My instructor mentioned something about cutting out the bottom of my Latin shoes so I could feel the floor better. Anyone ever do this? I'm not sure where to cut.

Hi!

Yes, I actually knew a number of girls who did this. They would cut off the end of the shoe, specifically the end of the toe bed so that their toes would hang over the edge. What this does is allow your toes or your moving leg to stay in direct contact with the floor when taking a step. I never did this myself for two reasons: 1) I have fairly long toes, so they came pretty close to the edge of the shoe anyway, and 2) My toes were so tender anyway that I preferred the buffer between me and the floor. This was ages ago when I first started dancing. I have since switched styles, but I suspect that if I were to do latin at this point that I would be cutting my shoes too.

Anyway, in terms of where to cut, it's kind of a personal preference thing. I would start by razoring off the very tip and see how it feels. Better not enough than too much. If it's not enough, slice off a little more. The idea is to slice off just enough to let your toes peek out over the edge when your foot is pointed. When you have the desired length, take the shoes to a cobbler and have him/her seal up the front for you.

I'm sure there are many people who will have opinions about whether or not they like doing this and what methods they use if they do. Best of luck with your dancing!

I would suggest if your toes aren't sticking out over the edge naturally your shoes are too big. Latin shoes need to fit like a second skin. The good ones are made of leather and when you first put them on they will be too tight but as your foot heats up the leather stretches and it needs to still be tight enough that your feet can't wiggle in the shoe because it causes balance issues. If you can move your foot at all inside your shoe it isn't tight enough...and I mean after you've stretched it out.

By the time your shoe is tight enough your toe will naturally be past the end, mine by a fair stretch. You do need that extra traction and hold on the floor though. You want your toes there and you want to start training them to help you.