Ballet Shoes

There are different types of ballet shoes. When most people think of ballet shoes, they will think of pointe shoes. Pointe shoes have a hard block inside the shoe that will support the dancer and help her stand on her toes.

 There are soft shoes which are made of canvas and leather. These shoes are used for technique classes. Students from all levels own these types of ballet shoes. Canvas and leather ballet shoes are used to work the small metatarsals in the foot as well as to build up the ankle strength needed for pointework. These shoes provide no support for the dancer to go on pointe.

Dancers that are interested in pointework should attend ballet classes regularly for about 3-4 years. The time it takes before a dancer is ready for pointe differs for each individual. There are certain requirements that dancers must reach such as maintaining a high releve and maintaining turnout in all movements. Dancers should inquire about pointework from their studio and their teacher. A dancer must get approval from her teacher before starting pointework.