Questions Answered About The Pointe Shoes In Ballet
If you have seen a ballet dance recital, you will notice that the principal ballerinas all seem to dance on their toes, literally. Well, this is thanks to pointe shoes, which are also called toe shoes for obvious reasons. The primary aim of these special ballet shoes is to make the ballerina appear almost weightless while doing en pointe movements that, incidentally, are probably the most graceful, and difficult, in choreographed performances.
You might ask if pointe shoes are painful to use considering that these shoes do seem hard on the toes. In reality, pointe shoes offer excellent support to the dancer’s feet by virtue of its stiff insole and oval-shaped platform, both of which carry the dancer’s weight for the time it takes to perform the whole movement. Add in the beautiful dyed satin and sinuous ribbons and you have one of the most supportive and attractive shoes in the dance industry.
However, take note that not everybody can wear pointe shoes. It takes years and years of physical training and mental discipline before a ballerina can wear pointe shoes with a measure of safety, confidence and beauty. Keep in mind that even as the pointe shoes support your weight, you must still use your own leg strength and impeccable technique to attain the full-pointe position.
Now, if you ask about the specific age for when pointe shoes are alright to use, you will usually be provided with varying answers. Many ballet instructors will recommend pointe work based on the ability of the dancer, never mind if she has put in lesser hours than the others. Many ballet masters will also tell you that it depends on the age of the dancer, with 9 being the youngest although 12 is probably the safest route since the feet are completely developed by this age.
This controversial slant on pointe work also applies to the number of years that a ballerina should pour in ballet classes and recitals before pointe work becomes part of her training. Again, it depends on the ballet instructor, especially as the ballerina must achieve near-total perfection in achieving the proper strength, alignment, and form necessary to transition from soft ballet slippers to pointe shoes.
Aside from the physical demands of pointe classes, which come after regular ballet class for at least 3 hours per week, you will also be required to be up to par in the mental sense. Are you mature enough to deal with frustrations? Are you ready to face your failures? Are you ready to take responsibility for the maintenance of the shoes?
If you have answered yes to all questions, then you may be ready. Now, enroll yourself in pointe class and enjoy it!
Svetlana Marintcheva of Adagio Ballet is proud to provide ballet instruction along with other dance types in the Fairfax and Arlington Virginia areas. Drop by our website for more information.