SPECS:
- This style is a copy of an expensive dress loafer. As such, it does not have the usual ultra-flexible Aris Allen dance sole. It was developed not only in response to the many swing dancers who were inspired to dance by Michael Jackson, but because of requests for shoes with thicker soles. The sole has the same thickness you'll find on ordinary dress shoes which means there will be a break-in period before they feel ultra-comfy.
ABOUT THE ARIS ALLEN RAW SOLE:
- The Aris Allen Raw Sole is made from flexible hard leather that gets "faster" over time by repeatedly absorbing the natural humidity in the air (especially at a dance) and drying. The bottom of the sole and heel is made from sanded hard leather and after a few hours of wear they become "raw" on the bottom and perform a lot like Chrome Leather (suede) which allows you to spin and slide, and still control the floor. If you find the sole has picked up dirt from the floor and is slowing down, just shuffle your feet on the sidewalk once or twice to refresh it.
- Aris Allen's philosophy is that your dancing will look more authentic if you wear the same shoes the dance was invented in (as important in swing dancing as in imitating Jackson's moves). As the sole starts to get shinier on the bottom it performs a lot like Chrome Leather (suede) which allows you to spin and slide, and still control the floor.
- The raw leather surface is designed for the intermediate / advanced dancer - but they're also great as a second pair for beginners... the "fastness" of the sole forces you to "find your center" immediately.
CONSTRUCTION:
A note about Aris Allen Men's Tango Shoes, Captoes and Wingtips -
These shoes are absolutely 100% handmade. The cutting of the leather is done by hand - not stamped out, the glue is put on with a brush, not a machine, and the sewing, while done with a sewing machine, is done one at a time. You can even see the occasional pencil mark! This means that the shoe on your foot is the product of a craftsman who sees the shoe from start to finish. This also explains why you will find the occasional imperfection. They are made just a few at a time.
MICHAEL JACKSON'S SIGNATURE SPINS:
A short primer...
How, how, how did Michael spin like that from a normal prep? It's like those powerful spins came out of nowhere!
Jeff Booth, choreographer, instructor and vintage dance deconstruction fanatic really needs to be credited with breaking this down for us.
It looks like Jackson just crosses one foot over the other during the prep and then magically spins 7+ times. That’s normally almost impossible without leading up to it with a bunch of motion, posture, and limb positioning that gives away what is about to happen especially in slick shoes. The secret is that rubber heel! Part way through the seemingly normal spin the rubber part of the heel naturally comes in contact with the floor creating a moment of solid connection to the floor that he used for a hidden, mid-spin burst of torque.
Use caution when trying this! Ask a professional for help. This is not a full break-down of the posture, arms, footwork etc.
The torque you get from this may take you by surprise and like any other dance move can get you seriously injured if you don't know what you're doing.
