Twelve Days of Collections: day eleven

It's the penultimate day of the twelve days of Hampshire Cultural Trust collections!

We've be delving into the collections we care for to show you some hidden gems and some more unusual items with the selections inspired by the lines in the classic festive song, The Twelve Days of Christmas.

Day eleven of The Twelve days of Christmas features ‘eleven ladies dancing’. Sadly we all know that there hasn't been much dancing going on this year and your favourite party shoes may be feeling neglected. While we wait for that first boogie with friends after a while, take a look at some of the dancing shoes of the past.

French Fancies

These evening shoes were made in Paris in the mid-1920s. They are pale green crepe de chine, with piped gold edges,trimmed gold and bronze beads and translucent sequins. They have a T-strap closure with gold buttons. with suede heel grip, oval toe, very high hexagonal Louis heel with narrow gold kid trim, leather soles stamped with decorative pattern under the instep. As with many dance shoes the sole has been scored to improve grip on a dance floor.

Women's evening shoes, pale green and gold. c.1925

The Classic Court

What every wardrobe needs - the classic black court shoe! These evening shoes were made at Jack Jacobus Ltd, Shaftesbury Avenue, London between 1925 and 1935. Made from black satin with an oval toe and a straighter Louis heel.

Women's court shoe, black satin. c.1925-1935

1960s Sole

The colourful 1960s are embodied in these bright pink sateen, needlepoint toe, stiletto heels. Made in 1966 in England the shoes have been enhanced with a split hide sole to improve grip when dancing.

Women's pink sateen stiletto heel. c.1966

1980s Modern

These silver, round toe, modern dance shoes feature a T-strap with elastic to ensure the security of the shoe when dancing. They were made in London in the 1980s, and adopt the style of modern shoes that has notchanged much in the last 40 years.

Modern dance shoes, soft silver leather. c.1980-2006

Here at Hampshire Cultural Trust, not only do we have shoes in the collections we care for, but we also have shoes, clothes and accessories to hire for every occasion. Visit Hampshire Wardrobe for more information.

Join us tomorrow for the final day of the Twelve Days of Collections! Or visit yesterday's article here.

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