Going En Pointe ♡

“And even this heart of mine has something artificial. The dancers have sewn it into a bag of pink satin, pink satin slightly faded, like their dancing shoes.” ~ Edgar Degas

In March, I had my pointe shoe fitting at Adage Dance and it was truly one of the most magical experiences. Walking into the boutique, I couldn’t help gazing at the rows of elegant satin pointe shoes and delicate tulle tutu’s.

In today’s post I thought I would discuss my pointe-shoe fitting experience alongside my tips on how to prepare your pointe shoes and my advice on getting stronger in your ballet classes so that you can get fitted for your first pair!

When I got fitted for my first pair of pointe shoes, the fitter wanted to establish my turn-out, strength and flexibility – this involved a close examination of my feet on flat and also in rises/relevé’s, this way she could see which ‘type’ of shoe would suit my feet the most. This will be unique for each individual as everyone’s feet are so unique! However, my fitter did mention that my feet were very flexible, with high arches, also an ‘Egyptian’ foot type where the toes form a decreasing angle, they are often narrow with a larger big toe – this foot type is rather common and my ballet teacher sent me a link to this useful chart which can help you when trying to discover your foot type for ballet.

Once my fitter had established my foot shape, strength and arches – she could now look for brands and shoes which would best bit my feet! Because I have high arches and Egyptian toes, she selected a shoe which had a square box. We tried on some many different brands but for each one, my fitter would suggest I do a demi plié in first then a demi plié in second to see if there was any rolling through the feet. We then would do some rises at the barre with both feet in parallel – one of the most important things about pointe is to be able to get over your box, (which means you’re not back in your heels), not back in demi pointe but over onto your full pointe. Even if you’re just holding onto the barre at first – so long as you’re over your box, this is the most important.

Whilst you’re getting fitted, your fitter will ask you how you feel in each new shoe and its so important to be honest about this! Don’t feel afraid or hesitant to express what you’re thinking or feeling because this can contribute to the overall result.

It can take quite a few hours to finally come across your perfect fitting pointe shoes – sometimes it can even take more than one appointment to find your ideal fit.

Once you have completed your fitting, it is time to choose the accessories which you will wear your pointe shoes with! I picked up the toe pads which are a staple for me – I don’t think I would be confident enough to dance on pointe without them.

How do I get strong for pointe and how do I know if I’m ready?

This is quite a difficult question because it embodies so many factors! A lot of pointe work (from my experience) incorporates genetic ability (ie. how your foot is through genetic factors) but also ankle and toe strength. This needs to be built up over an extended period of time and it can be quicker/easier for some rather than others. For instance, I danced a lot in my childhood but had a gap in my training but when I re-started classes 2 years ago I diligently practised – this meant doing barre everyday, at home in my own time and doing as many feet exercises as possible. eg. a lot of releves on two feet and releves on one leg – stretching my toes using a theraband. I have been told by my teachers that I have very flexible, “beautiful” feet with high arches – this is both a blessing and a curse, it means that strengthening my feet is easier – getting on pointe and over the box isn’t a problem for me but it also means I have to put in the extra work because it comes easier to me. This has also happened through my genetics (my dad has very high arched feet which I inherited from him) but also my own determination/practice at home. In terms of getting strong, I highly recommend practicing 20-30 relevé’s after class, stretching with a theraband. For knowing when you’re ready, I think this needs to come from your teacher. My ballet teacher was the one who approved of my getting fit for pointe shoes and in my opinion, your teacher should be the only one advising you and no one else!

Are there any training exercises I could follow to get ready for pointe?

a lot of releves on two feet and releves on one leg – stretching my toes using a theraband. I have created a playlist which you can watch with all the videos I follow/use!

How much pain do you experience on pointe?

Well, this definitely depends on your pain threshold! I personally find it quite uncomfortable when I’m not wearing any toe-pads – they are an essential for me! In fact, this week I forgot to bring my toe pads for my pointe class and I definitely felt the pain for it! However, I really do believe that the pain is unique for each individual

What do you do in pointe class/what was your first class like?

My pointe class is 30-minutes long and it follows my regular ballet class (which lasts an hour), usually we have a few minutes to stretch out and change into our pointe shoes. We begin at the barre with slow rises in first position for 4 counts up and down. This is usually followed by a plié exercises, beginning in second position, plié, stretch, rise and lower and this then builds into a quicker exercise which I sometimes struggle with, with a quick change from first, first, second, second, fifth (repeat) and we’ve been finishing class with bourré’s which always look so effortless on stage but they’re quite difficult!

Can you go on pointe as an adult dancer?

Of course! I am the evidence of this – however, it is still a challenging process that takes dedication and perseverance in order to achieve it!

How do I break in my first pair?

When I received my first pair of pointe shoes, I was so precious over them – I wanted to keep them as they were, in a perfect pristine condition but as many dancers know, this is just not realistic! Pointe shoes, as you may have already gathered, must be worn in and even literally, broken in – there are so many ways to do this and each dancers has their own technique! I personally found that stepping on the box and pulling back the shank to get more of a shape/bend to the shoes so that they mould to my feet, works the best! It is truly a learning process and each individual has their own way of doing things!

How do I prevent my shoe ribbons from fraying?

My top tip, although it may seem strange, is to hold the ribbon to an open flame (of course be very careful whilst doing so) and gradually the flame will singe and seal the ends.

Does it hurt? How long did it take to be able to dance on pointe?

The easiest answer is yes, but I really do think this can depend on each individuals ability and also their tolerance for pain – it took me two years of constant practise, two classes each week and then extra practise at home to be able to get fitted for my first pair.

How did you find your perfect pointe shoes?

This is quite a difficult question to answer because I still don’t think my first pair is my perfect pair, there are still some facets of my shoes which I’m not overly happy about! For instance, whilst they fit snugly at the box – I think the top half at the back of the shoe is rather loose and I’m hoping to get fitted again in the summer for my second pair in Bloch or Freed of London.

What’s the most challenging thing about pointe?

I think the most challenging and frustrating part is having an idea of what your feet should look like whilst on pointe but this often does not correlate with reality! I’ve only had classes for 6 weeks now and I still have a long way to go but it can be so disheartening when you practise but your feet still don’t seem to look or perform the way you would like. In many ways, beginning pointe is like starting ballet all over again. Its a different feeling, it requires different skills, and even more conscious technique than when you practise on flat. Nevertheless, if you’re dedicated and determined, it is so worth it!

Sophie’s Ballet Essentials: