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!
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. :)
No comments:
Post a Comment