All About Ballet Pointe Shoes
The pointe shoes of the ballet dancer are an instantly recongnised symbol of the ballet. But dancing en pointe is a relatively new thing in the world of ballet. Dancing en pointe has only been part of ballet since the 1830s. For around 200 years before that dances wore flat slippers.
So what is behind the mystique and allure of the pointe ballet shoe? How are they made and how do they work?
Keep The Ballerina on Her Toes.
The Early History of the Pointe Shoe
The first ballet shoes were simply slippers which were tightly fitted and pointy at the tip. Things changed towards the end of the nineteenth century when Italian ballerinas began to reinforce the toes of their shoes. This 'blocked' change in design allowed dancers to balance for much longer and perform multiple pirouettes en pointe.Italian ballet companies started to develop the en pointe technique. It was at this time that the 'spotting' technique was also developed. The Russian ballet companies did not want to be overshadowed by the Italians and soon adopted the new reinforced shoes.
The pointe shoes of the time were made of leather, burlap,paper canvas and glue.
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The Development of the Pointe Shoe
The design has evolved over the years but the basic idea is the same. The pointe shoe has become heavier and stronger and wider at the tip.The pointe shoe supports the ballerina with the toe box and its stiff midsole, or shank. The shank presses underneath the dancer's arch and the box tightly surrounds the forefoot.
The shank used to be made of leather,but is now usually made of fiberboard or cardboard - to allow the flexibility needed by the modern ballerina.
The front of the pointe shoe is often called the block. Some are blocked in the traditional way with strips of burlap or canvas soaked in glue and then layered. Many shoes now are blocked with synthetic material.
The platform of the shoe - the bit that you stand on - has become wider and more stable over the years.
The outer sole is usually made of suede or leather.
Ballet Training to Begin Dancing En Pointe
Ballerinas need to start slowly and build up their stamina for dancing en pointe. Perfection doesn't come easily!
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Reader Feedback
driewe wrote...
great lens, 5 stars and favorite
http://www.squidoo.com/ballet-performance
Posted February 11, 2008
Dancethoughts wrote...
Dancing en pointe should only be attempted after years of training! It is harder than anyone ever thinks. I have been teaching ballet for over 20 years, and have seen many students struggle to overcome physical limitations to dance en pointe. Please find a qualified teacher to help you train!
Posted January 12, 2008
EverythingMouse wrote...
Great lens with lots of interesting info. You may like to visit my lens at High School Musical Costumes
Posted October 17, 2007
DanceGoodies wrote...
nicely done...info that all dancers who want to go en pointe should know.
Posted September 16, 2007
