Ballet Pointe Shoes Query - Lasting Longer

by Megan
(America)

My Ballet Pointe Shoes Query - Lasting Longer:- Hiya Odette, I've been dancing on pointe for quite a while now.

I wear Freed and I'm very happy with them, except they don't seem to last as long as I would like.

I don't want to change makes because I like Freed so I'm not really sure what I could do.

Is there anything I can do to make my pointe shoes last longer?

Thank you

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Reply by Odette

to Ballet Pointe Shoes Query - Lasting Longer

Dear Megan,

Thank you very much for your pointe shoes query, I hope the following advice will be in good use to you.

Every dancer's pointe shoes will break down eventually because the material naturally softens under heat, usage and pressure.

However, there are a few things I know that will help you make your pointe shoes last that little bit longer.

Firstly, make sure you let your shoes dry out after each time you use them. Letting them air will give them opportunity to harden again.

What many dancers do is have a couple of pairs on the go at the same time. By rotating your pointe shoes will make them last longer because it gives them a chance to dry out.

There are different products you can buy to make your shoes last longer. The most popular product is shellac, many of the top dancers use shellac.

It's available in most dance shops and you can easily buy it online. You apply the shellac to where ever the shoe needs hardening, leave it to dry over night and voila!

You can do it as many times as necessary. I often used a paintbrush to apply the shellac as it can become quite messy!

Handle your pointe shoes with great care and follow these instructions. I'm sure you'll find them lasting longer!

Let me know how it goes!

All the best,

Odette
ps.
Remember, just like I did before I went en pointe, ballet students MUST take responsibility for their own strengthening prior to beginning pointe work.

Australian dancer, Lisa Howell has made a video which explains how pre-point strengthening works.

Don't leave it to your teacher!

You can watch this pre-pointe video yourself here (just wait for the page to load up then the video is on the top right of the page).

Ballet Pointe Shoes - Lasting Longer

by Ami
(Pennsylvania, USA)

Ballet Pointe Shoes - Lasting Longer

I just don't know... I'm a first year pointe student at age 11, and on my (freaking third) pair of pointe shoes! Is that normal? all of the other girls in my class are on their second, third, or fourth pair, and their in their second year! At first I thought that we were a bad generation of pointe students and let it go. But my teachers keep casting me in large roles with lots of pointe work meant for older girls! What did I do wrong (I mean right)?!
I asked some older girls and they said that their shoes lasted the whole year their first year! The pointe shoe store always loves working with me because I go right up on my pointes.

(Why are they doing this)


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Reply by Odette

To:- Ballet Pointe Shoes - Lasting Longer

Hello Ami,

Thank you for contacting me, it is great to hear from you.

Firstly, it is great you are getting cast in large roles. Whatever you are doing, keep up the good work!

Ballet pointe shoes can hugely vary with how long they last for depending many factors, such as your foot shape and the work load. If you say you keep getting cast for roles, this means you are doing a lot more pointe work and therefore you will need more shoes.

Some dancer's feet tend to break in the shoes more quickly because of high insteps. When I was a student it was also a case of strength, as when I gradually gained strength in my feet I didn't need to rely on such hard shoes to support me.

I understand it must be annoying (and expensive) to go through your pointe shoes so quickly. But do not worry, it is normal to go through shoes quickly and there are ways to make them last longer.

Perhaps try experimenting with different brands to find a harder type shoe. Also, try shellac which works as a pointe shoe hardener - it was my saviour when it came to hardening my ballet pointe shoes!

Take a good look at the Cheap Pointe Shoes page to get extra tips on how to make your shoes last longer.

All the best,

Odette

ps. To become the best dancer you can be, learn the Seven Secrets ..... go to my 'Seven Secrets of Ballet' page

Ballet Pointe Shoes - Managing Pointe Ballet

by Anna-Sophia
(Boston )

Ballet Pointe Shoes - Managing Pointe Ballet : -

Hi!
I know I'm starting pointe soon, and well I pretty much know everything there is to know about ballet pointe shoes. I know how to sew on the ribbons and the elastic. I know how to tie my ribbons etc.

But my ballet teacher doesn't let us wear padding on our toes, I know this will hurt a lot more than of you do use padding, but I'm fine with it. My teacher has been teaching all her students like this and none of them have ever complained, and none of them have ever had feet problems (apart from the one you get from dancing anyway!).

I'm not scared to go onto pointe at all. I have really strong feet, if I ever stub my toe it really doesn't hurt. It's more like a tiny little pinch and then is goes away. But I have a few questions:

1) Can you clean your ballet pointe shoes? If so, how?
2)When you get blisters, should I put a bandage on for the next class, or leave it open?

Thank you!

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Reply by Odette

to Ballet Pointe Shoes - Managing Pointe Ballet

Hi Anna-Sophia ,

Thank you for your questions.

I admire your assurance and certainty - it's good as a dancer to have that confidence.

It sounds as if you have very tough feet which is very good for ballet dancers!

When I first began pointe work, my school also preferred us to wear as less padding as possible - some animal wool or tape around our toes if necessary. The reason behind this, I can now see, is so students can work through their feet without having additional padding getting in the way.

It will be what works best for you and your feet. For example, my big toe is longer than my other toes so I often found the pressure was too much and had to wear more padding to support my big toe.

It's all about what suits you best as every dancer has very individual shaped feet.

You say you teacher doesn't let you wear any padding, and I'm sure she has good reasoning behind this, but if you do find your toes feeling tender or sore then I'd advise to put some tape on. This could mean putting a few plasters or toe tape around any pressure points to prevent blisters.

It all mainly depend on how much pointe work you're doing. As you gradually increase pointe work you may want to think about protecting your toes more.

Blisters... they are literally such a pain!! When you get blisters I'd advise you to let it air as much as possible so outside of class leave it open, but absolutely tape it up for your next class. If it's possible, do your best to avoid dancing on pointe with a painful blister as this will just make it worst. But I understand you will have to dance with blisters so just make sure it's protected.

Cleaning ballet pointe shoes is something I've yet to fully discover. Nowadays, I tend to just let my ballet pointe shoes get dirty and they stay that way, but there were times as a student when I was desperately trying to get them clean for a performance.

I used several different techniques - surgical spirit, calamine lotion (but this takes the shiny satin away), pointe shoe make up. - I will let you know if I come across any more magical methods!

All the best and good luck for starting pointe!!!

Odette

ps. To become the best dancer you can be, learn the Seven Secrets ..... go to my 'Seven Secrets of Ballet' page



Remember, just like I did before I went en pointe, ballet students MUST take responsibility for their own strengthening prior to beginning pointe work.

Australian dancer, Lisa Howell has made a video which explains how pre-point strengthening works.

Don't leave it to your teacher!

You can watch this pre-pointe video
yourself here (just wait for the page to load up then the video is on the top right of the page).

2nd Pair of Ballet Pointe Shoes

by Rachael
(Sheffield)

2nd Pair of Ballet Pointe Shoes

Hi Odette, can you help, pleaase?


Okaay, so I got my first pair in August last year, and I loved them! They were 'Grishko 2007' shoes, but recently, they've gotten too small. When I had them, they fit perfectly and felt like slippers (as slipperish as pointe shoes can:L) and was so happy when I got home and was wearing them round the house. Obviously they hurt to start off with because I'd never been en pointe before..

So when they got too small, I was gutted! I told my mum they didn't fit anymore. So she booked an appointment with a different pointe shoe fitter because the first was too far away... I wasn't too happy:(

But anyway, so we went to this closer one, and I took my old pointe shoes to show the fitter what make I had before. She told me they only had 'Freed' in that shop. So I tried some on and they felt okaay... She didn't make me go up en pointe, so i was a little worried that they might hurt... But I'm not one to say, so when I got in the car to go home, my mum said "You don't like them do you?" I couldn't say no!

I got home and tried to go up, but it hurt way more than when I had got my 1st pair! They even hurt more than my pointe shoes that were too small!

I told my mum, and she agreed to take me to to the first place again, but it's not until after my pointe lesson. Also, I am a little bit worries that they may fit me with 'Freed' shoes.

Will I be better off with 'Grishko' shoes again?

I know this is a little silly, but can you still help?

Thanks, muchly, Rachael:) xxx



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Reply by Odette

To:- 2nd Pair of Ballet Pointe Shoes

Hello Rachael,

Thank you for contacting me, it is a pleasure to hear from you.

You query is very valid, as I completely understand how difficult it can be to consistently find the perfect pair of shoes.

It sounds as if you get on well with the brand "Grishko", and if this is the shoe you prefer then perhaps carry on wearing these for now.

However, it is good to experiment with different brands to see what else is out there. I tried several different brands before finding my perfect pointe shoe.

Always remember that each brand of ballet pointe shoes will feel very different. It may be case that "Freed" take longer to break in, so you would need to wear them in more before they begin to feel comfortable.

Also, reconsider what padding you wear. As you may find different brands need more or less padding to prevent any pain.

New pointe shoes always tend to feel painful at first. Sometimes you have to give them time to soften and mold to your foot. However, you don't want to pain being a result of the shoes being too small, which is why it is so crucial to have the shoes properly fitted.

Always make sure you try the shoes on carefully in the shop and go up en pointe to make sure they feel ok. Although, I understand it is often hard to judge a pointe shoe in a shop, as you need to dance in them to know they will be ok. But do not worry, you will gradually become more familiar with fitting pointe shoes.

I suggest you stick to what you feel most comfortable with. If it is difficult to get hold of your "Grishko" then perhaps give the other brands another go, but make sure they fit you correctly.

When it comes to finding the perfect ballet pointe shoes, it is a just a case of being patient and experimenting with pointe shoes to see which ones are right for you.


All the best,

Odette

Ballet Pointe Shoes - Gap on Demi Pointe

by Rachel
(Texas)

Ballet Pointe Shoes - Gap on Demi Pointe

Hi!
So I just got a new pair of pointe shoes (bloch) and no matter how tight I tighten the drawstring, I still have a really awkward gap when I go on Demi pointe! They look great when I go all the way up, but how can I fix the gap???
Thanks so much!

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Reply by Odette

Ballet Pointe Shoes - Gap on Demi Pointe

Hello Rachel,

Thank you for your ballet pointe shoes submission, it is great to hear from you.

That is exciting to see you have new pointe shoes! I am a great fan of Bloch for young dancers, as I feel they give great support and strength which is necessary for all dancers during their training. They also have many different styles within the brand, so it is useful to have the choice of pointe shoes to choose from. I am very interested in dancer's opinion on their pointe shoes, I would love to know which style of Bloch you have got? Have you worn any other brands before?

Ok, so the awkward gap... my first instincts is to check the fitting of the pointe shoe. Are you absolutely sure these pointe shoes are the right size and width? Remember pointe shoes should always fit like a glove and feel snug to your foot, but always with enough room for your toes to be evenly spread.

I would also suggest you consider sewing extra elastics onto your pointe shoes, this should pull any excess material closer to your foot preventing the gap. You can sew elastics in a criss cross, like with canvas ballet flat shoes, which gathers the material more closely to your foot. Personally, I like to sew both ribbons and elastics to my pointe shoes as I feel this makes me feel more snug in my shoe and keeps the material tightly to the shape of my foot. The elastics can also prevent the heels slipping off which often happened to me.

I hope my advice helps, if not, perhaps send me a picture so I can try and further work out how to solve the gap!

Keep in touch!

Best Wishes,

Odette

ps. To become the best dancer you can be, learn the Seven Secrets ..... go to my 'Seven Secrets of Ballet' page

Ballet Pointe Shoes Query - Preparing Pointe Shoes

by Emma
(Australia )

Ballet Pointe Shoes Query - Preparing Pointe Shoes:- Hello Odette, I've just bought my first pair of pointe shoes but I'm not sure how to prepare them for class.

They are very hard and quite uncomfortable at the moment, I need to somehow make them more comfortable or my feet are going to be in a lot pain!

Is there anything I can do to make them slightly softer? Or more comfortable? At the moment they are just like a plank of wood!

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Reply by Odette

to Ballet Pointe Shoes Query - Preparing Pointe Shoes

Dear Emma,

Thank you for you query; it's always very exciting getting your first pair of pointe shoes - a moment to remember!

Let me first repeat this advice:-

Remember, just like I did before I went en pointe, ballet students MUST take responsibility for their own strengthening prior to beginning pointe work.

Australian dancer, Lisa Howell has made a video which explains how pre-point strengthening works.

Don't leave it to your teacher!

You can watch this pre-pointe video yourself here (just wait for the page to load up then the video is on the top right of the page).

Brand new pointe shoes are naturally very hard. They won't be comfortable when you first put them on, but don't worry, I know plenty of ways to mold them into the shape of your foot!

The way to prepare a shoe depends on its shape. I think pointe shoes have to fit like gloves and so they look like they are part of the leg.

The best way to begin, is to put them on without any socks or tights - just your bare feet. Get a thick pair of woolly socks or slippers and put them over the pointe shoes.

Keep them on for a few hours and in the meantime your feet will begin to perspire which will gradually mold the shoe into the shape of your foot.

Make sure you also break in the demi-pointe so the backs of the shoes aren't so stiff. Also, you can bend them slightly in your hands to make them more flexible.

Now they will be more comfortable for your first class. They will gradually become more comfy the more you wear them.

Each dancer likes to break in their shoes in a different way. I'm sure you will find your own way too! Let me know how you get on!

All the best,

Odette

Breaking in Ballet Pointe Shoes

by Kirsty
(Australia)

Breaking in Ballet Pointe Shoes

How do you break in your pointe shoes?? I really want to know how to break in my new pointe shoes, not so i break my ankle but to be able to point in them nicely without hurting my toes.

Thanks

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Reply by Odette

Breaking in Ballet Pointe Shoes

Hello Kirsty,

Thank you for contacting me, it is pleasure to hear from you.

Brand new ballet pointe shoes are naturally very hard and so they do take time to break in. The best way to begin, is to put them on without any socks or tights - just your bare feet. I like to get a thick pair of woolly socks or slippers and put them over the pointe shoes. If you keep them on for a few hours and in the meantime your feet will begin to perspire which will gradually mold the shoe into the shape of your foot.

Make sure you also break in the demi-pointe so the backs of the shoes aren't so stiff. You can bend them slightly with your hands to make them more flexible. After doing this, the shoes should feel more comfortable for your first class.

Make sure you do a few rises and releves in your pointe shoes before class, as this will gradually break them in too.

This is a great start to breaking in your pointe shoes. You will find that with each pointe class, they will gradually become more comfy the more you wear them.

All the best,

Odette

ps. To become the best dancer you can be, learn the Seven Secrets ..... go to my 'Seven Secrets of Ballet' page

Ballet Pointe Shoes - When do I get a new pair?

by Claire

Ballet Pointe Shoes - When do I get a new pair?: -

when do i need a new pair of ballet pointe shoes?? i have had my first pair (gamba) for 2 years and was thinking about getting a new pair, but is it to early??
if not should i stick to the same make of shoes??

Claire
14 year old
wanting to become a professional

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Reply by Odette

To: - Ballet Pointe Shoes - When do I get a new pair?: -

Hello Claire,

Thank you for your ballet pointe shoes query.

Buying a new pair of pointe shoes depends on many factors and it is entirely individual to you as a dancer. It mainly depends on the strength of your feet, how much pointe work you do and what type of shoe you wear.

You should be able to notice when you need to buy a new pair as the box may become to soft, or the platform is no longer stiff. If the toe box becomes soft then it is definitely time for a new pair.

Two years is quite a long time so perhaps it is time for a new pair. It's vital to make sure you have full support within your pointe shoes so if you are unsure than perhaps ask your teacher to have a look at them too.

There are a lot of different shoe makers such as Bloch and Freed which are popular brands for student dancers. Take a look at my bloch pointe shoes page which will tell you about this popular brand.

If you are comfortable with the make of gamba then I would stick with it, but you do always have the option of trying different makes until you find the perfect pair.

All the best,

Odette

Ballet Pointe Shoes - Sewing Ribbons

by Carolyn
(U.S.A)

Ballet Pointe Shoes - Sewing Ribbons

I got my first pointe shoes and have tried for a hour to sew the ribbons. Help! then once I get them sewn how do I tie them without them getting gappy?

-Carolyn
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Reply by Odette

To:- Ballet Pointe Shoes - Sewing Ribbons

Hello Carolyn,

Thank you for you ballet pointe shoes query, it is a pleasure to hear from you.

I always found sewing my ribbons on my shoes time consuming at first, but do not worry - you will get the hang of it, it just takes practice!

To get the right placement for the ribbons, fold the heel of the pointe shoe forwards towards the toe. Place the ribbon on the edge of the fold and this should be the estimated place to sew the ribbons. I always like to pin the ribbons in the right place so they are fixed and ready before I begin to sew.

When it comes to tying the ribbons, I always like to take the inner one first and wrap it around to the inside by the ankle. Then take the outer ribbon and wrap it around to meet the other. Tie in a double knot and fold in to hide the loop. Always do one ribbon at a time to get them smooth.

If you get stuck, I am sure your teacher would be happy to show you!

All the best,

Odette

ps. To become the best dancer you can be, learn the Seven Secrets ..... go to my 'Seven Secrets of Ballet' page

Ballet Pointe Shoes - Do I Need a New Pair?

by Anne
(Arvada)

Ballet Pointe Shoes - Do I Need a New Pair?

Hi. So, Yesterday I went to ballet, and I was on pointe, (as usual) and my feet were hurting a lot more than usual, like, a LOT. And it was kind of hard to get up onto them, and I was not trusting myself as much. This is my first pair, and I've had them since Febuary, I think. They are Capezios. Do I need a new pair? How do I tell?

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Reply by Odette
To:- Ballet Pointe Shoes - Do I Need a New Pair?

Dear Anne,

Thank you for contacting me it is a pleasure to hear from you.

You ask a very good question, as often it is difficult to know when your shoes are too worn in and when you need new ballet pointe shoes.

Often you have to judge yourself whether it is time to buy a new pair. If the shoes are starting to look very scruffy or the soles are going too soft then this is a sign to get another pair.

When your shoes are too worn in, it is sometimes more difficult to get onto pointe because the material has changed shape over time with usage.

If you say your shoes don't feel quite normal and its hard to get up onto pointe, I would say it is time to start wearing a new pair. Especially if you had the shoes since february and doing regular pointe work, as it depends on how much pointe work you are doing.

When you start to do more pointe work, it is a good idea to have a few pairs of shoes at once so you can rotate them. I know this sounds expensive, but rotating the shoes will allow them to properly dry out and therefore they will last longer.

Best wishes, Odette

ps. To become the best dancer you can be, learn the Seven Secrets ..... go to my 'Seven Secrets of Ballet' page