Wedance

The story

Wedance is Canada's specialist dance shoe and dancewear retailer with physical showrooms in Ottawa and Montreal. The company stocks trusted brands including AIDA, International Dance Shoes, Freed of London, BD Dance, Candy, Rosso Latino, Zym, Primabella, Primavera, Aery Jo and Starbody, offering ballroom, Latin, salsa, bachata and Argentine tango shoes for women, men and children, plus dancewear and accessories.

Founded by Olga and Yury as a women-owned family business, Wedance operates by appointment to provide personalized fittings. The founders bring expertise from their previous careers in banking and public relations, combined with their experience as former ballroom dancers and guidance from partner Nana Burduli, who has over 20 years of professional dance shoe fitting experience.

The company offers online shopping with free shipping across Canada on orders over $150, plus worldwide shipping. Customers can book fittings at either showroom or shop online with guidance on sizing and fit. Wedance specializes in helping dancers find properly fitted shoes for their specific needs, including wide-fit options.

Questions

How should dance shoes fit?

Dance shoes fit much closer than street shoes. Your toes should reach the end without curling over, with no gaps at the heel or along the sides — the foot should feel supported and in control of the shoe, not swimming in it. A little snugness when new is normal; leather and satin ease slightly with wear.

What size should I order — the same as my street shoe size?

Usually not. Dance shoes tend to run smaller and are sized differently from brand to brand and country to country (UK, EU, US). Most dancers take between a half and a full size down from their street size, and it varies by brand — International Dance Shoes, Freed of London, AIDA and BD Dance all differ. Wedance recommends an in-store fitting or contacting them with your measurements before ordering online.

How do ballroom and Latin shoes differ in fit?

Ballroom (Standard) shoes have a closed toe and a lower, stable heel for smooth, gliding movement. Latin shoes are more open, flex more, and have a higher heel set further forward to shift weight onto the ball of the foot — they are usually fitted very snug so the foot doesn't slide forward with the toes just at the edge of the sole.

How do I choose a heel height?

Beginners are usually most stable and comfortable in a lower heel — roughly 1.5" to 2.5". Higher Latin heels (3" and up) take practice and stronger ankles. Control matters more than height: a heel you can balance on beats a taller one you can't. When in doubt, start lower and work up.

How do I care for suede soles?

Keep them for the dance floor only and carry your shoes to the venue rather than wearing them there. When the nap gets shiny and packed down and grip fades, revive it with a dedicated wire shoe brush. Store shoes in a breathable bag, never sealed in plastic, and let them air out between sessions.

The founders

• OlgaFounder
• YuryFounder