Anatomy of a pointe shoe.

Like any classes you take, you need to understand the tools you use. More especially so, when they can directly affect the health of your body. Over time we can replace any tools we need, but we only get one body, and you need to take care of it for the future too.

These illustrations are from the Bloch website, hence the free advertising. I'm not recommending that you buy  Bloch specifically, just that they have a lot of helpful information.

The shank is normally made from a number of layers of special materials. Each company has their own version and offers different strengths and combinations. Many also offer graduated shanks were the strength and flexibility varies along the length, according to what a dancer needs. the shank is comparable to the backbone in the human body - which should tell you how important it is. Beginners need to aim for something "soft" or "supple", unless otherwise directed.

The drawstring is either cotton cord or elastic and ensures a snug fit around the foot.

The vamp is the lower forward (hard) part of the shoe, including the box and platform. Amogst other things the length of your toes and your ability to roll up through the demi-pointe, decide the type of vamp you should have. The vamp throat describes the shape of the entrance area for the front of the foot. Most often a U or V shape. A "V" is better if you have extremely narrow feet.

The wings are the outer edges of the hardened box,either side of the vamp, running towards the heel. They are graduated so that they become softer the further up they come. They can vary in shape and hardness according to the manufacturer, and chosen to meet the dancer's needs. A longer wing can always be softened later. A wing that is too short will push your toes out of line.

The block/box is the name for the whole hardened area, including the vamp, wings and platform. It's made from a number of layers of materials (in differing sizes), with a special paste between each layer. Think papier maché. This is why moisture can ruin your shoe, and why you need to make sure they air-dry between classes. (Remember to take all the pads out).

The platform is the flattened end of the shoe where you stand/balance en pointe. Beware, not all platforms are flat!

The outsole is the part that is in contact with the floor and normally made of leather.

The pleats and platform are the first areas where the satin begins to wear away, and they can also be quite slippery. This is why we used to darn (sew) the ends of shoes. However these days you are luckier. Now you can buy suede patches which you trim and glue onto your shoe. Problem solved!

Whilst a pointe shoe is fairly straight forward in design, there are many components that can be varied. Furthermore, each company will have their own specific styles and material choices. Due to modern technology there are now many new options designed to aid the dancer. There are shoes with "silver nano particles" to aid healing, shoes with "TMT" which are moulded to your feet using heat (hair dryer) and cold air (fridge), and shoes with padding built into the construction. Be careful though when you're shopping, not all of these functions you are paying for, are truly necessary.

For anyone considering the American brand, Gaynor Minden, here is the link to their site. You need to set off a good amount of time and read everything they have to say before you purchase. On the left side of their page is a list of information pages, including how their fitting system works, that you need to work through. The more time you use and the more accurate you are, the better the result. You can also use these pages to find your ideal shoe and then ring to La Danse in Oslo to order.

I hope this helps a little, remember you can never ask too many questions. Sorry about the long posts, I'll try and keep them shorter from now on. :)

Protecting small feet :)

Before you start the process of finding the right pointe shoes you need to consider how you want to protect your feet.

 Unfortunately you must decide what kind of toe pad you want to use before you go en pointe. This is due to the fact that the type of toe pad you choose can effect the fitting of your shoes. These days there are many options and I'm not going to go through all of them, a spot of window-shopping online will soon get you updated. Who doesn't like window-shopping?

 However you need to be realistic. Blisters are caused by friction, and the more you stuff into your shoe, the more there is to rub against your skin. A fitted pointe shoe, strong feet and good technique should go a long way in protecting your feet. In the beginning you will be spending very little time actually en pointe anyhow, and it might not be as painful as you're expecting. It's perfectly possible (and preferable) to dance without padding. This will give you the benefit of being able to feel the floor as you dance and move the muscles of the foot freely. Regardless of all padding you can still expect the odd blister - although unlike pro-footballers we won't be rolling on the floor in pain. When it comes to blisters there are many specialist tapes available for dancers, they'll be listed along with toe pads, under pointe shoe accessories. But I'm sure the local chemist (Apotek) can also help you.

The traditional toe pad comes in many forms now. Avoid the original foam toe pads which flatten quickly and also absorb moisture (smelly).

Yuk!

You can now get them in lambs wool too, which has traditionally been used as a loose form of padding. Gellows, pillows for pointe, are a new brand to me, which also come in extra long. And Skinny Dips have a very lightweight material pad, although how much protection it gives is questionable. One possible solution is the Eurotard Feather Lites gel pads which will allow you to feel the floor, and I think could be cut down quite easily on the underside.

Feather Lites

Bunheads have a line of products for pointe shoes, the most known of which is their Ouch Pouch (below).

These have a thin layer of gel between two layers of material, which should ease some of the friction, but they also cover the whole forefoot. A good choice for those who are more squeamish but not otherwise recommended. You don't need padding under the toes regardless, but it can also affect your balance and hinder the proper use of the intrinsic muscles. If this is the way you choose then I recommend the Ouch Pouch Junior which has less padding on the underside.

Another product from Bunheads is their gel tips. They are elasticated fabric tubes with a gel coating on the inside, also good if you have a bruised toenail. They are available in many different shapes and forms, but you do need to remember to cut them down so blood flow is not restricted. (Below)

As I mentioned before lambs wool has traditionally been used as shoe padding and is still popular with many dancers. It is cheap, easy to form and can be placed exactly where you need it. I don't have any experience with this product unfortunately, but I do wonder how it is affected by moisture from the foot....

It's also worth mentioning that many, including professionals, use paper towels. You have to be extremely precise when you are folding and placing the towels but they are a cheap, plentiful and simple alternative.

One last alternative is a more modern type of gel pillow designed to be placed just in the toe of the shoe. It can also be used together with other types of protection. It should function well as a shock absorber, and there are types that can be formed or cut, so they function particulaly well for those who have a tapered foot ( a long big toe and gradually shorter toes). There aren't as many of these products so you will have to surf around a little more. (Picture below).

The one product that stands out for me is the Gaynor Minden Pointe Shoe Fitting Kit. It stands to reason that a shoe that fits perfectly will generate a lot less friction and provide better support = happy feet. This is a new product for me so I can't give any guarantees, but it looks very promising. (Below) Read more here: Gaynor Minden Pointe Shoe Fitting Kit

One last word about padding. You need to look at your feet and assess whether you have any larger spaces between your toes. If this is so, then you will need to use spacemakers or spreaders. You will also need to have these in place when you are fitting shoes. Their purpose is to hold the toe in line with the joint and the bones of the foot. Extremely important for the health of your foot, bones and joints.

There are countless dance shops online. I am not recommending any specific shop, neither have I included all of the available products. I am just trying to provide you with a starting point, from here you need to shop around (or be brave and try without!!). I have collected pictures from the following sites: IDS, Dance Direct and Discount Dance. Anyone buying pointe shoes from Gaynor Mindon needs to follow their guidance, and remember they have built-in protection in certain areas.

Good luck :)

Basics

Hello ladies :) we're starting with the basics.............try not to fall asleep.

1. You don't really need wet hair for a bun, but you do need hairspray for a performance.
2. It's often much better suited lower down, at the base of the skull.
3. Normally after you put the net on, you flatten the bun by hitting it with the back of your hairbrush. The aim is to make the hair as unobtrusive as possible
4. Yes! Hair clips. (USA = pins) They are necessary. Very necessary.
5. Did I remember to say hair clips are necessary?

This style is based on tradition, but also on practicality. Your hair should be in place before you enter the studio and you should not have to adjust it during class. Alternative styles (that lie flat to the head) are fine for the classroom, as long as they do not impede movement, and stay in place. With practice over time, this can be done in just a few minutes - even by me!

It's only a thought, but I find dressing the part often helps you to get into the right frame of mind. Classical ballet isn't a style of movement that falls naturally for the body. So it's possible that going through the routine of setting your hair up and changing to ballet clothes, can help to shift the focus of your mind before you enter the studio. A lot of professional performers, both in sports and the arts, have their own routines that are performed religiously before any class/performance. Whilst it might not affect the end result it may at least help the transition from daily life to dancer! Please also try and remember that you are the role models for all the younger dancers. They look up to you and strive to be just like you - even down to the hair on your head.

Inspiration

Hello ladies! Welcome :)

Mariinsky Ballet

                                                                                                                                               

Yes, this is going to be us - with a little bit of work. All together, beautiful and strong :)