, ballroom@istd.org, sequence@istd.org For all faculty events, please turn to pages 58–59 and visit istd.org ISTD: Latin American Faculty ISTD: Modern Ballroom Faculty ISTD: Sequence Faculty
Latin American, Modern Ballroom and Sequence Elegance meets performance
Footwear trends for all genders In recent years, we’ve begun offering a broader range of choices that cater to all genders. Recognising the diversity within dance communities, we now offer more inclusive sizing and styling options. We have some unisex models and additionally we offer probably the biggest range of heel options on the market, allowing 40 Dance | Issue 503
International Dance Shoes Ltd is one of our trusted partners and provides our members with an exclusive discount. ISTD Members get 10% off at check out. Login to My ISTD to access the exclusive discount code. www.istd.org/ partner/affinity-partners
Justin Patel Justin Patel is the co-owner of International Dance Shoes Ltd, along with his father, Rashmi, who founded the business in 1981. While Rashmi primarily focuses on the manufacturing side, Justin takes responsibility for the overall strategy. Their factory, which includes a shop, along with their team, is based in Milton Keynes.
We caught up with Justin Patel of International Dance Shoes Ltd. Evolution of dance shoes Since I’ve been in the business for the last 12 years or so we’ve seen greater demand for more and more flexibility so both male and female dancers can really maximise the use of their feet. Our exciting challenge therefore is to make shoes which look beautiful and elegant, but they need to be very strong whilst lightweight, and very supportive yet flexible. With such strong traditions in the ballroom, stylistically the shoe style trends don’t change much, we do see heel shapes come in and out of fashion, and back in again. Slim heel styles went even slimmer, then came back to being just slim again! Though your most popular heel globally will always be the classic ‘flared’ shaped heel.
Membership
Left Justin Patel holding the Queen’s Award for International Trade
dancers to personalise their shoes to suit their individual preferences and needs. There is still work to do in the expansion to reflect a bigger commitment to inclusivity and diversity, ensuring that dancers of all genders can find footwear that not only enhances their performance but also aligns with their personal style. In terms of trends and innovations, all dancers benefit from advancements in materials and construction techniques that enhance comfort, durability, and performance in our shoes. Of course with the typical men’s shoe not being an open toe sandal or court shoe, we’re able to add even more layers of padding and cushioning to our insoles. Generally, though, we try to get as much cushioining and support into every shoe no matter what style.
Developments in comfort Comfort is so important to us. When you speak with dancers you learn just how much they are either training, performing or teaching. A lot of dancers are on a dancefloor for 10 hours a day and if they’re going to have a long and pain-free career, they need comfortable shoes. Whilst we’ve always paid close attention to comfort, in the years before Covid I spent some very enjoyable time with a physio in London who would see a lot of dancers and tend to their injuries. I’d take samples I’d picked up at trade fairs in Italy and Spain to her and she’d help me choose which were most essential given the rigours of dancing. Arch support has been very important and having shoes padded from the back of the heel to the tip of the toe is vital.
