Choose the Perfect Ballet Shoes

Posted: May 23, 2011 |Comments: 0 |

The golden rule of choosing dance shoes whatever the style of dance is comfort. This is absolutely essential in order to ensure you give your best possible performance. In ballet, having a comfortable pair of ballet shoes is no less important than any other style of dance.

With such a wide variety of ballet shoes available, it can often be very confusing knowing which ones to choose - especially if you're just about to start learning. There is a plethora of styles available and if you're a novice, you need to make sure that you choose the right ones. Most dance schools have a uniform and it's highly likely that your ballet teacher will require you to buy a particular pair so it's best to talk to them first. For those of you who want to get a head start or don't have a uniform, here are a few helpful hints to make sure you choose the best ballet shoes for you!

If you're a novice, the first thing you need to know is that there are two different types of soles. These are split sole and full sole. A full sole reaches from the toe right down to the heel without a break. This offers the extra support required by beginners and encourages the foot to work harder in order to achieve "pointe". Over time, this will develop and strengthen the muscles in the arch of the foot enough to allow the dancer to progress to split sole ballet shoes which have a break in between the ball of the foot and the heel. This allows the dancer more flexibility of the foot and also gives a much nice line which can help result in a more polished performance.


The next thing to consider is the fabric from which ballet shoes are made. The vast majority and most popular are manufactured from leather and canvas though satin ballet shoes are also available which are very attractive. Though ballet looks very dainty and delicate, ballet classes require a lot of endurance and your ballet shoes will need to be equally hard wearing. If you're choosing a pair of ballet shoes for classes, you're therefore best choosing either leather or canvas. Of the two, leather is preferable because it is easy to maintain, very hard wearing and it will mould to the shape of the foot making them very comfortable. If you're looking for something a little cheaper than leather but still fairly hard wearing, then canvas is a good choice. Like leather, it's breathable and flexible, but be aware that it does mark easily and can sometimes snag causing little holes. Due to the delicate nature of satin, ballet shoes made from this fabric should be kept for special performances and auditions.

Once you have decided on your chosen fabric and type of sole, you will be getting close to finding the right pair of ballet shoes. Before you make your final choice you will need to try them on. Once you've put on your ballet shoe, put your leg out straight forward with the toe pointed forward and touching the floor. There should be ample space for a good pinch at the back of this foot. There should also be enough room for the toes to wriggle around a little but not enough space for the foot to move around inside the shoe. If the toes are jammed into the end of the shoe, then you need to go for a bigger size.

In order to try on your ballet shoes it may be worth visiting a local dance shop. Alternatively, if you're looking to get them for the best possible price, it's worth shopping online as there are several specialist online dancewear retailers which offer ballet shoes at very competitive prices. Just be sure to make sure they offer a simple exchange policy so that you can easily exchange them for a different size if you need to.

Finally, you need to consider the elastics. Most ballet shoes come with elastics included but they may not be attached. This is because every dancer has slightly different shaped feet which means that the elastics need to be in a slightly different position. Some beginner shoes come with the elastics pre-attached which is great for novices. If the elastics you choose aren't attached then it's important to attach them to ensure that they offer your ankles better support and protection.

Questions and Answers

Ask
200 Characters left
Rate this Article
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 0 vote(s)
    Feedback
    Print
    Re-Publish
    Source:  http://www.articlesbase.com/dance-articles/choose-the-perfect-ballet-shoes-4805596.html

    Article Tags:

    ballet shoes

    ,

    choosing ballet shoes

    ,

    which ballet shoes

    ,

    how to fit ballet shoes

    ,

    confusing ballet shoes

    ,

    shoes for ballet

    ,

    soft ballet shoes

    ,

    split sole ballet shoes

    ,

    full sole ballet shoes

    ,

    pink ballet shoes

    ,

    cheap ballet shoes

    ,

    discount ballet shoes

    ,

    dance shoes

    The following tries to bring to the notice of the reader, the importance of Dance School in Kolkata. Drawing and painting schools in the city can prove very helpful in shaping up your career as a successful artist.

    By: Meghamita Mitral Arts & Entertainment> Dancel May 24, 2012

    The following is about the contribution made by the Dance School in Kolkata. These schools train the young aspiring dance talents of the city to explore new heights of success and fame.

    By: Meghamita Mitral Arts & Entertainment> Dancel May 24, 2012

    Bollywood Brisbane and Bollywood Melbourne dancers are trained for performing at various events, functions or stage shows. Pole dance Melbourne is a dance form which is blend of ballet and gymnastics.

    By: Christine Sullyl Arts & Entertainment> Dancel May 23, 2012

    Dancing by partner makes happiest time in our life and we may perhaps rapidly learn the partner dance without any issues.

    By: Sia Susanl Arts & Entertainment> Dancel May 23, 2012

    What is the common ambience in most night clubs in Delhi? What you will come across is a single floor with seating arrangements at the corners and a dance floor at the middle with the DJ taking his space at one corner of the spacious area.

    By: Jena Smithl Arts & Entertainment> Dancel May 21, 2012

    Modern Jazz dance is an exciting form of dance which is both influenced by and influences many other styles such as ballet, contemporary and lyrical to mention just a few. Rooted in Caribbean traditional dance, it consists of a complex series of spins, twists and turns, and is constantly evolving. If you're looking for a particular style of dance to take part in, jazz dancing is both great fun and also excellent for your health!

    By: Ian James Evansl Arts & Entertainment> Dancel May 27, 2011

    Jazz dancing is a fantastically fun dance which is characterised by a series of pirouettes, leaps and quick turns. If you're just about to start to learn how to jazz dance, you'll need to find out what kind of dancewear to wear to your dance classes, and one of the most important items of dancewear you will need to consider are your jazz shoes.

    By: Ian James Evansl Arts & Entertainment> Dancel May 27, 2011

    Jazz dancing is increasing in popularity as it's an exciting an fun style of dance to take part in. If you've recently started jazz classes, then you will no doubt already own a pair of jazz shoes. If not, then you should go out and buy a pair as they're really important for you to successfully and safely execute all the spins, twists, jumps and turns required by jazz dancing.

    By: Ian James Evansl Arts & Entertainment> Dancel May 27, 2011

    When performing a dance, impressing the audience is one of the main objectives, and the clothes you wear will play a significant role in this. This is why for most dancers, knowing that the dancewear they own is good quality is highly important no matter what their ability. One of the most recognised dancewear brands for producing high quality dancewear is called Capezio. Dancewear made by this worldwide company has been worn by dancers ranging from novices to major stars for over 100 years. How

    By: Ian James Evansl Arts & Entertainment> Dancel May 27, 2011

    Soft ballet shoes have been worn by ballet dancers for many years. They're designed to be very lightweight and highly flexible to enable ballet dancers to perform with true elegance. Ballet shoes are mainly available in three fabrics which are leather, canvas and satin. Each have their own advantages but it is satin is the most beautiful of the three.

    By: Ian James Evansl Arts & Entertainment> Dancel May 27, 2011

    Discuss this Article

    Author Box
    Articles Categories
    All Categories
    Quantcast