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jiveoholic
17th-May-2002, 11:44 PM
I see some dancers (usually men) wearing black and white dancing shoes. I've asked at the shops and was told that all black ones are equally available. Can someone explain this phenomena? Is it like clergy in robes?

Tiggerbabe
18th-May-2002, 11:23 AM
I can totally relate to this, I ordered a pair of "Suzy Q" dance shoes from TRDC and they come in both all black and black and white - the black and white ones look brilliant but I just couldn't get them as I don't think I'm a good enough dancer.

When we were at the ceroc championships last year the compere said - in the lucky dip competition - for the girls to look at their partner's shoes. If they were black and white it meant that they were very good dancers or that they just thought they were very good dancers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Personally I think they look good but I tend to think if you're wearing them then you must be good - maybe it's a confidence thing and when you pass a certain point you can buy yourself a pair.

Mindy you, since I got my dance trainers I seldom wear anything else (on my feet that is, I always have clothes on, don't want to frighten the beginners!)- I do have a grey pair of these, as well as the all black ones, does that count?

Gus
18th-May-2002, 01:38 PM
Reminds me of the unofficial 'uniform' showing ones standard;


1. stop wearing shirts without ties, start wearing t-shirts
2. start wearing black and whites
3. start wearing braces
4. start wearing striped trousers


AND the Ultimate level

5. start wearing a hat!


What level are you at?

Tiggerbabe
18th-May-2002, 02:53 PM
This is definitely a guy thing! Although I have worn a hat (at a fancy dress party) and stripey trousers..................

For the girls you start off wearing comfy clothes and then find yourself drawn to anything that sparkles when you move, looks a bit unusual or has fringes on it. I have two totally different lots of clothes now - ones for wearing when out with the muggles (non-dancing friends) and the stuff I take to go to the ceroc parties. Green, imitation snake skin lycra with a gold shine kinda looses its' appeal if you're only off down the pub!

One problem with footwear that I have is that I can't dance in 7" stilletto heels and so if I do have a slinky dress on it's like being all dressed up but still wearing your school shoes. I did get a lovely pair of gold sparkly shoes in Blackpool but they still look a bit "ballroomy".

Oh the trials and tribulations of being a dancing girl!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:innocent:

Gus
18th-May-2002, 05:41 PM
Sorry ... thought there was a girl thing....from a number of the venues I've been to it seems that the higher the (perception of) experience by the gilrs, the less clothing is worn ... in terms of shortness of skirt and missing back of tops ..... or is that just wishfull thinking:yum:

Think I'll go and lie down ina darkened room for a hwil:sick:

Heather
18th-May-2002, 05:50 PM
As you can see from my picture, I always wear my little red hat :wink:
How on earth would you recognise Miss Bossy without it!!!!!
Seriously, I agree with Sheena, I have developed a whole new wardrobe of clothes , just for dancing. When I go shopping these days I don't look at something and think" Could I wear this to work?" I just wonder if I could dance in it. I too go for glittery gear!
I've even rediscovered my love of dressmaking and make a lot of my own outfits.
As for shoes, I have a couple of pairs, but I just love dancing in the 'Swivel' wedge shoes from TRDC. Not very glamourous but soooooooooh!!!!! comfy.

Tiggerbabe
19th-May-2002, 08:47 PM
Originally posted by Gus
Sorry ... thought there was a girl thing....from a number of the venues I've been to it seems that the higher the (perception of) experience by the gilrs, the less clothing is worn ... in terms of shortness of skirt and missing back of tops .....


ok Gus, you've got me, the backless tops are definitely a girl thing (they just don't look the same on the boys:what: )
:wink:

John S
20th-May-2002, 12:27 AM
Well, I wore a hat for the Ceroc Championships, but now I see from Gus' table that I had gone straight to Step 5 without going via the black & white shoes, braces and stripey trousers phases.

So obviously that explains my early exit from the competition. :( - or anyway that's my story.

At least I didn't wear a backless top or short skirt - but there's always next year.:D

Amanda
20th-May-2002, 01:28 PM
What work clothes..? For me 'serious' clothes shopping has become but a distant memory. I have one thought alone as I hit the clothes shops these days - can I dance in this..? My criteria is far reaching but as long as the clothes are sparkly/loud/girly/fun/skimpy on fabric/unusual then they're in the basket and heading quickly towards the nearest checkout. And then of course there is the limitless variety of add-on stuff that you can run up in the comfort of your own home.

And as for the black and white shoes - yes, please - and who cares what they represent.

Amanda

filthycute
20th-May-2002, 01:56 PM
I dunno what the black and whites are supposed to...if anything....represent, but i've got my black and white lindy hoppers. I didn't think about how i rated myself when i bought them....i just thought they looked comfy & cute :D

filthycute x x

John McAulay
21st-May-2002, 12:33 PM
WOW! I think itÕs about time some of you guys (thatÕs the blokes) woke up and smell the coffee
With all this talk of shoe and hat fashion, I think the hormone replacement treatment has gone to far.
Wear what you like, better still wear nothing at all, well commando at least.
It a bad sign, you spend so long on chat sites that you start to swap fashion tips

We thatÕs the rant over with
I think black and white shoes look real good and nothing to do with ability.
If I didnÕt have my own designer sling backs I may even have bought a pair myself

Went to the new Vegas event in Aberdeen on Saturday night
Really got in the mood with the dancing
But the poserÕs in their suits who did not dance didnÕt look out of place
So this got me thinking about some new threads to wear to the next event
A zoot suit- dance shoes, pants, hat the full monty, I even found a site
Http.www.suavecito.com itÕs the absolute dogs b******s of a site for dance gear
So forget about if you buy black and white shoes you have to be good
Get yourself at zoot suit a snip at $250, so all thatÕs left is do I get
Yellow, green or black? What do you guys think!:waycool:

Franck
21st-May-2002, 12:38 PM
Good idea for a Poll, and it seems the consensus is against Black & White shoes...
I am in the "never" camp myself. I am quite prepared to accept that they are great dancing shoes, very comfortable and with ideal soles for spinning (from what I hear), but If I ever decided I wanted all those qualities in a "specialist" shoe, I would go for the Black & Black version, which to my mind is understated.

I would be weary of raising my partner's expectations, much better to surprise her with actions than disappoint :wink:

I like simplicity on the dance floor: t-shirts / jeans or black trousers. I will ignore my attempts at theme nights (pink trousers anyone?).
Saying that, I still enjoy dancing in a kilt... But no hat for me, I love my Combs too much. :grin:

Franck.

Bill
29th-May-2002, 05:50 PM
I agree with Sheena that I never got round to buying black & whites because I just thought they were worn by the 'good' dancers although I almost bought a lovley pair at Beach Boogie last year - they were red and white !

I felt it was a bit like being a brand new golfer and wearing slacks and a pringle jumper. Better to wear jeans and a t shirt so expectations are lower !:D

Amazing how many of the women are now into glittery outfits - but Sheena how can you not dance in 7" heels. It's easy :grin:

I'll bring my red shoes along and let you try them out:wink:

Looking forward to a dance this Friday. Remember your backless top and sparkly 'bits'......I'll maybe take a vest;)

filthycute
29th-May-2002, 05:57 PM
I still enjoy dancing in a kilt... But no hat for me, I love my Combs too much.

Ahhhh.....Me and denise must teach you the "body roll comb" :wink:

filthycute x x

Franck
29th-May-2002, 11:56 PM
Originally posted by filthycute
Ahhhh.....Me and denise must teach you the "body roll comb" :wink:Hmmmm, :yum: I can't wait... Do we all roll together :wink:

I seem to remember all of us attempting body rolls etc after quite a few drinks at 4/5.00 am following the Championships, and despite the drink, I am sure they were not my greatest strength !:really:

Still, I am willing to practice plenty.

Franck.

Jayne
2nd-April-2004, 02:57 PM
It'll be interesting to see how the shape of this changes now the thread has been brought back to life with so many southerners on the forum (they tend to like black n whites down here)....

At the mo we're 3, 14 & 2.

J :nice:

Chicklet
2nd-April-2004, 03:53 PM
Originally posted by Franck
I would be weary of raising my partner's expectations, much better to surprise her with actions than disappoint :wink:

Saying that, I still enjoy dancing in a kilt... But no hat for me, I love my Combs too much. :grin:

Franck.

Bizzare thread to pop up out of the blue but big AAAAHHH for some early Franck classics:flower:

Dan Hudson
2nd-April-2004, 04:07 PM
Personally I hate black and white shoes, my experience in the past is that they are worn by people (normally fellas) who want people to look at them..

Middle aged men who THINK they are good dancers:angry:

I think black and white shoes should be banned!!!

But thats just me sitting on the fence as usual!:rofl:

*sits back and awaits a flaming*

HeatherX
2nd-April-2004, 04:24 PM
Hmmmmm. I don't mind if guys want to wear black and white shoes, though I have to admit, if I see a guy I don't know in them I tend to think 'he's either good or thinks he's good'.

My problem is my own shoes. I wear 'greek sandals' which are what dancers (of all types) use for practice wear and they are very comfortable and good for spinning, but they look so very dull and 'mumsy'. I want to wear something a bit dressier, with a pointed toe, which is my preferred non-dancing shoe style - but I can't dance in high heels.

I have looked through all the on-line dance wear websites and found nothing to fit the bill. :confused:

denise
2nd-April-2004, 04:33 PM
I like my blck and white shoes. I always feel like moonwalking on the dance floor. They just take over. Hee heeee ooohw!
:waycool:

denise
2nd-April-2004, 04:40 PM
I dont think they should be associated with dance level or style. If you like them then, wear them. Its about feeling good on the dance floor. And melanie we'll need to do more moonwalks and bodyrolling practices soon!! hehe:waycool: :waycool:

spindr
2nd-April-2004, 07:09 PM
Black'n'white shoes just remind me of pandas. Well, known for its dancing ability is yer average panda :)

SpinDr.

Carol
2nd-April-2004, 07:26 PM
Oh heck having finally plucked up the courage after 6yrs of dancing to finally but the pair of suzy q black and white shoes at blackpool that I have wanted for years and finally deciding to wear them to the class next week someone starts this thread.
Well back they go in the box only to be brought out in secret stroked lovingly with maybe a quick spin around the kitchen and then returned to the back of the wardrobe.
Thanks alot!! you owe me £50!!!!!!pretty expensive thread.

fruitcake
2nd-April-2004, 10:21 PM
Black and white shoes?
On me?
I think not!
Look good on others though,
I have seen a bee-autiful paitr of purple lovelies on the net which I am gonna buy-cannae wait!
Fruity

Alfie
3rd-April-2004, 08:01 AM
hi gang,
I wear black and whites, brown and whites (if im wearing brown trousers or jeans) or occasionally red boomerangs.
I dress like a tramp all week, so like to get dressed up to go out dancing. I dont do the urban commando look. I dislike sleeveless T shirts and vests and much prefere a collar and tie sometimes a waist coat aswell.
I'm an addequate dancer but I dont think my choice of footwear should reflect on my ability on the dance floor.
I also wear baggy trousers and braces which I find very comfortable and cool (and I have pinstripes also)does this mean I fit into Gus's cattagory 4,
I will never be a 5 as I dont do hats (well only for weddings :grin: )
I think choice and freedom to choose is a personal thing. If you like it, wear it, but do it for yourself.
:wink:

Jive Brummie
3rd-April-2004, 02:23 PM
It's a 'bit' off topic:blush: , but, can anyone suggest a cool pair of trainers to wear that will allow good movement on the floor and maybe the odd spin?? They don't necessarily have to be specific dance trainers..........thay can be anything.

Are there trainers with leather soles????

James........x

ChrisA
3rd-April-2004, 03:07 PM
Originally posted by Jive Brummie
It's a 'bit' off topic:blush: , but, can anyone suggest a cool pair of trainers to wear that will allow good movement on the floor and maybe the odd spin?? They don't necessarily have to be specific dance trainers..........thay can be anything.

Do you mean actual trainers that you can dance in? I wouldn't have thought so, since trainers are designed to grip.

Or dance shoes that look like trainers? If the latter then the Bloch ones are fab, I probably wear mine 15 hrs a week or more and never any soreness. (Maybe I should try dancing in them :wink: )

The only thing is, the split sole meant I had to learn how to spin all over again when I started with them, since your balance has to be better... that can only be a good thing tho' and I can spin much better in them than before I started wearing them

Anyway, the last thing I want is to suggest anything that'll make you dance any better, ya git :devil:

So actually I recommend clogs. :D

HTH,
Chris

Jive Brummie
3rd-April-2004, 03:44 PM
Originally posted by ChrisA
Do you mean actual trainers that you can dance in? I wouldn't have thought so, since trainers are designed to grip.

Or dance shoes that look like trainers? If the latter then the Bloch ones are fab, I probably wear mine 15 hrs a week or more and never any soreness. (Maybe I should try dancing in them :wink: )

The only thing is, the split sole meant I had to learn how to spin all over again when I started with them, since your balance has to be better... that can only be a good thing tho' and I can spin much better in them than before I started wearing them

Anyway, the last thing I want is to suggest anything that'll make you dance any better, ya git :devil:

So actually I recommend clogs. :D

HTH,
Chris

Ta Chris,

have got some Bloch's at the moment. But always seem to have trouble spinning. I'm c**p at spinning anyhow, but what the hell, I'll blame the shoes!!!!! Maybe I need to try a different style of Bloch.......??

Cheers anyway........

James.........:cheers:

Chicklet
5th-April-2004, 08:21 AM
Originally posted by Jive Brummie
Are there trainers with leather soles????

James........x

Give Lindsay a shout, I remember a conversation with her a few months ago about putting new soles onto "ordinary" trainers!!:D

Dreadful Scathe
5th-April-2004, 09:23 AM
indeed, she deomonstrated them on saturday night :) says they never come off.....cobblers

thats where you go to get it done :)

Pammy
5th-April-2004, 09:45 AM
Billco has done the same in the past - put a dancing sole onto normal trainers - great idea :grin:

Funky Si
5th-April-2004, 01:22 PM
Black and white shoes- BAD

Black and white leather y-fronts- Now THAT'S what I call a good look......


I totally agree with Dan.

:wink:


Funky Si

www.kordmusic.com

Martin
5th-April-2004, 02:32 PM
Had black and whites many years ago.

Don't wear them anymore -

Stage one - admire the black and whites
Stage two buy some and pretend
Stage three learn to dance and ditch the black and whites when you realise most dancers who wear them are wannaby kangaroos.

Now look at the black and whites and think ahh another wannaby

spindr
5th-April-2004, 03:27 PM
Originally posted by Martin
Now look at the black and whites and think ahh another wannaby

Sure you don't mean wallaby?

SpinDr.

Sheepman
5th-April-2004, 04:35 PM
Originally posted by Jive Brummie
Maybe I need to try a different style of Bloch.......?? From one that suffers in one way or another from almost any pair of shoes, I would recommend the Bloch Stealth range, not leather soles, but a fast enough rubber compound for spins. I found them comfortable right from day one, and can wear them for hours if the floor isn't too slow. Don't expect them to last as long as the normal Bloch split soles though.
In a few weeks I should be able to report back on the new Capulet split sole trainers I've just forked out on, very lightweight, but the soles need a bit of wearing in, and they look good enough so that even a man asked me about them!!!
(That makes 5 new pairs of dance shoes for me in less than 4 weeks, is this excessive obsessive?)

Greg

Boomer
5th-April-2004, 07:35 PM
Originally posted by Funky Si
...Black and white leather y-fronts- Now THAT'S what I call a good look......

A true paragon of style. Bodyshop do a lovely Japanese scented talc that, I find, helps deal with the excessive sweating these cause.

Daisy
5th-April-2004, 08:21 PM
Originally posted by Jive Brummie
It's a 'bit' off topic:blush: , but, can anyone suggest a cool pair of trainers to wear that will allow good movement on the floor and maybe the odd spin?? They don't necessarily have to be specific dance trainers..........thay can be anything.

Are there trainers with leather soles????

James........x

Went on a Dance Holiday with Phil Roberts (Ceroc Franchaisee owner in Bedford) and he had a normal pair of Nike trainers, or similar, which he had asked a cobbler to put leather soles onto.

The soles were kind of inset into the sole as I remember. I don't think your average Mr Minute shoe place could do it but one of the old fashioned kind of cobblers might give it a go....no guarantees mind.

I have also successfully had leather soles put onto the botton of suade soled dance shoes....just for information.

Not keen on B & W's......sorry, (not enough sparkles) .:flower:

Daisy
5th-April-2004, 08:28 PM
Originally posted by Sheepman

(That makes 5 new pairs of dance shoes for me in less than 4 weeks, is this excessive obsessive?)

Greg

Well I thought I was bad Greg! I'd say that's pretty expensive, let alone anything else.

Thanks for the great dance at RB.

Tiggerbabe
6th-April-2004, 01:00 AM
Originally posted by Sheepman
In a few weeks I should be able to report back on the new Capulet split sole trainers I've just forked out on, very lightweight, but the soles need a bit of wearing in, and they look good enough so that even a man asked me about them!!!

They did look great Greg - a few people seemed to have purchased them over the weekend :wink:
I did try them on but, so far, have managed to resist temptation (dreaming of the red flamenco style suede shoes that unfortunately David didn't have in my size :tears: )

They're cool James - go for it :drool: :drool:

Sheepman
6th-April-2004, 11:08 AM
Originally posted by Sheena
They're cool James - go for it But do you really think red flamenco is James' style :wink:

Daisy, thank YOU for the fab dance, it was slightly intimidating to get back to Jive after 4 weeks "away", glad I could remember something! And don't worry, I haven't broken the bank on all those shoes, as 4 pairs were only £12 each, so I had to stock up (my favourite shoes, but now no longer available :sad: ).

Greg

Tiggerbabe
6th-April-2004, 02:15 PM
Originally posted by Sheepman
But do you really think red flamenco is James' style :wink:

Ah! But these shoes were sooooooooo beautiful that they're worth buying just to look at :drool: :drool:

Yogi_Bear
8th-April-2004, 09:05 PM
I am surprised to see so many strongly held views against black and white shoes. Presumably a number of people think they are pretentious. In fact they are so light and flexible they are a pleasure to dance in. Are there other types of dance wear that arouse such strong feelings? Does anyone object to people who always wear black, people who make no effort whatever with their dress, men who wear shorts and dirty t-shirts......I could go on. There is probably an interesting psychological line to be follwed here (somewhere).

Gadget
9th-April-2004, 08:57 AM
Originally posted by Yogi_Bear
I am surprised to see so many strongly held views against black and white shoes.
"strongly held views" is a bit much: look at the options - I'm sure that if there was a "I would wear them if they were comfortable" or "I would wear them if they matched my outfit" options then they would get a few votes.

Personally I did look for a pair because I think they look quite snazzy and remind me of the 50's gangster movies :waycool:. But I could buy two pairs of black dress shoes with leather soles for the same price... what can I say; I'm a skin-flint :blush:

Lory
9th-April-2004, 09:27 AM
I've looked at the options on this poll and I've not found one that I can tick. :(

Personally I've got nothing against B/W shoes but then again, I would never wear them.

Its the same as seeing Lily in one of her little sparkly numbers, she looks absolutely fabulous:worthy: but quite frankly, I'd look ridiculous! :tears:Some people are just lucky enough to be able to carry it off!

Everyone should wear what makes them feel confident and happy and the most important thing to wear is a smile! :grin:

I wonder if they have Ceroc on the agenda at nudist camps?:whistle: :rofl:

stompin' phil
9th-April-2004, 12:47 PM
Originally posted by Lory
Everyone should wear what makes them feel confident and happy and the most important thing to wear is a smile! :grin:
:yeah: Phil x

fruitcake
9th-April-2004, 04:28 PM
Originally posted by Lory

Its the same as seeing Lily in one of her little sparkly numbers, she looks absolutely fabulous:worthy: but quite frankly, I'd look ridiculous! :tears:Some people are just lucky enough to be able to carry it off!

Everyone should wear what makes them feel confident and happy and the most important thing to wear is a smile! :grin:

:
I agree lory, I've seen Fran dancing in silver shoes and she looks FABULOUS, also sheena in her silver/gold (cannae mind now), ones.
And the photo of sheena in her stripey socks looks fandabidozie.
Picture this.....
Fruitcake in silver shoes AND stripey socks.....Arrrrrgh!
I don't think so.
Anyway, shoes have just arrived for me in a box, gonna try them on now-ooh! the excitement!!!!
:clap:

Fruity

Martin
9th-April-2004, 11:32 PM
Originally posted by Yogi_Bear
I am surprised to see so many strongly held views against black and white shoes. Presumably a number of people think they are pretentious.

:yeah:

I have black and white, and brown and whites.

Simon de Lisle told me when I wore them in Australia "we do not do that here..."
Oldies will know Simon, for those who don't know him - dance GOD who I always wanted to dance like 10 years ago... (Jive Bunny Star)

If a girl wears them I think "Lindy chick" stay clear... she will rip my arm out of it's socket.

Guys - I think "yeh" but can you dance 'smooth'...

Retro is fine - me I wanna go punk and dance like Ben... (if only I had the figure...)

Still trying, look out for the Black and Red's at Camber...

Minnie M
10th-April-2004, 02:57 AM
Originally posted by Martin
Simon de Lisle ..../snip/... for those who don't know him - dance GOD who I always wanted to dance like 10 years ago... (Jive Bunny Star).........


Really :confused: I would rather dance with you ANY DAY :drool:

Sheepman
10th-April-2004, 01:12 PM
Originally posted by Yogi_Bear
people think they are pretentious. I think the first proper pair of dance shoes I bought were the black & whites (and yes, I did do Lindy then). I think they are a bit pretentious, but no more so than the silver, blue, white, etc. etc. (Yeah, I've got them all!) If I wear them it is for two reasons, firstly they suit the floor, secondly they go with whatever I'm wearing, ie they hardly ever get worn!

IMO it's just not something worth getting worked up about. If someone wants to look the part, that's up to them. Whether they do look the part, the combination of their outfit and their dancing, well that's up to what others think. Making a fool of myself isn't something I've tried avoiding much!! :wink:

Greg

Geordieed
19th-April-2004, 10:22 AM
Originally posted by Martin
:yeah:

I have black and white, and brown and whites.

Simon de Lisle told me when I wore them in Australia "we do not do that here..."
Oldies will know Simon, for those who don't know him - dance GOD who I always wanted to dance like 10 years ago... (Jive Bunny Star)

If a girl wears them I think "Lindy chick" stay clear... she will rip my arm out of it's socket.

Guys - I think "yeh" but can you dance 'smooth'...

Retro is fine - me I wanna go punk and dance like Ben... (if only I had the figure...)

Still trying, look out for the Black and Red's at Camber...

Geordieed
19th-April-2004, 10:40 AM
If a girl wears them I think "Lindy chick" stay clear... she will rip my arm out of it's socket.


I haven't been looking around the forum that much so only just came across this misplaced comment.

Good or bad dancing isn't reserved by any form of dance. I have to defend Lindy even though I have done a tiny amount. The basics of Lindy does help to learn about frame, connection and footwork patterns in a way that is more or less alien to MJ in any great depth. I would have to guess that any experiences that left a partner feeling physically at risk would have been down to an individual and not the form of dance they were recreating.

Yes some forms of Lindy can look like alot of physical strength is being used but is often not the case. I can't remember being in a MJ class when the subject of looking after each other through connection was taught. I would love to see this taken up, as well as a few other points of safety, in MJ classes.

Minnie M
19th-April-2004, 12:09 PM
Originally posted by Martin
ahh another wannaby

or should that be WALLABY:rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

Lou
19th-April-2004, 12:37 PM
Originally posted by Sheena
Ah! But these shoes were sooooooooo beautiful that they're worth buying just to look at :drool: :drool: :tears: I wanted to get them a year ago & went on the waiting list for months.... I just got fed up in the end... but they are sooooo beautiful.....

Originally posted by Yogi_Bear
Does anyone object to people who always wear black I should bluddy well hope not!! :wink:

Graham W
19th-April-2004, 03:33 PM
My 2nd pair of dance shoes was a pair of Black & whites but when visiting Hipsters I asked what was 'cool' in London & B&W werent!! I think the look a bit naff unless matching what worn above ie more Black & white - as Steve did dancing in Masters vid - q cool...
just my opinion
G

Dance Demon
19th-April-2004, 03:50 PM
I'm on my second pair of Black& White Bleyers, which I fid really great to dance in. I probably got them coz I,ve done a bit of Lindy and like the swing image. I have also worn braces, and have just bought a zoot suit, with all the accesories, (including hat). I don't find this over the top, as i often dress in retro clothes anyway. I don't consider myself to be a particularly special dancer, and I don't enter serious competitions ( although Irene & I did enter the intermediates at the Scottish comp last year, mainly because it was for charity) I find it sad that some people seem of the opinion that you think you are a hotshot because you wear black & white shoes. I don't think I'm any more of a hotshot than someone who wears a T shirt with a flashing logo, or a shirt made of bacofoil.....or a bandana...or female clothing...or a kilt...or a vest......It's all down to personal taste. I certainly would never turn anyone down for a dance because I thought i was too good with my black & whites on. I've met quite a few people on the MJ scene who seem to think they are a bit special, most of whom don't appear to wear black & whites:wink:
I am also STILL awaiting a pair of black & reds from Global......only since last May.....maybe they'll turn up before a year is up
:rolleyes:

Barry Shnikov
26th-April-2004, 08:36 PM
I'd been dancing in retired street shoes (which had acquired a highly polished sole, incidentally) when I was finally able to afford a pair of dance shoes two years ago, and I bought a pair of two-tone shoes. Always wanted a pair: in Cambridge all the similar shoes were worn by the best dancers (though not all the best dancers wore two-tones) and so for me it was a treat.

I was a little nervous as they looked a bit - lightweight, and I wondered if they'd last long with the pounding they get for three or four hours at a stretch. But they've last really well - I've applied a replacement set of suede soles about a year ago - so much so that I decided not to buy a new pair at Camber over the weekend; I'll get another pair of soles and let them keep on keeping on.

Am I a middle aged wannabe? Am I poser?

Do I really care what people think if they're dumb enough to pigeon-hole me just because of the dance shoes I wear?

I think not!:wink:

Andy McGregor
29th-April-2004, 01:11 PM
Originally posted by Barry Shnikov
Do I really care what people think if they're dumb enough to pigeon-hole me just because of the dance shoes I wear?

I think not!:wink:

I agree with Barry.

I've currently got 4 pairs of dance shoes and have worn out at least that many. But I prefer my black and whites, especially for competitions - and, like Barry, I've had mine re-soled with suede and they're even better.

Two tone shoes get your footwork noticed - which is a good thing if you're doing some!

My advice is to wear what you like and expect to take some stick for it if you look different from the crowd. If you don't like to be noticed and don't want to take any stick (except from me:devil: ) become another black clad clonester...

jiveclone
29th-April-2004, 01:41 PM
Originally posted by Andy McGregor
If you don't like to be noticed and don't want to take any stick (except from me:devil: ) become another black clad clonester...

Even when dressed in black clones do not necessarily succeed in being completely unnoticed...

Lindsay
4th-May-2004, 04:40 PM
Originally posted by Geordieed
The basics of Lindy does help to learn about frame, connection and footwork patterns in a way that is more or less alien to MJ in any great depth.
Yes some forms of Lindy can look like alot of physical strength is being used but is often not the case.
:yeah:
The connection in MJ is generally a LOT stronger and 'arm-ripping out of socket-ish' than in LH...
And none of this has anything to do with the colour of your shoes!

philsmove
5th-May-2004, 03:34 AM
Just woken up in the middle of the night with one of worries that stop you getting back to sleep

Cleaning black and whites

How do you keep the black bits black and the white bits white?

:confused:

Alfie
5th-May-2004, 06:58 AM
Nuetral polish. Apply with a soft cloth, working the polish into all the cracks and creases to feed the leather. Leave to dry for thirty mins and buff up with anothr clean soft cloth then a high speed polish with a piece of silk, velvet or an old stocking.

Barry Shnikov
5th-May-2004, 07:20 PM
Originally posted by philsmove
Just woken up in the middle of the night with one of worries that stop you getting back to sleep

Cleaning black and whites

How do you keep the black bits black and the white bits white?

:confused:

Well, Confused, it is a problem. However, I have discovered that you can buy something called shoe polish and there are also things called shoe cloths. Furthermore 'shoe polish'is available in a wide range of colours (something called 'tan' is very popular) but importantly there is 'white' polish and 'black' polish. It is necessary to have two different shoe cloths, one for the white and one for the black.

After that, it's just care and attention...:waycool:

under par
6th-May-2004, 12:06 PM
It is black and white to most1

MartinHarper
22nd-October-2004, 09:54 AM
I was thinking about two tone shoes, but basic black and white has been done... what other colour combinations might look good? Dance Demon's black&red's sound pretty cool, for example.

Rhythm King
22nd-October-2004, 10:41 AM
I was thinking about two tone shoes, but basic black and white has been done... what other colour combinations might look good? Dance Demon's black&red's sound pretty cool, for example.

I have a battered and much loved pair of black and white Gandolfi shoes, which are very comfortable and polish up really well, when the occasion calls for it. In the summer I eventually bought a pair of their brown and whites, which I've been wearing with chinos. This followed directly on from reading the "Men In Black" thread and deciding that I needed an alternative to MIB-clone, or Nigel-clone, for when I wanted to dress up a bit. (Although the get-up I put together for the Fancy Dress at Southport has now made it into my regular dance wardrobe :eek: )
Bleyer make their shoes to order in virtually any colour combinations, but personally, I find them too narrow. I guess it just depends on what you want to wear them with. Andy and Rena have matched purple and orange patent, and Nigel Anderson has a pair of blue and whites.

neilh
24th-October-2004, 10:07 PM
I've NEVER had a pair of black'n'whites - I currently have a pair of hand made red'n'blues ( going strong for 3 years!) and some silver trainers, but my FAVOURITES are a left Bloch blue and a red on the right ( helps with knowing which is which...) but most people can't see 'em coz of the INCREDIBLY baggy MACgear and Punkyfish trousers ... :wink:

neilh
24th-October-2004, 10:11 PM
Actually,tell a lie - i DID wear a pair of borrowed b 'n' w's for a fancy dress...

Dance Demon
24th-October-2004, 10:20 PM
Demon's black&red's sound pretty cool, for example.

They'd be even more cool if I'd actually received them...:angry: :angry:
Minnie even spoke to Global on my behalf recently and yet more promises to contact me, ............but they haven't done so..........poor PR guys, and even poorer service :sad:

mick
25th-October-2004, 01:19 PM
I bet the people who wear them are the same people who think "Call On Me" is "pish".

Zebra Woman
7th-November-2004, 04:13 PM
I bet the people who wear them are the same people who think "Call On Me" is "pish".

:yeah: You're so right Mick.

My Black and white's are Zebra printed of course. :drool:

Any tips on touching them up?
After only five hours dancing , they're turning grey wherever they've been scuffed (both the black and white areas) :tears: .

I have tried black polish and white polish - it smudges.
Tried neutral polish - no great effect.
Touched up the black with black permanent marker - that worked.
What should I touch the white up with ? Tippex perhaps?

ZW :flower:

Dance Demon
7th-November-2004, 07:09 PM
I bet the people who wear them are the same people who think "Call On Me" is "pish".

That'll be me then...........guilty on both counts M'lud.....:D

but it doesn't make me a bad person ................does it? :wink:

Gadget
7th-November-2004, 10:07 PM
I have tried black polish and white polish - it smudges.
Tried neutral polish - no great effect.
Touched up the black with black permanent marker - that worked.
What should I touch the white up with ? Tippex perhaps?
Tippex is too brittle; try a little pot of white acrylic artist paints - it should flex enough to avoid cracking off, but may peel. (Acrylic is like watercolors, except it drys to a waterproof, plastic finish; so while it's still wet, you can wipe it off and use water to dylute it.)

just a suggestion :D

jockey
7th-November-2004, 11:09 PM
I can pass on three common views about B/W shoes (on men) held by ceroc women:
1) You must be a lindyhopper..
2) You must be good..(I'm not worthy)
3) You look like a twat in those shoes.

MartinHarper
7th-November-2004, 11:47 PM
1) You must be a lindyhopper..
2) You must be good..(I'm not worthy)
3) You look like a twat in those shoes.


4) All of the above? :)

mick
8th-November-2004, 04:11 PM
:
Any tips on touching them up?
After only five hours dancing , they're turning grey wherever they've been scuffed (both the black and white areas) :tears: .

I have tried black polish and white polish - it smudges.
Tried neutral polish - no great effect.
Touched up the black with black permanent marker - that worked.
What should I touch the white up with ? Tippex perhaps?

ZW :flower:

The Newcastle United shop have just the thing.

Dance Demon
8th-November-2004, 05:53 PM
The Newcastle United shop have just the thing.

There you go ZW.....go and get touched up in the Newcastle United Shop.......why aye man:D

Gojive
9th-November-2004, 12:41 AM
I can pass on three common views about B/W shoes (on men) held by ceroc women:
1) You must be a lindyhopper..
2) You must be good..(I'm not worthy)
3) You look like a twat in those shoes.

Hmmm.....well 1) I have tried Lindy Hop, 2) I am no longer an absolute beginner, but 3).......I'll leave that for others to confirm/deny :wink:

So! - I will continue to wear my 5 year old trusty B&Ws, when the floor and my clothing suits, and if that's what these Ceroc women really think, then it looks like I'll be a few dances short should I ever visit their venue(s) :tears:

Oh well, there are plenty of others who I get a dance with, regardless of my choice of footwear! :na:

Demota
9th-November-2004, 01:32 AM
Huh-oh... big problem on the horizon - Joe Public is picking up on Black and White shoes. Saw a photy of Billy Connolly recently wearing a pair like he'd just come straight from the Jitterbug Club. Saw some other young fashionista guy on TV with a pair as well. Suppose it's an acknowledgement that they look "cool" but what will happen is that all the Lindy Hoppers will be accused of following the latest fashion trend. Time to move on to something else - gumboots?

Andy McGregor
9th-November-2004, 02:08 AM
Hmmm.....well 1) I have tried Lindy Hop, 2) I am no longer an absolute beginner, but 3).......I'll leave that for others to confirm/deny :wink:

So! - I will continue to wear my 5 year old trusty B&Ws, when the floor and my clothing suits, and if that's what these Ceroc women really think, then it looks like I'll be a few dances short should I ever visit their venue(s) :tears:

Oh well, there are plenty of others who I get a dance with, regardless of my choice of footwear! :na:
:yeah:

I've got two pairs of B&Ws. They're dancing shoes. They're nothing else. They're not a challenge to your manhood, they're just shoes. I've got some silver shoes, they go with a silver shirt and the multiple zips on a fab pair of trousers - now they are a challenge to your manhood and make me the Alpha male - if Martin Harper has a problem with this he should stay in his lift in his boring shoes :wink:

Dance Demon
9th-November-2004, 07:05 AM
:yeah:

I've got two pairs of B&Ws. They're dancing shoes. They're nothing else. They're not a challenge to your manhood, they're just shoes. I've got some silver shoes, they go with a silver shirt and the multiple zips on a fab pair of trousers - now they are a challenge to your manhood and make me the Alpha male - if Martin Harper has a problem with this he should stay in his lift in his boring shoes :wink:


:yeah:
I've got 2 pairs of B&W dace shoes. I also have a pair of B&W dress wingtip brogues, and a pair of brown leather & beige hessian basket brogues, that I wear with various 50s outfits. I Like them. I feel good in them. I don't think they make me any more of a hotshot than anyone who wears red dance trainers or silver shoes or any other kind of footwear.

jockey
3rd-October-2005, 09:15 AM
Can I point out the parallel world where funny coloured shoes are rife - Golf, of course!
There is both a practical and aesthetic aspect to colour of shoes in golf, as in dancing. First, you need to make yourself visible on the golf course due to the danger of being driven into by the bunch behind you or bombed by the hookers, slicers and pullers coming down the opposite fairway (the parallels are becoming increasingly apparent.. :rofl: ); (for the unitiated the perpetrators shout "fore" as a warning). Aesthetically, golfers are dead picky - everything has to look right wwhen you look down (uhm, much as in a related field.. :rofl: ) including the shape of the club (width of leading edge, not seeing the sole of the club behind the leading edge, colour of shoe against (green) grass etc.
Hence white shoes are a favourite, or white with stripes (famous make).
I wear Gandolfi (sp?) Black and W and Blue and W because they look good against the colour of the floor (aesthetic) and spin well and are very very hard wearing (I sometimes spin on my heals) (practical).
I am aware that provincial cerocers dont like them and reagrd their owners as "pretentious" but I dont care about. In any case it puts me on my mettle because if I have to live up to the image that makes me dance better. I do think additionally that you need to do lots of footwork to make them pay for you (colombians, charleston kicks, walking the dog, slides and rondes etc).
I like little bit of blue or white to balance out.
Incidentally GOLFERS who wear white are not held to be anything different...

jockey
3rd-October-2005, 09:17 AM
Can I point out the parallel world where funny coloured shoes are rife - Golf, of course!
There is both a practical and aesthetic aspect to colour of shoes in golf, as in dancing. First, you need to make yourself visible on the golf course due to the danger of being driven into by the bunch behind you or bombed by the hookers, slicers and pullers coming down the opposite fairway (the parallels are becoming increasingly apparent.. :rofl: ); (for the unitiated the perpetrators shout "fore" as a warning). Aesthetically, golfers are dead picky - everything has to look right wwhen you look down (uhm, much as in a related field.. :rofl: ) including the shape of the club (width of leading edge, not seeing the sole of the club behind the leading edge, colour of shoe against (green) grass etc.
Hence white shoes are a favourite, or white with stripes (famous make).
I wear Gandolfi (sp?) Black and W and Blue and W because they look good against the colour of the floor (aesthetic) and spin well and are very very hard wearing (I sometimes spin on my heals) (practical).
I am aware that provincial cerocers dont like them and reagrd their owners as "pretentious" but I dont care about. In any case it puts me on my mettle because if I have to live up to the image that makes me dance better. I do think additionally that you need to do lots of footwork to make them pay for you (colombians, charleston kicks, walking the dog, slides and rondes etc).
I like little bit of blue or white to balance out.
Incidentally GOLFERS who wear white are not held to be anything different...
(Penultimate line) I like a bit of white up topto balance out the white down below.

clevedonboy
3rd-October-2005, 12:55 PM
Funnily enough I made a similar observation to my wife about golf shoes last week

I got a pair of Rumpfs in B&W to wear for special things like 40s swing dances. But they're the most comfortable shoes I've got so i wear them more and more now. Having leather soles, they were a bit tricky to get used to but now I love them.

I did feel uneasy about them to begin with (I've had a few women comment that I must be good because I have the shoes which is just daft) but it's not my problem what people think about what I wear