Tuesday, March 16

Pointe Shoe Guide

Welcome to Ballerina Pointes,
There are an assortment of very fine pointe shoes found, from the popular pointe shoe companies;
Freed's, Bloch's, Sansha's, Capezio's, Gaynor Minden's, Grishko's, and Russian Pointes.
Each page has a scene from a favorite classical ballet, including full lengths like Sleeping Beauty to many of the shorter Bournonville dances.
Professional Classical Ballet performance and rehearsal tutus are also easier to find thru the links on the right.
bloch tutu
Our sister site to ballerina pointes is Tutu-Ballerina, where a large collection of helper links for Tutu's, are available for recitals to Classical Ballet performances. There's also a selection of helper links to Long formal gowns for weddings or other special occasions included.
About our Selection of Makers
They are widely on offer as pointe shoes in many local stores and online shops. The pointe shoe companies listed, are from the very best collections in the world.
If A few makers have been forgotten, apologies, such as Eva Martins, a very good shoe that isn't as readily available online.
A great site to visit that offers a almost definitive list
of pointe shoes on the market, is: Pointe Shoe Brands
The Decision Process Helper
You can save time by deciding upon which pointe shoes you're going to purchase, Then move on, to buy them at offline, or at amazon.
The following is an example of the Capezio Pointe Shoe page:
glisse ballerina; Melissa Greene
Capezio Ballerina,
Melissa Greene, age 15
Many styles have updated to peach satin,
which is often more desirable for the stage.
They have even created demi-pointe satins also.
Which are very good for learning releve's while facing the barre.

Some popular Capezio favorites
are from the current models listed below,
mostly toned in european peach:
Capezio Pointe Shoe Models
The Chasse
The Concerto
The Contempora
The Glisse
The Aria
The Aerial
The Airess
The Cambre
The Pavlowa
The Tendu
The Tiffany Pro
The Womans Pli
buying shoes
Amazingly, we can buy new pointe shoes online.
However, it is always better when you know the shoe type already and have danced in that particular size. When buying online, still go ahead and use the sizing charts, to make sure they are the same size as you require. If you're still unsure of the exact size and fit, yet have to buy without a shoe fitting...some dance-wear shops might accept *new shoe trade-ins, especially if you buy something else, over $20.00, like a new leotard.
As a token gesture for any size exchanges, make sure to sign-up on their customer mailing list and revisit them occasionally for a purchase.
(*when the shoes are brand new & in their original manufacturer's packaging)
ballet beginners
If the shoe softens too easily, foot damage can occur.
One reason being the foot bones of young dancers may still be growing.
Secondly, the foot muscles may not yet be capable of deterring injuries. Because of this, always replace older shoes on time, rather than be tempted to wear them.
other info
Breaking-in and wearing Pointe shoes
A good idea with any pointe shoe brand is to let them rest after usage and change pairs. When the shoes get to rest for approximately 72 hours on their own, they tend to harden up and re-form their shape.
If there is any break-in difficulty, it is often with the box and not the tough shanks. Some boxes can be a little more square shaped. One way to soften the starchy glue is with a bit of water before class, just on the sides.
Modifications such as adding lambswool or foam inserts are good helpers,
helpers to avoid blisters or other foot maladies.
ballet video paul virginie
Bournonville's, Paul Virginie: