Question about Irish dance shoes

[belle&beast]

My DD9 took an intro class in Irish dance last year and absolutely loves it! We now have found a studio that we love and she is very excited. It is a new studio, so there aren't many seasoned dancers there yet. I need to purchase reel shoes- ghillies- and am wondering if anyone has a good website and information on sizing. I have an email out to her teacher, but wanted to check here too. Thanks!

Oh she also wants the poodle socks and I'm sure she will need these things for shows and competitions too.

 

[mjkacmom]

You really don't want to spend the $ on new shoes when you are just starting out - they're pretty expensive (just spent $140 on dd9's last pair - she's been dancing 3+ years, and is now at the preliminary championship level, so really needs to have new shoes at this point). Are there any other studios in your area? We have an established studio, so a closet full of used shoes, which I get for dd7. We also have relationships with other studios in the area, which helps in finding used solo dresses. Your dd will most likely outgrow her shoes before her first Feis anyway.

Here's a link to where I buy dd's shoes sizing chart http://www.fayshoes.com/shoe_chart.htm

Our teachers are particular about which type of shoes to buy. If you decide to go new, find out if there are any Feis' close by - there are vendors there who will size her.

ETA - our studio requires poodle socks for classes, but would let beginners start out with ballet shoes.

 

[belle&beast]

Thanks for the input! I found some reasonably priced shoes on ebay and your size chart is for the one I was watching- $19.95 I believe. We are part of the first studio in our area and girls in this area have been travelling 2+ hours for classes until now- that's why we never tried before. Can you lead me in the direction for the socks? The size chart I have found is in Euro sizes and I can't figure out the conversion.

 

[mjkacmom]

Hmm - dd9 is pretty short (54"), and wears a small. I believe they should be about 3 or so inches below the knee? They do shrink a little.

All the girls I know who ID love it! Dd9 has daily classes, plus privates, and stretching class. Honestly, I sort of wish we never started, because she has no time for any other activities, I despise Feis's, and it gets crazy expensive if you stick with it. But again, she absolutely loves it.

 

[belle&beast]

Hmm - dd9 is pretty short (54"), and wears a small. I believe they should be about 3 or so inches below the knee? They do shrink a little.

All the girls I know who ID love it! Dd9 has daily classes, plus privates, and stretching class. Honestly, I sort of wish we never started, because she has no time for any other activities, I despise Feis's, and it gets crazy expensive if you stick with it. But again, she absolutely loves it.

Thanks- that's what I was thinking, but it's hard to tell. My DD will probably love the competition of the Feis's because she is so darn competitive! Right now it is really low key and the girls can decide whether or not they want to compete and /or perform or they can just take classes.

You are really busy with ID!!! My DD also plays softball year round on a travel team, so we have a lot of commitments, too- but we wouldn't have it any other way- we love to be busy!

 

[RockAndRollBallerina]

Try discountdance.com they have them there for $24.00 and you are able to get them for the same size as your daughters street shoe size, though I'd recommend ordering a half size up. Hope this helps.