Discover the Different Types of Ballet Shoes
Dancing is the preferred hobby by many children and adults. The reason for this lies in the fact that it enables movement and creative expression that can’t be found in other types of hobbies. Dancing is a powerful activity with numerous benefits, and this is especially true for ballet dancing.
When we’re asked what we want to become when we grow up, a ballet dancer is a very common answer. Why? Because we associate ballet with grace and perfection, and that is something that we all strive for. But many of us don’t know how many years of training, sacrifice, and pain it takes to become one. However, even if you don’t want to be a professional ballet dancer, choosing ballet as a hobby is great fun. It allows you to move your body and it’s a social activity, so you’ll make a lot of new friends. Moreover, it strengthens your muscles and makes you more flexible.
When it comes to equipment, ballet doesn’t require much. You’ll need some clothes, like leotards and leggings, and a good pair of ballet shoes. These shoes can be found in various types and which ones you need depends on your level and personal preference.
What Are Ballet Shoes?
There are generally two types of shoes used for ballet dancing: ballet shoes, also known as slippers, and pointe shoes. You need the right shoes to ensure a great start and there’s a variety of options that you can choose from. They come in several colours but make sure to consult with the ballet school before buying because some may have colour preference. Female dancers usually wear pink, white, or nude shoes, while male dancers wear black. Many shops offer a broad range of quality ballet dance shoes so you can find the pair that suits you the best.
The shoes consist of several parts:
- Front or Box – This is the top part of the shoes which is known as the box in pointe shoes because it’s hard and gives greater support to the toes;
- Sole – It’s the bottom part of the shoe and can be split or full sole;
- Throat – This is the opening where you insert your foot;
- Drawstring – A string at the top of the throat that goes through the binding which helps tighten the shoe on your foot;
- Platform – Found in pointe shoes and allows dancing en pointe;
- Elastics and Ribbons – Elastics are used to keep the shoe in place and they can crisscross at the opening of the shoe; the ribbons are usually worn for exams and performances with or without the elastics, and they’re wrapped around the ankles to secure the shoe.
Regular Ballet Shoes
This type is worn by dancers when they’re not dancing en pointe. They are worn by children and adults, males and females for greater comfort and serve to protect the feet. Dancing in socks or bare feet isn’t allowed. Socks don’t have grip, which means that the dancers can slip and injure themselves, and bare feet don’t allow gliding and create friction.
Pointe Shoes
This type of ballet shoe is worn by more advanced dancers. If the dancer, especially younger dancers, starts wearing pointe too early, it can lead to serious injuries. Although many are eager to wear these shoes as soon as possible, the teacher should decide when the time is right. It depends on maturity, strength, commitment, and technique.
Pointe shoes are worn for performing pointe work which is dancing on the tips of the toes. They give the support that’s needed for toe dancing and that isn’t possible with ballet slippers. The box in the front is made of fabric, cardboard, and paper that are hardened by glue. It can be deep and cover more of the toes or shallow and cover only the very top of the toes. The sole is stiffen with a shank that’s on the inside of the shoe. There’s also the platform, which is the front part of the box. It’s flat and allows the standing on the toes.
Different Types of Materials
Both pointe and regular ballet shoes are made of the same materials and they’re usually manufactured in many different models or custom made to fit every dancer. There are different materials used for making shoes for ballet and the three main ones are canvas, leather, and satin.
Canvas Ballet Shoes
Canvas shoes are made from woven material and fit the dancer’s feet faster and better than leather. They’re stretchy and easy to clean because they can be washed in a washing machine. Their sole is usually made of suede which allows a better grip. This material is natural, light, and breathable, and the dancer can feel the floor. They tend to wear off quickly, so they need to be replaced frequently, but they’re affordable. Usually, this type of shoe is secured with elastics on the feet and can be dyed if necessary.
Leather Ballet Shoes
Leather shoes are the most durable ones and many ballet schools prefer them. They give the necessary support to the feet and help strengthen them. Also, dancers can develop the correct technique by wearing leather shoes. They are harder to break in and take more time to stretch and conform to the dancer’s feet. They’re also harder to clean and more expensive but since they’re long-lasting, you won’t have to replace them frequently.
Satin Ballet Shoes
Satin ballet dance shoes look nice and elegant but they don’t last long and get stained easily. For this reason, they’re only worn for shows and competitions. They secure the foot with ribbons which makes them even more sophisticated.
Different Types of Soles
Full Sole Ballet Shoes
Full sole shoes are usually worn by beginners because their sole is on the entire base and provides greater support for the feet. They’re resistant and help build foot muscles. But they might make it impossible for the teacher to notice irregular techniques.
Split Sole Ballet Shoes
Split sole shoes allow greater freedom in arching the foot because the sole doesn’t cover the entire base. There’s like a gap in the middle. Because the foot isn’t entirely supported, they are more suitable for older or more experienced dancers that have already built foot muscles.