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 footwear needs to move exactly as your body does. The right...

Contemporary and lyrical dance footwear needs to move exactly as your body does. The right fit gives you cleaner lines, controlled turns, and full freedom through the foot.

Footwear Designed for Fluid Movement

This collection covers every option a contemporary or lyrical dancer needs. Canvas shoes, leather pirouette shoes, and compression foot gloves are all here. Each piece is chosen for performance on sprung floors and studio surfaces.

Canvas lyrical shoes offer soft, flexible feel with a suede spin spot for controlled turns
Leather pirouette shoes provide durability and a firmer fit that holds its shape over time
Compression foot gloves protect the foot while keeping full sensory contact with the floor
Footundeez-style designs work across bare-floor and marley surface studios

How to Choose the Right Style

Not sure where to start? Use these simple guidelines.

New to contemporary dance: start with a canvas lyrical shoe for flexibility and value
Competing or performing regularly: leather holds up better under repeated wear
Prefer minimal coverage: a compression foot glove or footundeez gives you the most floor connection
Training on harder surfaces: choose a style with a padded sole or reinforced toe area

Sizing Tips for Lyrical and Contemporary Footwear

Lyrical shoes and foot gloves fit differently from ballet or jazz shoes. Keep this in mind when ordering.

Most lyrical shoes size down. A half size smaller than your street shoe is a good starting point
Compression foot gloves should feel snug but not restrict circulation
Check individual product sizing charts as AU sizing can vary between brands
When ordering for a child, account for a small amount of growth but avoid excess room as it affects turn technique

Suitable For

These styles suit a wide range of dancers and training levels.

Contemporary and lyrical soloists and ensemble performers
Students in ANZAC, RAD, and independent studio syllabuses
Adult recreational dancers returning to class
Eisteddfod and competition dancers needing stage-ready footwear

Fast shipping across Australia and New Zealand on all orders.

New to contemporary? See which dance class is right for your child and how lyrical differs from contemporary, in the Total Dance Learning Library.

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Capezio Leather Pirouette Lyrical Shoes

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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.