If a manufacturers' excise, or a gross sales tax, or a value- added tax, was shifted along the various chains of production and distribution with no loadage and in such a way that the tax element involved in retail prices was uniformly proportional to retail prices for all commodities and services, its price effects would be identical with those of a retail sales tax.
There is such diversity of footwear in Jazz classes (bare feet, half socks, ordinary socks, running shoes and -even!- Jazz shoes) perhaps check ahead with the class teacher or studio what they prefer their Jazz students to wear on their feet. But sneakers will probably be OK for your first few lessons, at least.
Make sure the shoe is right for what you do. If you plan to run or play a certain sport a lot, consider shoes made for that activity. Tennis players should wear tennis shoes and runners should wear running shoes, for example. Ask a sports shoe salesperson for help.