When you are leaping through the air performing a Grande jeté, you don’t want to worry about your shoes. Fortunately, by selecting the right pointe shoes, you can focus on your form and forget about your feet. Here are a few do’s and don’ts for selecting your first pair of ballet pointe shoes. 

Do:

Try on multiple brands.

Ballet shoes might all look the same, but underneath that pink satin, manufacturers put their spin on the mechanics of dance. While most shanks are made from a combination of cardboard and leather, some varieties contain special elements that make dance more comfortable. When you start shopping for ballet shoes, try on multiple brands to see what feels best on your foot. 

Talk with your instructor first.

Your ballet instructor carefully examines your movements, so talk with them before you start shopping for new pointe shoes. Ask about your form, your bad habits, and the brands they recommend. 

Don’t: 

Use accessories.

Although accessories like knot keepers and pointe shoe resins seem like a good idea, they can interfere with your dancing. Avoid any accessories that affect the fit or change the way your foot feels in the pointe shoe. These extras can change the way you feel the floor, which can impact your form. 

Overpad your shoes.

After investing in shoes, resist the urge to over pad the toe. Instead, use a small amount of padding, like paper towels or cotton balls, and slowly reduce the amount of toe padding you use. 

Being fitted for a pair of pointe shoes is the first step of your dancing journey. To learn the skills you need to hone your abilities, turn to Joan Garrett Dance Arts Studio in Newark, OH. With a commitment to proper ballet development, social awareness, and emotional maturity, this school helps students reach their full potential as a dancer. To learn more about their classes, visit them online or call (740) 344-8789.