POINTE SHOES: HISTORY - MANUFACTURE - SEWING

History of pointe shoes

The dancer Amalia Brugnoli has been dancing on pointe since 1823. She is credited with having invented the modern pointe technique. In France, Geneviève Gosselin did the same in the same years.

In 1832, the ballerina Marie Taglioni danced the entire ballet La Sylphide on pointes and it is likely that other ballerinas had gone on pointe before her.

At first, Taglioni went on pointe with flexible shoes whose point was simply reinforced by a stitching of the end and sides of the shoe and had nothing comparable to modern shoes reinforced with a rigid shell which envelops the end of the foot, but leaves the ankle free.

In fact, the pointe position was brief and consisted mainly of relevés.

The first pointe shoes only lasted for the duration of a ballet. During the ballet, dancers would often change their pointe shoes at least once. The shoe box

became too soft or the sole lost its shape. Sometimes the pointe shoes could be reused for dance lessons or for a little practice. Professional dancers sell their shoes or throw them in the trash.

Because of pointe shoes, dancers suffered from black toes, broken bones and other injuries, because most theaters were built for operas and not for dancing. The floors were made of wood that was installed directly on the concrete. Today, dancers have toe caps and protections and the floors of theaters and operas have evolved. The shoes and the technique have evolved but the myth of pointe shoes remains...

Manufacturing of the tips

The pointe shoe is initially a demi-pointe with a narrow sole reinforced along its entire length (thick leather, plastic, resin, metal).

The entire part covering the tip of the foot is made rigid by a lining of canvas and glue. It is handmade. Each brand has its own characteristics, materials and manufacturing techniques.

FOR BEGINNERS

When to start?

In general, dancers start pointes between the ages of 10 and 12. But their bones and muscles must be developed enough to be able to support the entire weight of the body on the tips of their toes. Beginners start pointes at the barre, and as they progress, they practice pointes in the middle, that is, without the help of the barre.

The rules to follow

Always ask your teacher for advice before starting, and do not train alone when you are a beginner. The teacher is there to teach you the technique and correct your faults. An inexperienced person risks getting injured. Finally, there is no real age limit to start pointes, but generally "late" beginners do not do pointes.

Buy your pointe shoes

It is better to buy your pointe shoes in a specialized dance store where the saleswomen will be able to advise you than in sports stores where you will find very few models and sizes and where the saleswomen are not very knowledgeable. You should also avoid buying them by mail order because it is better to try the pointe shoes on before buying them, as the sizes vary a little depending on the model.

Things to do before dancing on pointe

You must start by sewing the ribbons and elastics.

For the ribbon placement, fold the back of the slipper (the fabric) inside the toe. The ribbon placement is at the fold.

If you don't know how to lace your pointe shoes, ask your teacher or a friend, you will see it's very easy, to give you an idea, watch the video.

You also need to put an elastic band that will help hold the shoe in place. Sew it to the back of the shoe, in the middle, at the cord (like ribbons), so that the elastic goes around the ankle. Make it tight enough, otherwise it's useless. Then put on your pointe shoes and go up to demi pointe. Try to soften them up. Indeed, going through the demi pointe to go up and down the pointe shoes is very important.

Do not hesitate to make an appointment to try on your new pointe shoes.

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