Ballet has a long-standing history. It was used to entertain royalty and celebrities dating as far back as the 18th century. Pointe shoes, reserved for only the most advanced dancers, share this long history. They developed from a choreographer's wish to have his cast on their tiptoes before flying across the stage, creating the effect of a spirit. Though the shoes are lovely, they are not easy to wear. Ballerinas must train for several years and develop strong feet, ankles, and legs before dancing in pointe shoes. The following guide highlights some interesting facts about these satin slippers. 

What Fascinating Details Do Most People Not Know About Pointe Shoes?

1. They Are Handmade

Pointe shoes are tailor-made to accommodate ballet's intricate style and movements. Through turns, leaps, jumps, pointing, and flexing, they must be adaptable to every dancer. Many layers of burlap or buckram felt are joined together to create the dance shoe's box before it's all wrapped in soft, pink satin.

2. Dancers Have to “Break” Their Pointe Shoes

Ballerinas must break in their pointe shoes like athletes break in their tennis shoes. However, dancers use more extreme methods to soften their shoes. They hit the shoe's box with a hammer, open and close doors on them, and bend them every which way. This helps make the shoes more comfortable for the dancers, given the rigid, hard components that create the shoe's solid foundation.

3. Dancers Sew on Their Own Ribbons and Elastic

Although pointe shoes are handmade, the dancer must finish each shoe. They come with elastic and ribbons, but each dancer sews them on. This way, the shoes can be as tight or as loose as the dancer needs to fit their ankle and calf widths. 

4. They Make a Lot of Noise

The dense material that forms the shoe box is a must for stability. However, it also creates a loud sound resembling tap shoes on stage. Since this noise is not a welcome part of a ballet, dancers spend many years perfecting their landing technique, so they land with their toes first before letting the movement naturally roll downward through their feet to muffle the sound. 

5. They Have a Very Short Lifespan

Pointe shoes are sturdily built to protect dancers from rolling their ankles, but they are not made for longevity. Most professional dancers go through a pair of pointe shoes per performance or day of practice.

Whether you're dancing on pointe or just starting, Performing Dance Center offers classes for dancers of all ages and skill levels. Aspiring dancers can study various styles, from ballet and jazz to contemporary and hip-hop, creating a well-rounded dance repertoire. Visit the website to learn more about them, or call (801) 463-4684 to speak with a team member.