Ballet "Your first pair of Pointe shoes"

Pointe Shoes

Suggestion in Ballet

A dancer must wait for her body to be strong enough before she starts to dance on pointe, as it can cause serious damage to the feet, ankles, knees, and hips if she has not yet built up the strength. Children should not start to dance on pointe before they are around 12, before that, the bones of feet have not developed enough from cartilage to bone to provide sufficient support for the foot, otherwise this can  permanently damage. Dancers often prepare for pointe work by using an exercise band and practising strengthening exercises such as relevés. Dancing en pointe requires the use their of the entire body for support, including the legs and abdominal muscles.

Buying your first pair of pointe shoes is one of the most rewarding things about dancing! Pointe is fun and can be beautiful, if done correctly.

When done correctly, pointe is beautiful. The right shoes are crucial to that.

So,getting shoes that fit your feet correctly is a vital step in your dance education.

1.  Get your primary dance teacher's permission before buying pointe shoes. This is very important because pointe can be dangerous and damaging if you are not ready, so make sure.


2.  Once you have your teacher's permission, contact local dance shops and ask about buying pointe shoes. Make sure they know that this is your first pair. Also, make sure they carry a variety of brands so that you can have choices.


3.  Set up an appointment or go to the shop, depending on their policy (note: if you go to the shop without setting up an appointment, try to time it at a time when you know the owner or someone highly trained in fitting will be there).


4.  Wear tights so you know how the shoes will fit.


5.  Pick out pads first; you may have to adjust these later, but the fitter should be able to help you pick out the type that is best for your feet.


6.  Once the fitter has determined your size, they will give you several shoes to put on. Take your time and pay attention to how they feel (i.e.- do they feel tight/loose etc. in the box/shank etc.) and communicate this to the sales person.


7.  When you go up in the shoes, see if you feel over on the box. Then see if you look over on the box.


8.  Try on as many pairs as necessary, in as many styles and strengths as you feel necessary. The fitter is being paid to do this, so don't feel bad!


9.  Narrow your choices down to a few pairs and try them on in succession, picking the pair that feels the best both on flat and on pointe.


10. Get your shoes checked by your teacher to make sure you have been fitted correctly before sewing them.

Tips

• The sales people are there to help you, but you're the one with the shoes on your feet. Be assertive if you don't like the shoes.
• It is advisable to take a pre-pointe/strength class before going on pointe.
• Don't feel like you have to stick with the same type of shoe. If you don't like it, or just want a change, you can always change brands/hardness.
• Check with your artistic director about the brands of pointe shoes allowed. Some studios don't like certain brands of pointe shoes (generally Gaynor Mindens).
• Don't cut the ends of the ribbons (they'll run!) - burn them with a match. Get permission from an adult first and make sure he/she is present.
• Check with your teacher on whether or not you should use toe spacers. If you have large gaps between your toes (especially between the big toe and second toe) you probably need to use them since pointe shoes do not allow as much room as ballet flats and will quickly give you bunions.

My blog gives you the basic information about buying your first pair of pointe shoes.