Pointe is the pinnacle of the aspiring ballet dancer's training. They must wear special slippers, known as pointe shoes, that support their body weight and protect their feet. If your child takes dance lessons and aspires to learn the technique, you might want to know more about the necessary footwear. Here's a brief yet fascinating history of pointe shoes. 

Origins 

Flat-bottomed ballet slippers emerged during the 18th century and were first worn by dancers at the Royal Academy of Dance in France. They were made from premium silk, had soft leather soles, and were secured to the feet with ribbons that wrapped around the ankles. These shoes allowed dancers to extend their feet fully, which was an improvement from the once-popular heeled slippers that limited range of motion. 

Dancers first rose to their toes in 1795, when French dancer and teacher Charles Didelot invented the flying machine. It consisted of a system of wires that lifted dancers onto their toes, creating the illusion that they were floating. Known as dancing en pointe, this technique quickly became popular. 

By the 19th century, choreographers began searching for ways to lift dancers onto their toes without the flying machine. This prompted Marie Taglioni, who may have been the first ballerina to dance an entire routine en pointe, to modify her satin slippers by mending the toes so that the tips would hold their shape. This allowed her to rise onto her toes without assistance and marked the birth of the first pointe shoes.

Evolution 

Pointe shoes evolved throughout the late 18th and early 19th centuries to include toe boxes, which are sturdy flat platforms on the tips of the shoes. Early versions of toe boxes were created by adding toughened leather soles to the toes and flattening the tips to form hard, level surfaces. These shoes provided better stability, permitting ballerinas to perform more complicated movements, such as multiple pirouettes, en pointe. 

Modern Construction

Modern pointe shoes feature improvements and modifications to improve support and promote comfort. They include toe boxes made from densely packed fabric, cardboard, and paper stiffened with glue. The rest of the slipper features soft satin and cotton along with narrow leather soles. 

These shoes are often much more comfortable, yet they're durable enough to hold the toes in place during dance lessons and recitals. They're extremely sturdy and provide extra support for the weight of the body, which can take stress off the big toes and prevent injuries to the feet and ankles. 

When your child wants to learn ballet or pointe, enroll them in dance classes at Forte Arts Center. This dance studio offers ballet lessons to children throughout Channahon and Morris, IL. They provide a comfortable and nurturing environment to help young ones express themselves. Call (815) 521-0744 to sign your kids up for dance lessons, or visit the website to learn more about their programs.