Dance greats like Fred Astaire, Gene Kelly and Gregory Hines all wore Capezio. A dance and footwear icon with a rich history, Capezio has been there for dancers every step of the way since 1887.
Capezio’s renowned K360 tap shoe has long since been the tap shoe of choice for professionals, but right now everyone is talking about the brand’s latest offering, the 960. This new innovative design provides a more affordable shoe but with superior quality, making it an attractive option for serious dancers feeling the pinch with the current cost of living pressures.
Over the past couple of months, Australian tap dance leaders Jesse Rasmussen, Jordan Pollard and Thomas Egan have been putting the new Capezio 960s through their paces as they tour Australia with the hit show, The Tap Pack. The popular show is inspired by another illustrious name in the vein of Astaire, Kelly and Hines – Sammy Davis Jr and the incredible dancers of the ‘Rat Pack’ from the golden era of Hollywood.
The Tap Pack is one of the world’s leading tap productions, currently enjoying a 50-date regional Australian tour throughout 2024, and has previously played seasons in the West End, Vegas and Sydney Opera House to name but a few.
We caught up with Rasmussen and Pollard on the road home having just completed five weeks on tour in Queensland and New South Wales to find out their thoughts on the 960 shoe.
“They’re pretty awesome,” says Pollard, who has been wearing them on stage each night. “I love the clearer sound from a heavier shoe, and they’re so comfortable you can wear them for a long time without fatiguing.”
The sound Pollard references comes from toe and heel taps that sit flush with the shoe giving that nice clarity and weight of sound you’re looking for from a quality tap shoe.
The guys have enjoyed the classic black brogue styling in sculpted Brazilian leather that contours to the foot for this show, and agree the 960, with its almond toe, is a great shape and style for both male and female dancers.
“They feel like the quality of the Capezio K360s,” chimes in Rasmussen, “and the heel padding is really soft. The 960 just feels really sturdy and solid — super durable.”
It provides a moulded insole for additional foot and arch support and offers a double build up sole to give that strength and longevity. And with The Tap Pack show requiring a high level of tricks and incredible technique, the toe box reinforcement of Capezio’s 960 comes in handy.
“You can enjoy the knock beat without it reverberating up your legs” says Pollard.
Designed to sit at a more appealing price point, the Capezio 960 tap shoe is a great investment for those who are delving into full time dance or are professionals looking for a more affordable but expertly designed shoe with Capezio trademark craftsmanship.
“These shoes will last a good few years and are a great price point if you are serious about dance,” says Rasmussen.
The boys all agree, they’ll definitely be wearing these again as they head back out on tour with The Tap Pack in Victoria later this year.
Find out more about Capezio’s 960 at capezio.au and check out the shoes in action with upcoming The Tap Pack dates here. The shoes will be available for purchase from your local dancewear store from August.
By Nichola Hall of Dance Informa.
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