Welcome to Claire’s Corner where you can read reviews of new products and articles on dance written by Chicago Dance Supply’s own Claire Bauman! This week: Body Wrappers shoes!
A dancer’s feet are one of her most prized assets. So it’s critical to have a great shoe to show off those arches! Recently at Chicago Dance Supply, we received some new Body Wrappers shoes. Here are my thoughts after slipping them on:
Body Wrappers Wendy Ballet Shoe: The Wendy is a great basic shoe for any dancer, but also has a few bells and whistles for the pickier dancer. The light stretch canvas of this split sole shoe hugs the foot nicely with a barely-there feel. The heel is cut low, but the pre-sewn double elastic eliminates any worry of the heel sliding off. We have this canvas slipper in stock in jazzy tan. The shoe does run large, so be prepared to go 2 sizes smaller than your street shoe. Find online here.
Body Wrappers Low Vamp Maria: Body Wrappers takes it up a notch from the Wendy shoe in the Maria. The Maria has the same light stretch canvas and comes with pre-sewn elastic. We have the Maria in peach, which is more like a theatrical or light pink. But don’t worry, it’s far from garish! For those who really want to show off some Sylvie Guillem-like feet, the Maria boasts a ruched arch. Very flattering! Like the Wendy, the Maria runs large, so opt for 2 sizes down from your street shoe. Find online here.
Body Wrappers Bebe Jazz Shoe: This ain’t your mamma’s jazz shoe! Designed in collaboration with Billy Bell from Season 7 of So You Think You Can Dance?, this shoe is fashionable. The low profile cut makes it the easiest shoe to slip on. That and the seamless neoprene arch superbly flatters the foot. The suede metatarsal bottom allows for great turns and pivots while the rubber heel gives grip and control. Fits true to size. See you on the next season of So You Think You Can Dance?! Find online here.
Body Wrappers Chelsie Ballroom Shoe: Body Wrappers enters the competitive world of ballroom shoes with the Chelsie. It’s just about everything you could ask for in a shoe. A strappy shoe with three knots across the basket, it’s classy and versatile. It also passes the “escaping toe” test. Even my short pinkie toes are nice and secure in the shoe. The Chelsie won’t be falling off your foot either. With an under the sole and over the arch buckle strap and quick-release closure, this shoe will be strapped to you all night. Although the heel is 3 inches, it doesn’t feel like it, thanks to the steel shank and adjusted pitch of the shoe. It runs big, so try a half to whole size down from street shoe size. Comes in black satin and champagne leather. Get ready to dance the night away! Find online here.
About Claire:
Claire is a life-long dance addict! She has trained in classical ballet for 16 years as well as danced en pointe for 5. She has performed in The Nutcracker 8 times as well as other classics. Claire also enjoys choreographing and has choreographed the musicals, Spring Awakening and The Cradle Will Rock. Claire graduated from Vassar College as a drama major. At CDS, you can find Claire fitting dancers for pointe shoes and writing away! Learn more about Claire at her website.
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