Ballet Pointe Shoes
History had it that the impending
arrival of the French Revolution brought ballet away from the
courtly costumes of the past. This over-all change combined with the
increasingly technical demands of dance meant that shoes were needed
to meet the demands. The first ballet pointe shoes were based on
"straights" worn for ballroom dancing and without blocking in the
toe.
Now, let us take a peep into these
modern ballet pointe shoes from famous brands.
·
Bloch’s Ballet Pointe Shoes
Aspiration
It's not just
the price that is going to make you like this shoe. It was
specifically designed for the beginner. This features a strong,
flexible palate for maximum support and longevity. The shank is a
new construction which encourages the shoe to bend at three quarter
while still providing support. It offers a large balancing platform
while maintaining aesthetics.
Sonata
This is
designed for students and features a high and wide toe platform.
These shoes make the dancer feel lifted from the floor when on
pointe. The arch support is felt right under the front section of
the heel. Both these factors combine to make the dancer feel
suspended by the shoe and very planted on pointe. The Sonata, like
the Serenade, has a tapered heel for a snug fit.
Serenade
The shoe has a
similar shape to the Sonata, the heel is narrow and fits snugly. The
platform is wider so it is better suited to a dancer with square
shaped toes. This also helps lateral balance and assists dancers who
are inclined to "sickle" or fall off pointe sideways. Often a dancer
with flexible feet or swayed back legs find that they fall forward
off their pointe shoes. The Serenade compensates for this with a
longer vamp and stronger shank.
·
Capezio’s Ballet Pointe Shoes
Plie I
Refined and
responsive, this shoe features a moderate shank and a moderate toe
box for normal toe configuration. Perfect for students of all levels
with elastic drawstring.
Tendu II
Featuring a
light shank and a broad toe box, this shoe is designed to
accommodate for broader toe configuration. It is a fine, responsive
shoe for advanced students and professionals.
Glisse Pro
Dance like a
pro with the Glisse Pro series. Glisse Pro is built on the same last
as the Glisse and features a broad, feathered and hand-molded toe
box and a higher platform. This unique pattern features a U-shaped
throat with 1/4” lower sides and 1/8” lower back height.
·
Grihko’s Ballet Pointe Shoes
Maya
A very
versatile shaped box which accomodates feet with even lengthy toes
that are slightly tapered. Made on the same last as the Ulanova I,
it has a 3/4 shank available in soft, medium and hard. It
facilitates rolling through demi-pointe. Hand balanced, they provide
perfect placement when en pointe.
Fouette
The Grishko
Fouette has a broad box and a wide platform, similar to the Ulanova
I. This lightweight shoe is preferred by dancers who wish to feel
closer to the floor. It is an excellent shoe for wider, square
shaped feet and it is also a good choice for short toes, toes of
even length and wide feet with normal heels. The vamp is cut
slightly lower to help highlight the dancer's arch.
Ulanova
The vamp on
this model is medium height and fits many different types of feet.
It is a good shoe for dancers with long toes who might have a
tendency to "go over" in another shoe. This lightweight shoe is
shaped like the Foutte which is available with or without
drawstrings.
These ballet pointe shoes will not
bring you down. These specially marked brands have been tried and
tested since 1880’s.
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