Ballroom Dancing

- What is the difference between character shoes and ballroom shoes?
Can I use character shoes for ballroom dance?

A Character shoes are more structured while ballroom shoes really allow you to move your feet. Ballroom shoes typically weigh less than character shoes, too. Also, character shoes typically have leather soles while most ballroom shoes have suede. Suede is more ‘pressure sensitive’—if you put more weight into the ground you stay put, if you add some extra ‘lift’ to turns and whatnot you glide across the floor like butter. Leather is more durable, hence why it is used so much on stage--low maintenance and can take a lot of abuse--but goes to polar extremes: if it’s roughed up it grips the floor too much, if it wears smooth your feet fly out from under you. Also, leather, unless cut very thin or is top-quality isn’t as flexible and doesn’t offer as much movement as suede does. You can use character shoes for ballroom dancing; I did for the first six months I danced, but as soon as I switched to actual ballroom shoes I never wanted to go back.

- Ballroom dance shoes?
Can I use Latin shoes for ballroom or vice versa? Which are generally more comfortable? I am taking west coast swing and salsa but I only want to buy one pair. Thanks

A Yes you can use either for both. Ballroom shoes are more comfortable because they are more supportive but latin shoes look sutible for both. I would personally get the latin shoes.