Well, I certainly haven't been able to sneak up on anyone for years now, but part of the problem for me, was that condition where the legs turn inwards, causing the feet to roll inward as you walk. That's what lead to being ol' Creaky for me. Being a dancer though, you wouldn't have that problem surely? Wearing orthotic soles helped a lot. As well as all the diet info above.
I have huuuuge feet, so I'm used to wearing shoes that are not the strappy, sexy kind.