Hi, am so confused !! i took ballet lesson for two months, and i'd like to buy a pointe shoes. ?

Question

i just want to wear them couple of times,,,,its my dream :) now the problem is that there are many names and i don't know which one to choose, for ex: Bloch protege, Bloch protege soft !! bloch balance european , Grishko ProFlex.

what r these exactly ?? and what is the best for me as a beginner and not a dancer

thanks ;)

Answer 1

The type of shoes you choose really depends on you. Each dancer has her own preference. Sometimes you have to go through a few types to find the one that you are most comfortable in.

My teacher usually starts us off with Bloch Sylphide. The shank is softer so it won't be so hard on the arch and instep. If you have bunions, Bloch Balance would help accommodate them. If your feet are wide at the toe area, you would need a wider box. Try D or E for Sylphide, XXXX or XXXXX for Balance.

I can't tell you what size to buy. It really depends on whether you like it slightly looser or tighter.

Yes, you'll need ribbons and there are certain ways to sew them. Other accessories can be purchased later according to indivudual needs.

Having said that, I strongly discourage you from this. Unless you plan to just walk in them (and they don't really look any different from ballet slippers when you walk in them), 2 months of classes are definitely not enough to prepare you for pointe, even if you do not intend to dance in them. Pointe work places a lot of pressure and stress on the ankles. Even doing simple rises on pointe could hurt you badly if you are unprepared and do not know the right way to do them. I know you really want to try them but please, please wait until your teacher says you are strong enough. By then, he/she will also be able to tell you more certainly which type of shoes will fit you better. That way, you won't be getting a pair that does not suit you.

You sound like you really love ballet so don't risk it. Injuries will never heal wholly, and some do not heal at all. If you hurt yourself, you'll be jeopardising your chances of progressing in this art form. Be patient and work hard. Listen to your teacher and try to do the exercises to your best extent. That way, you'll be on pointe soon.