The Ballet Shop

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Pointe Shoes

How are pointe shoes made?

Dancing - General Info, Pointe Shoes

Pointe shoes are ballet shoes designed for advanced ballet dancers to dance on the tips of their toes. Pointe shoes are handmade and are a combination of several materials such as satin, leather, cotton, and glue.

The process of making pointe shoes is a highly skilled and time-consuming process, with each shoe taking several hours to complete. The shoes are designed to be lightweight and durable, providing the necessary support for the dancer to perform the intricate and demanding movements of ballet.

Sansha white pointe shoes
Sansha white Deco pointe shoes

The process of making pointe shoes typically involves the following steps:

  1. Taking measurements: The dancer’s feet are measured to determine the correct size and shape of the pointe shoe. The correct fit is crucial to avoid injury and ensure proper support.

2. Cutting the materials: The various materials such as satin, leather, and cotton are cut into the appropriate shapes and sizes for the different parts of the shoe. These bits are stretched out over a mold and the different parts need to be put together.

3. Stitching: The parts of the shoe are stitched together by hand using a strong thread. The seams are reinforced to ensure the shoes can withstand the stress of dancing. In more recent times, some of the parts are machine-stitched.

4. Attaching the shank: The shank is a stiff piece of material that provides support to the dancer’s foot. It is sewn onto the sole of the shoe and is typically made of materials such as leather or plastic. In some pointe shoes, the shank can be removed (e.g. to use the shoes as demi-pointes) or replaced.

5. Applying the resin: A special glue, called resin, is applied to the inner sole and upper part of the shoe to help it maintain its shape and provide additional support. In some cases, the shoes are also baked to harden the resin, so that the shoe takes the shape of the mould and keeps that shape. This is, in fact, why you need to air out your pointe shoes: if they become humid, they will soften.

6. Adding the elastics: Ribbons and elastic are attached to the shoe to help keep it securely in place on the dancer’s foot. The elastic drawstrings are there to ensure the shoes fit properly. The invisible elastic is optional – but they to help, together with the ribbons, to give a really secure fit.

Finishing touches: The shoes are trimmed and any loose threads are removed.

Ribbons are sewn on the pointe shoes – this is something that the dancer will normally do, to give the ribbons the correct angle. Some dancers also darn the tip, although there are solutions such as leather patches or ready-made darn patches you attach to the shoe. We prefer the old-fashioned darning as there is less of a chance of that coming off, causing slipping and injury.

The new scholastic year has started

Buying dancewear and shoes, Dancing - General Info, Jazz Shoes, leotards, Pointe Shoes

… and ballet, jazz, tap, hip hop classes have started again.  People are turning up to classes in numbers that seem like normal and COVID seems to be a thing of the past.

At The Ballet Shop, we have most of our traditional items in stock.  From pointe shoes, to dance sneakers, jazz pants, leotards, ballet shoes jazz shoes….

We have had some issues with receiving goods from outside the EU, so bear with us.  We had sufficient stock so far, but items are running low and we are trying to source alternatives rather than procure the more expensive stuff.  Please watch this space!

 

 

 

I’ve Never Had Pointe Shoes Before!

Buying dancewear and shoes, Pointe Shoes

We often get this comment when people are starting out with their pointe shoes.

Incidentally, they are not ‘point-ey’ shoes: ‘pointe’ is a French word meaning tip, because you stand on the tip of your toes (‘en pointe’) so you do not pronounce the last ‘e’. It’s pronounced like the English word, ‘point’,

In any case, these are very special shoes made of layers of glue and satin. A few layers of these are placed on to a mould, and then the whole thing is baked so as to give the rigid shape. The leather sole is sewn on to this concoction and in many cases this is a hand-made affair.  Each individual pointe shoe maker lovingly leaves a mark on some brands – such as a logo or little emblem – to indicate the person who has made that particular pair.

So what if you’ve never had pointe shoes?

Well, don’t try getting onto them without guidance. It is not they that are dangerous, it’s the very act of attempting to go en pointe without the proper strength or training. It might seem like a lot of fun – but it can be painful, and definitely is very painful if you fall off your pointes.

So what’s it all about?  Pointe work started in the 15th century in the French courts, to create the floaty feel / appearance of a dancer.  Marie Camargo was the first of these dancers.

This has gradually developed over time – but what hasn’t changed is that you need to build up the strength to carry your body weight on the tips of your toes.  Which also means that a healthy diet is important if you don’t want to hurt yourself.

Pointe shoes require particular care – they cannot be stored in humid conditions and need to be properly aired after use. You cannot clean them with a wet cloth, and you need to allow them to air between sessions.  As your classes become more frequent, you will need to perhaps alternate pointe shoes between classes to give them enough time to dry, particularly in hot and humid countries.

We will soon follow on with another article on fittings – though we have done this a while back.  Watch this space and meanwhile, contact us for a fitting.

How are Pointe Shoes made?

News, Pointe Shoes

Pointe shoes involve a complex manufacturing process requiring great expertise. Each manufacturer uses unique methods and designs; however, most pointe shoes are made using basic components and a basic  form. The upper part of the shoe (the body) is sewn together from several pieces of satin.  There often is a lining made of cotton.

A toe box is created on the body from many layers of paste and burlap. Typically, a sole has three parts: the outer sole, the insole and the shank.  Shanks are generally made of cardboard, fibreboard or leather.  The material chosen, the layers, the skiving of the sole (making it thinner at the heel end) and cutting or shaping of areas will determine the strength and flexibility of the sole.  With the use of glue and nails, the shank fits between the outer sole and the insole.

The box is molded on a last, which is a shoemaker’s form. The last actually used will determine the shape and size of the shoe. Every manufacturer needs many lasts, to be able to make many different shapes (models) and sizes.

Most traditional shoes have pleating behind the toe platform at the tip of the box. These are formed when the single forward satin section is folded in around the box and tucked under the outer sole. Some traditional shoes use foam beneath the pleats.

Once the shoe has its basic shape, it needs to be refined: this requires precise shaping to create a smooth, symmetrical box, even pleats and a balanced platform, which allows the shoe to stand up on its own.

Sansha’s ranges vary from machine-stitched to hand-stitched, which is why prices sometimes vary.  There are both beginners’ / students’ shoes and professional shoes: your choice will depend on the strength of your feet.

Always air your pointe shoes after use: never stuff them in your bag and leave them there, as the humidity from your feet during class will not dry out and this will soften the box and cause them to become unusable.

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