Buy Your First Pair of Pointe Shoes

Buying your first pair of pointe shoes is one of the most rewarding things about dancing! Pointe is fun and can be beautiful, if done correctly. So,getting shoes that fit your feet correctly is a vital step in your dance education.

Steps

  1. Get your primary dance teacher's permission before buying pointe shoes. This is very important because pointe work can be severely dangerous and damaging if you are not ready, so make sure. Your dance teacher will assess whether you are ready; pointe-work requires lots of physical and mental strength, particularly in the ankles. You will also need very good balance.
  2. Once you have your teacher's permission, contact local dance shops and ask about buying pointe shoes. Make sure they know that this is your first pair. The shop should be professional and have experience in fitting pointe shoes, because it is essential that they are right for your feet. They will most likely be very expensive, but if you know your size, you can buy your next pair online for less.
  3. Set up an appointment or go to the shop, depending on their policy (note: if you go to the shop without setting up an appointment, try to time it at a time when you know the owner or someone highly trained in fitting will be there).
  4. Wear ballet tights so you know how the shoes will fit.
  5. Pick out pads first; you may have to adjust these later, but the fitter should be able to help you pick out the type that is best for your feet. There are lots of different types of pads for supporting and cushioning your foot, so pick the one that feels the most comfortable – every dancer is different and at home you may want to try different techniques and ways of putting the pads in, to see what’s best for you.
  6. Once the fitter has determined your size, they will give you several shoes to put on. Take your time and pay attention to how they feel (i.e.- do they feel tight/loose etc. in the box/shank etc.) and communicate this to the sales person.
  7. When you go up in the shoes, see if you feel over on the box. Then see if you look over on the box. (The box is the flat part on the toe of the shoe that you stand up on)
  8. Try on as many pairs as necessary, in as many styles and strengths as you feel necessary. The fitter is being paid to do this, so don't feel bad!
  9. Narrow your choices down to a few pairs and try them on in succession, picking the pair that feels the best both on flat and on pointe.
  10. Get your shoes checked by your teacher to make sure you have been fitted correctly before sewing them. Warning: Many stores do not allow you to return pointe shoes, so make sure that you have a trusted fitter with you there



Tips

  • Make sure your toenails are filed down to just a sliver of white at the end- you do not want to dance on pointe with long toenails. Also, cut your toenails rounded - squared off nails can lead to ingrown toenails.
  • Check with your teacher on whether or not you should use toe spacers. If you have large gaps between your toes (especially between the big toe and second toe) you probably need to use them since pointe shoes do not allow as much room as ballet flats and will quickly give you bunions.
  • When sewing the ribbons, use dental floss because it is stronger than thread.
  • It is advisable to take a pre-pointe/strength class before going on pointe.
  • Don’t forget to break them in before you dance (ask a teacher/older student for help your first time), and don’t dance at the beginning without padding or ribbons. Also, at the beginning, hold on to something when you go up on pointe, and don’t do it near the top of stairs.
  • Wrap your toes with medical tape to help avoid blisters before they form. If you already have blisters liquid bandages like Nu-Skin work wonders to reduce pain and expedite healing
  • Don't cut the ends of the ribbons (they'll run!) without burning the ends with a match or putting a thick coat of clear nail polish on the ends. Get permission from an adult first and make sure he/she is present.
  • If you have bunions you might find toe spacers will help if you use them for your pointe shoes.
  • The sales people are there to help you, but you're the one with the shoes on your feet. Be assertive if you don't like the shoes.
  • Check with your artistic director about the brands of pointe shoes allowed. Some studios don't like certain brands of pointe shoes (generally Gaynor Min-dens).
  • Don't feel like you have to stick with the same type of shoe. If you don't like it, or just want a change, you can always change brands/hardness.
  • Make sure the dance shop has been approved by your artistic director. Many directors prefer certain shops to others.

Warnings

  • Do not go on pointe with out a dance teacher's permission. You'll ruin your feet! And you could get seriously injured without proper guidance!
  • If your feet hurt anywhere other than your toes, or arch (ex: ankles), make sure you tell your teacher about it.
  • Talk with your teacher first and she'll tell you if your ankles are strong enough. (pointe takes lots of strength from your ankles.)
  • Pointe shoes are expensive and, depending on the kind, break fast.
  • Always go to get your first point shoes with your teacher. Depending on the studio the teacher might want to go with you to pick out your first pair of pointe shoes.
  • Don't do any of this until you talk with your artistic director.
  • Don't buy pointe shoes to grow into. Always buy them the correct size.
  • Always follow your teachers instructions when going on pointe for the first time!

Things You'll Need

  • Pointe Shoes
  • Convertible ballet tights
  • Toe pads
  • Spacers (optional and at the recommendation of the fitter)
  • 45 inches of ribbon
  • 18 inches of elastic
  • A mesh bag to store shoes so they can air out
  • A sewing tube with waxed thread
  • A lighter to burn ribbon/ elastic ends
  • A small plastic container to store toe pads and spacers
  • Baby powder to put in plastic container so that toe pads and spacers do not dry out
  • Toe tape

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