Millions of people in England put on their dancing shoes and go to local classes, whether it’s ballroom, tap, jazz, ballet or modern dance. But many dancing shoes are made from leather or pleather (plastic leather). Here are some companies that make sustainable dancing shoes made from quality vegan leathers and other sustainable fabrics. Kind to the earth, kind to animals and kind to your feet!
Ethical Wares (Wales) is the main brand to find vegan dancing shoes. This company has been making quality dance shoes for several years, and uses its profits to fund an animal sanctuary. There are shoes for men and women to cover tap, practice dance, ballroom and even a vegan dancing shoe brush!
Nicole Dancewear launched vegan dance shoes years ago, and they have gone down a treat. These quality shoes are also in many pretty colours, ideal to match your dress. If you’re thinking about dressing up glamorous for a night on the ballroom, these are the shoes to dance in!
Gandolfi makes a quality vegan ballet shoe, with a satin upper and canvas sole. They have full soles with attached elastics, and extra comfort insoles. Order 1 size up from street shoe size, for children. Made in England, this shape was developed over 100 years ago, to fit your foot like a glove.
21 days to make movement a habit
Move Yourself Happy is an uplifting book for anyone who’s been a bit of a couch potato! This fun and highly accessible guide from one of the Strictly Come Dancing professionals explores general wellbeing through joyful movement and dance instructions, along with tips on the four pillars of health: rest, movement, nutrition and positivity.
The book offers simple explanations of core moves from Pilates and dance (jive, tap and ballet) alongside weekly journalling prompts, fun daily movement routines and mood-boosting lifestyle hacks. The book will transform your relationship with movement to make you feel happier each day. Author Dianne Buswell is a professional dancer and professional on BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing. She is also a trained holistic life coach.
