Ballroom Dancing

- What's the best way to clean black patent leather shoes? Ballroom dance shoes?


A I remember my mother used to clean our shoes with soap and water and then rub them with Vaseline, however, I don't think that is an acceptable practice anymore. There are several products on the market made just for patent leather and are probably better for your shoes. Anyhow, here is a site that discusses how to care for patent leather as well as a product for caring for them. http://shoes.about.com/od/shoe_tips_advice/a/patent_leather.htm http://shoes.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?zi=1/XJ&sdn=shoes&cdn=style&tm=71&gps=134_342_998_535&f=20&su=p284.8.150.ip_&tt=2&bt=0&bts=0&zu=http%3A//www.urad.org/support/FAQ_patent_leather.cfm Good Luck

- How do I make my ballroom dancing shoes less slippery?
I have a pair of black ballroom shoes and lately when I've been dancing in them I have been slipping quite a bit, any tips on how to make them less slippery? Thanks

A You could try roughing the soles up with a few criss cross scores, sandpaper, or a grater. You could use hairspray, or roisin (as used by ballet dancers), and I have seen someone recommend sticky tape. The expert view "Chrome [leather] & Suede soles usually pick up a layer of wax or other things found on the older wooden floors, which may make the shoes less slippery or too slippery. A [wire] shoe brush can be used to brush the sole of the shoe. Each time you do this it takes some of the surface suede as well, reducing the life of the soles each time this is done. Do not use wire brushes not designed for dance shoes, these brushes are too harsh and will ruin the sole. " http://www.latinenergy.ca/TIPS/Choosing_Dance_Shoes.htm