balance : variations : shoe guide

There are two main types of ballet shoes: the soft sole, and the pointe shoe. But before we get too in depth about which one is right for you, you should know a brief history about ballet shoes.

History

The soft sole has been around since the beginning of ballet — males and females both, danced in it. The pointe shoe (sometimes referred to as a "toe shoe") didn't revolutionize until the late 18th century. Over time, it has come to be the pointe shoe as we know it today.

Facts and follies

Dispite what your elementary music teacher, or parents told you at a young age, the modern pointe shoe is not constucted of wood. The hard tapping that you hear when dancers go en pointe is simply made of glue and satin. I once had a student ask me if males dance on pointe shoes — they don't, and most likely never will.

Soft soles

Soft soles are all the ballet shoes that are not pointe shoes. They come in two makes: leather and canvas; and in two types: full sole and split sole.

Most beginning students will start on a full soled leather shoe. This is the basic and most commonly made ballet shoe available in the United States. The shoe will allow the instructor to see the student's arch and how accustomed one is to the five positions.

For intermediate students, most instructors will recommend a split sole shoe. The soles will be located at the ball of the foot and heel, respectively. The split sole shoes allows for more foot freedom, making pointing and releves much easier.

There are pros and cons to both shoe fabrics. Leather shoes can last years longer than canvas, making them ideal for performances. A student who dances two to three times per week will typically go though one pair of leather shoes a year.

Canvas shoes are short-lived. Rips, holes and tears will quickly develop at the hems. Average life for these shoes is anywhere from three weeks to three months, depending on how often they are used. Despite their relatively short life span, canvas does have its advantages. They are more flexible and some dancers prefer them because they are more comfortable to wear — ideal for a dancer who gets blisters and calluses.

Pointe shoes

One of the most iconic symbols of ballet is the pointe shoe. Truly young dancers eagerly await the day when she can try on her pointe shoes for the first time — it is a significant transition in her training.

All pointe shoes are handmade, however they wear out quickly and serious dancers will often go through several pairs in one academic year.

There is a general criteria that most instructors will use before allowing students to begin pointe:

Dancer is 11 – 12 years old
Has had at least three years of classical ballet training
Can demonstrate strength in ankles and relevés

Before students begin lessons en pointe, the instructor will likely evaluate the student to ensure that she is strong enough to handle the physical demands pointe work requires. It is strongly recommended that students only begin pointe after a consultation with their instructor.

Unlike soft soled shoes, pointe shoes can be very expensive. It is not uncommon to spend $50 or $60 on a single pair. Students will also need to purchase ribbons, elastic, toe pads, tape, Band-Aids and rosin — easily increasing the cost by $30 or more. These items are necessary for beginning students to keep their feet healthy.

New pointe students who are ready to purchase their first pair of shoes should schedule a fitting with a local dance shop. This is critical as pointe shoes do not fit like any other kind of dance shoe. Sizing is vastly different depending on the dancer, and a qualified fitter can find the perfect shank and box size for a new student.

Tips for new pointe students

The breaking in period for your shoes will be painful. A young dancer's feet have never been exposed to the kind of rigor a pointe shoe will require. Most students will be able to break in their shoes (and feet) within a few weeks.

Purchase some Second Skin for new blisters, and do not be afraid to individually tape toes.
Wear new pointe shoes around the house with socks over them to protect the satin. This will make a dancer's feet more accustomed to the shoes.
Only dance in new shoes a few times a week — rushing this process can be dangerous to a dancer's feet.

Sewing time

Below are some basic instructions for sewing a new pointe shoe.

Take the ribbon that you have and cut in in half (fourths are optional), then do the same with the elastic, if not already in two pieces.
Take one piece of ribbon and lay it down across the shoe, each side being equal. Bend the heel of the shoe in; now push the ribbon down into the shoe where the heel is, so it kind of looks like from the heel of the shoe an upside down top hat. Pin the ribbons at the edge of the pointe shoe?repeat with second shoe.
Take the pointe shoe and try it on, then put one piece of elastic right where your foot bends (around the ankle, and stretch it to the otherside of your foot (it's good to make it a little tighter that normal: the elastic will stretch the more it's used). Repeat with second shoe and pin accordingly.
Now all you have to do is sew where the pins are (take them out first, of course).

This is just a basic way to sew your pointe shoes. Some studios may have slight variations — always check with your instructor prior to sewing!