Buying your first pair of pointe shoes is one of the most thrilling experiences in the dance world. En pointé is wonderful, if done well. Therefore, getting a pair of shoes that fit perfectly is vital to your art education.
Steps
Step 1. First of all, get permission from your dance teacher
This is very important because working on toes can be very dangerous if you are not ready, so make sure you are. Your dance teacher will tell you when you are ready; pointe work requires physical and mental strength, especially in the hips. You must also have excellent balance.
Step 2. Once you have obtained the teacher's permission, contact the dance shops in your area and ask for information on pointe shoes
Let the clerks know it's your first pair. Make sure you buy from industry professionals with experience in pointe shoes, as it is vitally important that they fit perfectly. Most likely, they will be expensive, but once you find your size, you will be able to buy cheaper pointe shoes online in the future.
Step 3. Make an appointment or go to the store, depending on the retailer's modus operandi (note:
if you go to the store without making an appointment, go there at least at the time you are sure you will find experienced staff).
Step 4. Put on dance tights to try on shoes
Step 5. First choose the bearings; you may need to adapt them, but the clerk should be able to help you choose the ones that work best for you
There are various types of pads that help support the foot, choose the ones that are most comfortable - every dancer is different and it would be a good idea to try all the different ways to insert them into your shoes, to be 100% sure you find the one that suits you.
Step 6. Once you have determined your size, you will be presented with several shoes
Choose calmly and pay attention to the sensations they give you (too narrow, too wide, etc.) and talk to the clerk.
Step 7. As you stand up, feel the feeling your toes give you
Step 8. Test how many pairs are needed, of all types and styles
The salesman gets paid to do this, so don't feel guilty!
Step 9. Narrow down your choices to a few pairs and try them in succession, finally choosing the pair that gives you the best feeling on your toes and feet on the ground
Step 10. Have the teacher check the shoes to make sure they have been well advised, before sewing them
Advice
- Ask your teacher if you need to use spacers. If your toes are widely spaced apart (especially between the big toe and the second toe), you will probably need to use them, because pointe shoes are not as comfortable as regular ballet shoes and may cause hallux valgus.
- The shop assistants are paid to help you, and you are the one who pays for the shoes. Try and try again until you are satisfied with the shoes.
- Do not cut the ends of the ribbons - burn them with a flame. Ask an adult for permission first and get help from him though!
- Don't forget to soften them before dancing! (ask your teacher or shop assistant how), and, at least in the beginning, don't dance without ribbons or pads. Also, always starting out, hold on to something when you go on toes, and don't do it near any rungs.
- Ask your art director which brands of pointe shoes are allowed. Some studios dislike certain pointe shoe brands (typically Gaynor Min-dens).
- Wrap medical gauze around your fingers to prevent blisters. If you already have blisters, products like Nu-Skin work wonders to reduce pain and speed up healing.
- Don't feel obligated to always use the same type of shoe. If you don't like it, or just want to change it, change it.
- Some brands are better for certain feet than others. For example, grishkos are suitable for slender, highly arched feet, while capezio pointe shoes are generally suitable for softer and larger feet.
- It is absolutely recommended to take en pointé preparation and resistance lessons before working with the tips.
- If you have hallux valgus, try the finger spacers.
Warnings
- Don't buy baggy shoes. Make sure they are always the right size.
- If your feet hurt but not your toes, or your arches (such as your hips), absolutely talk to the teacher before continuing with the toes.
- Do not go on pointe without the permission of the teacher. You'll ruin your feet!
- follow always your teacher's instructions when you first go to pointe!
- Talk to your teacher first and she will be able to tell you if your hips are already strong enough. (Dancing on pointe requires great strength from the hips).
- Don't do any of this before talking to your art director.
- Pointe shoes are expensive, and depending on the type, they soften quickly.
- Ask your teacher for advice on the best models.
