Contemporary & Lyrical

Q: What shoes are used for contemporary dance in Australia?

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Q: What is the difference between lyrical sandals and half-sole shoes?

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Q: What are pirouette shoes and who should wear them?

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Q: How do I size contemporary dance shoes?

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Q: Can contemporary shoes be used for jazz?

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Q: What materials are contemporary dance shoes made from?

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Q: Do you stock nude and skin-tone contemporary shoes?

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Contemporary and lyrical dance demands footwear that moves with you, not against you. The right...

Contemporary and lyrical dance demands footwear that moves with you, not against you. The right shoe or foot glove can make the difference between a clean line and a lost turn.

Footwear Built for Fluid Movement

This collection covers the full range of contemporary and lyrical footwear. From canvas pirouette shoes to compression foot gloves, every piece is chosen for performance and durability on sprung floors and studio surfaces.

Canvas lyrical shoes offer a soft, flexible feel with a suede spin spot for controlled turns
Leather pirouette shoes give more structure and last longer with regular class use
Foot Undeez sit bare-foot close to the floor, ideal for contemporary solos and floorwork
Compression foot gloves support the arch and protect the foot during extensions and leaps

Getting the Fit Right

Lyrical shoes should fit snug with no excess fabric at the toe. A sloppy fit causes the shoe to slip during pirouettes and affects your lines in performance.

Size down half a size from your street shoe as a starting point
Foot gloves and Undeez are sized by foot length in centimetres, check the size chart before ordering
Children's feet grow fast. If they are between sizes, size up and use a small amount of padding at the toe
For wide feet, look for canvas styles as they have more give than leather

Choosing Between Shoe Styles

Not sure which style suits your dancer? Here is a simple guide.

Pirouette shoes suit dancers who need a defined spin spot and light coverage across the top of the foot
Foot Undeez suit contemporary and modern styles where bare-foot contact with the floor is important
Compression foot gloves suit dancers recovering from minor foot strain or needing extra arch support mid-season

Caring for Your Footwear

Canvas shoes can be hand washed in cold water. Air dry flat, away from direct heat. Leather shoes should be wiped clean after class and stored away from moisture. Foot gloves and Undeez can be machine washed on a gentle cycle.

Fast Australian shipping on all orders.

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Contemporary & Lyrical Shoes — Frequently Asked Questions

What shoes are used for contemporary dance in Australia?

Contemporary dancers often wear half-sole shoes, foot thongs, or pirouette shoes that cover only the ball of the foot. These allow direct floor contact through the arch and heel while protecting the toes and metatarsals. Total Dance Australia stocks a wide range of styles from Bloch, Capezio, and Wear Moi.

What is the difference between lyrical sandals and half-sole shoes?

Lyrical sandals have a strap around the ankle and a toe loop, with minimal sole coverage. Half-sole shoes cover the ball of the foot with a suede or leather pad and have an ankle strap or elastic. Both allow articulation through the arch. The choice often comes down to personal preference and teacher requirement.

What are pirouette shoes and who should wear them?

Pirouette shoes cover the toes and ball of the foot with a smooth suede sole that supports turns. They are popular for lyrical, jazz, and contemporary dancers who need turning assistance without full shoe coverage. Most styles have elastic across the arch for a secure fit.

How do I size contemporary dance shoes?

Contemporary and lyrical shoes should fit snugly with no excess material, as loose footwear affects technique. Most styles are sized close to street shoe size. Check each brand's size chart and measure your foot length for the most accurate fit.

Can contemporary shoes be used for jazz?

Half-sole and lyrical sandal styles are primarily designed for contemporary and lyrical genres. They can be used for jazz in some contexts but do not provide the same heel support and sole coverage as a dedicated jazz shoe. Check with your teacher before substituting styles.

What materials are contemporary dance shoes made from?

Most contemporary dance shoes are made from stretch canvas, microfibre, or soft leather with a suede sole pad. Stretch fabrics conform closely to the foot for a seamless look. Suede soles provide the right amount of grip and slide on sprung or vinyl dance floors.

Do you stock nude and skin-tone contemporary shoes?

Yes. Nude and skin-tone contemporary shoes are stocked in a range of shades to suit different skin tones. These are popular for performances and competitions where a bare-foot aesthetic is required. Check the colour options listed on each product page.