I am starting en pointe, what shoes should i get?

Question

what shoes i should get?

my teacher says mabey the grishko 2007's

would those be good?

what about gaynor minden's?

here are my feet:

http://i38.tinypic.com/muilom.jpg

http://i35.tinypic.com/5vwtnm.jpg

http://i36.tinypic.com/n4fex0.jpg

http://i37.tinypic.com/11rswu1.jpg

http://i37.tinypic.com/11rswu1.jpg

are my arches good, bad, weak, strong, high, low, and/or medium?

make corrections please!

do i have good feet?

do i have good feet for pointe?

can you tell me anything about my ankles?

do i sickle?

what toepads should i use?

should i use toe separators?

gel tips?

i am all about comfort here!

any other accessories i should know about?

anything else, go for it!

dont hesitate, be honest!

thanks so much

p.s. i am 13, 5'3" and 90 pounds

do you have any preferences on ribbons/elastics?

or on breaking in things?

how about jet glue?

also, what width do you think i would be?

should i get a hard, soft, or medium shank?

thanks so much!

Answer 1

Hey, I think I have feet exactly like yours... Although they do look kind of high I think they're low :( Just like mine... I am on pointe and I'm doing fine =) Just make sure not to sickle en pointe and try some releves and ankle exercises before going on pointe. I use toe separators and just lambs wool, it works for me. Just make sure you fluff it before you use it. You should ask your teacher some of these questions if you're so unsure. Also, when you go to the pointe shoe store they might recommend some things for you, if not go ahead and ask! Well, you need your hair in a bun, your ballet clothes, pointe shoes, possibly toe separators, lambs wool, ouch pouches, and TOE TAPE! (Trust me it's a must-have and life-saver!) DON'T use too much lambs wool or too many pads because then you will not be able to feel the floor.

I also am 13 and around 5'3" and 90 pounds! That's actually funny :P I'm going into Grade 6 RAD.

Ribbons just make sure you sew them properly, ask your dance teacher or person at the pointe shoe store. Breaking them in you probably should ask your dance teacher... I recommend bending them back and forth.. Do not break the shank! My dance teacher told me to bend them back and forth every so often so they can "bond" to your feet. Don't use jet glue!! You should sew all ribbons, and elastics are useful so they don't slip off your heel. You might need some clear nailpolish for the ends of the point shoe.  

As for pointe shoes, your probably wide or normal and I recommend a medium or soft shank, depending on how high your arches are. High arched people tend to break in shoes faster thus buying a hard shank. And people like me need a soft shank, otherwise you can't break in your pointe shoes at all! Even after 7 months ;)... I personally have Capezio's Glisse's and they work pretty well. Just make sure to get them professionally fitted and approved by your dance teacher before sewing anything! And your welcome :) Please consider these things.. It took me forever to type XD

Answer 2

I would suggest gaynor minden's because they're comfortable and they last longer than most shoes. They are pretty expensive though. I like to use ouch pouches. but there are many things out there. apparently gel pads work good too. a couple of the girls in my class also use lamb's wool.

i don't use toe separaters but most people in my studio do. i would talk to the person who fits you about it. they'll be able to work with your feet and let you know what would be best.

to break things in....I have gaynors and just like to bend them.

Answer 3

I prefer the Bloch pointe shoes

Answer 4

You have low arches.