El Charro-Flamenco Shoe Review
Monday, February 27, 2012 at 5:50PM 
Must Have Monday
As you know by now, my birthday was this month and I like to treat the entire month as a celebration which isn't all that greedy considering it is the shortest month of the year. I promise though, that this will be the last post related to my birthday this year!
Last Monday (my official birthday), I went shoe hunting and had a lovely time taking in all the lovely shapes of shoes, trying them on, scrutinizing their details and geeking out in general on all things shoes.
I happened to drop into a charming boutique in Old Towne Eureka, CA called Shipwreck. This is a consignment shop that blends a selection of second hand items, handmade trinkets and thoughtfully procured novelty gifts. The whole shop is visually appealing and calls one to stay and linger over locally made jewelry or take a “time travel moment” over an amazing retro dish set to die for.
Among the vintage dresses, clutches and gloves I found these R_E_D suede pumps. I bought red shoes last year for my birthday-see Miz Mooz-but that did not deter me from trying these shoes on. I noticed their nude colored elastic band over the top of the instep and this made me suspect these were dance shoes. I turned the shoes over to inspect the soles and sure enough they had smooth leather soles and the toe and heel had tiny little nail holes.
Hmmm...I don't have much experience with dance shoes so I made a guess that they might be tap shoes, missing their taps. The fit was great and I bought them—for a song I might add. I asked the shopkeeper if she thought they were tap shoes and where I could go to have taps put on. She kindly suggested the local dance wear retailer and smiled at my desire to have tap shoes even though I had already admitted that I have never “tapped” in my life. With my optimistic grin I told her that if I try out tap dancing and fail at least my shoes will look great and that will count for somethin'!
I was certain these shoes were destined to be written as a “FlashBack Friday” and set out on researching the brand “EL Charro”.
Lo and behold!
This brand is alive and well and these shoes are still in production--but--tap shoes they are not! These bold red shoes were made to dance the Flamenco! The little holes were indeed nail holes intended to have a tiny nail in each and every hole. The nails create the percussion sound that the dancer is expected to add to the overall score of this fiery and emotional dance. Both red and black are the traditional color of Flamenco attire. Wow! I am the proud owner of Flamenco shoes. You too can get the same pair at your local dance shop or online at http://www.elcharro1.com/flamencoshoes.html... when you are ready.
I discovered that I if intend to take Flamenco lessons in a proper dance studio I will have to leave the nails out while learning so as not to wreck the studio floor.
I also learned that the Flamenco is considered a dance best performed by a mature dancer who has had enough life experience to express the passion, pain and heart of this intense dance. So, on the eve of my 39th year I reflect on the beautiful, painful, challenging and amazing times I have had in my life and think that perhaps I am finally ready for this pair of Flamenco shoes. Life only hands (or shoes) us what we are ready for and I am prepared to dance.
Fitting Notes:
These shoes were marked size 8 and “25”. They fit true to an American 8 and feel just slightly generous in width. The elastic makes them feel secure to the foot. The heel is solid,stable and intended to tolerate a lot on intense stomping and fast footwork. They have great flexibility even though they feel so solid underfoot. They might accommodate a very thin orthoses but the rigors of the dance require some pretty strong healthy feet.
P.S. I really enjoy this video of Flamenco performers on the streets of Madrid: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cJZ4UA18HGw&feature=related
Truly inspiring and I want to get my shoes nailed soon:)
Flashback Fridays
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