Bob Rizzo, Contributing Writer, May 20, 2016
If there were a Tony Award category for "Best Dance Shoes", the winner would be Broadway shoe designer Phil LaDuca. This season his custom-made shoes appear in Shuffle Along, Tuck Everlasting, She Loves Me, and the New York Spring Spectacular starring the Rockettes. His shoes are worn in the movie musical, Chicago, in Katy Perry's Super Bowl XLIX halftime show, and by celebrities like Emma Stone, Meryl Streep, Bette Midler, Taylor Swift, Katy Perry, Shania Twain, and Ariana Grande.
LaDuca, a former Broadway dancer, discovered the need for a more flexible dance shoe. Dancers need to be able to point toes, while retaining support and comfort. He initially worked with a factory in Italy that created a prototype of the shoe he envisioned, and developed it into what has become his signature brand; a stylish character shoe that has the supple flexibility of a ballet slipper.
I recently spoke with Phil.
Congratulations on the new shows that you're currently working on! That's a lot of shoes to cobble. How do you collaborate with your team?
Initially I am contacted by a costume designer or stylist about a stage show or concert show they are costuming and we will go over the looks needed; period, heel heights, requirements and functions - whether it be a star, a singer who moves well, a full out dancer; tap, jazz, character and so on. Then we move onto the design of the shoes; overall look, boots or pumps, stilettos, straps, heel shapes, toe shoes et cetera. Once that is finalized, I add suggestions as to whether I feel this particular performer needs more flexibility or more support, multi strap, or sturdier heel and how that will affect function and design.
LaDuca dance shoes. Photo: Eduardo Patino, NYC.
What is it about wearing a pair of LaDuca's that makes a girl feel so special?
When you look great, you feel great. And you can't look your best if you can't perform at your best. So, yes, function - the flexing and pointing ability of the shoes is very important, but how I design the look of the shoe goes hand in hand with that aspect. Honestly, no matter how great a dancer feels in a shoe, it also has to appeal to the costume designer in terms of its beauty in symmetry and silhouette.
I believe the popularity of my designs lies in covering the facets of what a dancer should be. More to the point (pun intended), think of the curves of a woman. That's what I have in mind when I design my shoes; curvy, sensual and sassy. LaDuca makes a woman secure in her sensuality, elegant in her movements and gorgeous in her line.
From the Broadway Musical KINKY BOOTS. Photo: Matthew Murphy.
You're also known for your popular men's character and tap shoes. What is it like for a guy to don a pair of heels for a show like La Cage Aux Folles or Kinky Boots?
Some of the men I've fitted have some of the best legs I've ever seen. The characters they are portraying are sexy, vivacious, naughty, seductive, and their shoes/boots need to reflect this. Of course the structure and support have to be reinforced to accommodate the strength and power of a man in heels, which is why Kinky Boots is so close to my heart. It truly was art-imitating life. I was moved to tears when the signature red boots had an entire song built around them. Very moving.
It must be pretty gratifying to have a who's who of celebrities wearing your shoes. Who gave you the biggest thrill when they walked into your store?
Bette Midler is an absolute rave. I adore flirting back and forth with her. (She sang happy birthday to me one fitting). And I relish the time I took my shoes off and stretched out on the floor with Catherine Zeta Jones à la one 'gypsy' to another. And Meryl Streep! OMG! She's so genuine and down to earth. I loved the time she walked into my store, unannounced. Alone. No entourage and asked for me. My staff went speechless, falling and fumbling all over each other to find me! Then there is the Goddess, Sophia Loren. You can understand what it is like to be in the presence of the most beautiful woman ever created. And I actually spoke Italian with her! I can die a happy man!
Photo provided by Phil LaDuca
What's the craziest event or show that your shoes did the walking in?
I about had a heart attack when I went to Katy Perry's opening night (on her latest tour) and saw her jump roping in 3-inch booties studded with Swarovski crystals that I had designed for her because no one told me she would be jump roping in them! I was freaking out because the heels were clear acrylic and had to be attached differently so the screws wouldn't show through!
Katy Perry in LaDuca ankle bootie at Super Bowl XLIX halftime. Photo provided by Phil LaDuca
Now that you're firmly established as Film and Broadway's go-to dance shoe guy, what still makes the job fun for you?
Always, always, always and forever my loves; the dancers. From those who are just getting off the bus at Port Authority and their first stop being LaDuca Shoes, to my amazing gypsy family who are still "hoofing on the boards" of Broadway. I love the stars and am flattered to be associated with their brilliance, but the gypsy dancers knows that I will always be there for them because they have always been there for me.
Ann Reinking with Phil LaDuca. Photo provided by Phil LaDuca
Read about this season's new Broadway musicals here.
A complete list of Broadway shows is found here.
Read more from ZEALnyc contributing writer Bob Rizzo here at The Dance Coach.
Bob Rizzo is a New York based award-winning artist and prominent figure in dance education and musical theatre.
Cover Photo courtesy of Phil LaDuca