Long Hems and High Heels: How to Avoid Snags on the Dance Floor

Every tanguera has faced this at least once: in the middle of a dance, your heel suddenly catches the hem of your dress. It can be a small inconvenience — or it can throw you completely out of rhythm. Why does this happen, and how can you avoid it?

✨ It depends on fabric and length
Snags most often occur with dresses or skirts made of jersey, lace, or velvet. These fabrics are elastic and tend to catch on heels, especially when the heel tip begins to wear down.
By contrast, silk and chiffon are smoother fabrics. They glide past the shoe without catching, which makes them the safest choice for long skirts and dresses.

✨ Why does the heel catch?
The problem isn’t only the fabric — it’s also the shoe. Over time, tiny cracks and grooves appear on the heel tip as it wears down. These grooves are exactly what the fabric catches on during a dance.

✨ Length matters
•    Many dancers prefer dresses knee-length — they’re practical and easy to dance in.
•    Others love the elegance of skirts and dresses down to the ankle, though this requires careful fabric choice.
•    If you dream of a long hem or flowing train, lightweight fabrics like silk or chiffon are the safest. They create a graceful silhouette while keeping you comfortable on the dance floor.

🎭 Style and comfort — it’s your choice
Ultimately, it all comes down to your style and your comfort. Some dancers choose shorter dresses for safety and ease, while others embrace the drama of a long hem. What matters most is that your dress supports your dance, not distracts from it.