Shoe Tips for the Burgeoning Ballerina

The ballet shoes of a dancer en pointe. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Are you new to dance? Are you feeling unsure about the type of shoes to get, or overwhelmed by the choices? Hopefully we can ease a bit of your anxiety and get you heading off to class in style and with confidence.

A dancer is an artist, and therefore concerned about the visual. They are concerned, believe it or not, about the appearance of their feet. Their feet need to appear elegant, graceful and smooth, which is accomplished by their footwear. At the same time a dancer is also considering the safety and care of their feet. No one feels the pain more than the dancer if good decisions are not made.

The most common error in judgment is in the correct fit. The tendency is for parents to purchase shoes that are too big for the beginning dancer. The shoes will not be usable for multiple seasons. You need to plan on a pair of shoes each season, but luckily, they are reasonably affordable. Occasionally an instructor will insist on a particular brand or style of shoes, but more often you are on your own.

For the new dancer full leather, suede sole slipper is recommended for both children and adults. It allows for muscle and strength development and should be no longer than one half inch beyond the longest toe, not considering the big toe. You also need to consider the following:

• Materials available are leather, canvas or both. Leather is recommended.

• Correct size for length and width for a snug and secure fit. Stand up on your toes and your toes should not feel crammed in the front of the shoe. You should be able to move your toes.

• Never purchase online unless you have tried on that brand in the store and are sure of the fit.

• New dancers should purchase shoes with the elastics pre-sewn.

Advanced pointe shoes require more consideration, but time and experience will make that decision easier when the time comes.

If you have concerns or questions about dance shoes that are fit, consult Dr. Boucher by calling (203) 238-3668. She is experienced and knowledgeable about dance and always has foot safety and health in mind.

References:

http://suite101.com/article/how-to-choose-a-ballet-slipper-a34999
http://dance.about.com/od/dancegear/tp/Find_Ballet_Shoes.htm

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Breaking in New Pointe Shoes

A couple of months ago, the girls in my ballet class got their first pair of pointe shoes. Sigh. It is a momentous occasion in the life of a ballet dancer or student and a moment that should not be taken lightly.

Dancers who have the correct technique and have built up the strength in their legs, ankles, and feet should be allowed to go on pointe. In my old ballet school, girls were put on pointe much too early, without the proper technique or strength and suffered because of it. I was one such person and relearning pointe is proving to be a challenge. Bad habits are easy to learn but difficult to unlearn.

There seems to be a myth of sorts that all pointe shoes need to be broken in. In many cases that is the truth, but for dancers wearing the Cadillacs of pointe shoes, Gaynor Mindens (my pointe shoes- can't live without them!), there should be no "break-in" period. Gaynor Mindens come already broken in due to the elastomeric materials that they are made of. Traditional ballet shoes, like Blochs, Freeds, Russian Pointes, or Sanshas are made of a lot of cardboard and glue. No wooden blocks, I promise!

When purchasing your first pair of pointe shoes, it is essential to be fit by a professional. The daughter of the owner will not suffice. Each person's foot is different and not everyone is going to wear the same brand of pointe shoes. If you are fit with the wrong size, either your foot will swell in your too-small shoe, or your too-large shoe will come flying off your foot. Not a pretty picture either way.

If you chose to go with a traditional pointe shoe, know that they will take more time and effort to "break-in". There were a few girls in my class who opted for traditional pointe shoes, and going from flat foot to a true 3/4 pointe has been difficult for them.

What you can do to break-in your pointe shoes is walk around like you have Barbie shoes on. Barbie always wears high-heels, right? So go on 3/4 pointe and walk up and down your hallway. Novice pointe shoe wearers should never slam their shoes between doors to soften the shank, a trick often used by professionals. Instead, take your hairdryer on high heat and point it at your shanks. This will soften the shoe and make it more pliable to your foot. Do a lot of roll-throughs. Even when you think you're done with roll-throughs, do some more. Finally, your work at the barre in pointe shoes is essential. When you are ready, then you can take your first steps!

Dancingly,

Jenn

jenn@centralctfootcare.com