What Are Pointe Shoes? Dancing en pointe is a work of art, which is why dancers
need all the support they can get to achieve the right moves. Pointe shoes
enable ballet dancers to dance on the end of their toes for extended periods of
time, while creating a weightless appearance.
This month’s blog at The Oundle School of Ballet
offers a guide to pointe shoes. For information, call us in Oundle on 018322 72981 .
A Brief History of Pointe Shoes Italian ballerina Marie Taglioni was the first known
ballerina to dance en pointe in the 1830s. However, the method probably began
earlier. She would stuff the toes of the soft shoes with starch and other
materials. Soon after, Italian cobblers began making pointe shoes that evolved
over time.
What are They Made of? The tip of the pointe shoe is a rigid box made of solidly
packed layers of fabric, cardboard and/or paper which is hardened by glue. As a
dancer, you depend on the sturdiness of the shoe. The entire weight of your
body is balanced on the pointe shoe.
The rest of the shoe is made of leather, cotton and satin
and they are custom made to fit each dancer’s own specification.
How Long Do They Last? Unfortunately, pointe shoes don’t last forever. Beginners
can expect to get 6 months to a year out of them, whereas advanced dancers may
only get between 15 and 20 hours out of them.
Advanced ballet dancers spend more time en pointe and
generally have stronger feet. So, their shoes deteriorate quicker.
A student must be at least 11 years old to start pointe.
How Often Should You Replace Them? You should replace your pointe shoes when they are no longer
able to support your feet. Some of the signs that it’s time to replace your
shoes include:
The shank has broken or is very soft – this can cause
stress on the ligaments and tendons of your feet. It can also impact your lower
legs as there is no longer the support.
The box and wings are soft – you may notice your feet
sinking further into the shoe.
You can feel the floor when en pointe – this can
caused bruised toenails and joint pain. The Importance of Getting them Fitted An ill-fitted pointe shoe can permanently damage your feet,
making dancing en pointe extremely difficult and painful. For any pair, you
should get them professionally fitted as it can take up to an hour to find the
right shoe. Never just buy online.
At your fitting, you should wear ballet tights or socks. The
fitter will ask questions about your experience and look at your feet to establish
width, foot shape and standing muscle spread.
Contact The Oundle School of Ballet For more information about pointe ballet shoes, contact The
Oundle School of Ballet. Call us in Oundle on 01832
272 981 . Alternatively, send us a message via our contact form .
