No Dancing Sneakers allowed at Habana Village?

Habana Village is one of my favorite spots for dancing. I have written that numerous times so it shouldn't be a surprise. At one point in my dancing career I went there weekly. The music mix is fantastic as DJ Azucar mixes timba in with other salsa music. Saturday night I decided to pop in for a short time.

I walked up to the door and the gentleman checking IDs held onto my ID longer than normal. I wasn't sure if he was trying to decide if I had a fake ID because it had to be impossible for me to be the age stated on my license based on how I look! Instead, I realized he was making note of my name. Why? The following comment: "I'll let you in tonight but please remember for the next time that we have a new dress code. Sneakers are no longer allowed in Habana Village." I was in shock. I looked at him (probably with an angry face) and said, "But these are dancing sneakers!" He didn't believe me and told me they weren't. I said, "Yes, they are." He replied, "Yeah, I don't think so!" I commented that they are made in Brazil and he said, "Well, we are in America!" Um. Yeah. Duh.

I explained to him if that's the dress code I wouldn't be returning. I shouldn't even have walked in but I needed to dance. Needless to say I wasn't happy. I proceeded to dance (and even get some applause at one point) moving across the floor with ease since my dance sneakers are awesome.

I don't know when management decided to implement this rule. I'm sure if had been wearing my plain black 'jazz' shoes that they wouldn't have said anything. They look worse than my sneakers because they are old and about ready to fall apart. I wore the same shoes about 2 months ago & no one said a word. My sneakers look nice. They are shiny, pretty, & don't resemble atheltic sneakers in anyway. That arguement can't be made. I'll definitely be sending a note to Habana Village and calling if I have to as well. They'll know I've written about it and that comments are being made on Facebook.

I'm sure there are people who would say, "well, just wear regular dancing shoes with heels!" Well, no. I don't want to. I don't enjoy dancing in heels and my feet hurt so bad the next day. The same happens when I wear my heels all day at work. I LOVE heels - if you know me you know that shoes and I have a special relationship. I can rock the 3-4 in heels without issue. But not for dancing. I could, as well, take the sneakers with me and change inside. I dislike doing that unless it is raining or snowing. I don't like to carry a bag with me.

If you want to wear dance sneakers at Habana Village you need to voice that to them. One voice isn't enough! I encourage you to voice your opinion on their website.