Getting your first pair of pointe shoes is a memory not soon forgotten. From the first blisters to the spotlight at the recital, your shoes will carry you to fulfill your dancing dreams.

It is important to have your pointe shoes fitted by someone who understands the shoe’s purpose and the dancer’s body’s demands. Be certain to ask about the credentials of the person doing your fitting, especially if you have concerns about their understanding of your needs.

When you go in for your fitting, bring thin socks or tights to wear in order to keep the shoes clean and create an accurate fit. Ask your teacher if she has any shoe preferences and any padding suggestions. Understand the demands that will be on your shoes by knowing the number of classes per week that you will be taking on pointe and the duration of those classes. Call ahead for an appointment whenever possible to insure individualized service.

Once you find the shoes you like, test them. Take them off, walk around for a few minutes, and then try them on again. If they still feel right to you and look right to your teacher or fitting professional, chances are you have found your best starting shoe.

If you have any concerns, considering taking the shoes in to your teacher for a second opinion. Ask about the exchange policy before purchasing the shoes. If you are getting a second opinion, wear clean tights while trying on the shoes and use a clean towel over the floor. Do not bend, crush, or otherwise try to break in the shoes until you are certain you want to keep them.

Above all, enjoy the experience. To this day I look back with a smile on my face to the time when I bought my first pair of pointe shoes. It is a joy that brings with it new challenges and experiences that will help you to grow as a dancer.

Jenny Pemberton is a dance teacher and owner of Dance To You, Inc. http://www.dancetoyou.com an online dancewear retail shop. She does area pointe shoe fittings and offers personalized service through her website. Jenny has a passion for the arts and enjoys passing along her love of dance to future generations.

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Although every teacher is different, the goals of the introductory pointe class are similar no matter where you dance. These goals include strengthening the feet and ankles, breaking in the pointe shoes, and learning proper execution of skills while wearing pointe shoes.

To strengthen the feet, your teacher may instruct in a variety of methods including demi-pointe work, exercises for the feet and ankles, and basic releves at the barre. Instruction may also be given for additional work that can be done outside of class to help you gain strength and skill.

Breaking in pointe shoes is simply the wording used to describe taking the shoe from its initial factory condition to where it is conformed to the shape of your foot. This may include some work with your shoe in hand softening hard spots and bending the shank. I highly suggest waiting for a teacher’s instruction before bending, softening, or attempting to break in the shoes. Doing so on your own may permanently damage or improperly break in the shoes.

In addition to manually softening the shoes, your feet will serve as your greatest break in tool. Simply doing releves will do much to help the shoes mould to your feet. Again, be careful about doing too much outside of your teacher’s watchful eye. Doing steps incorrectly in pointe shoes may cause the shoes to break in improperly or lead to an injury.

Lastly, a basic pointe class will include barre work and eventually center work doing the steps you already know. Plies, releves, tendus, jetes, and other basic technical steps will help you learn placement, understand positioning, and gain strength as you develop your pointe skills.

In an introductory pointe class, you may find yourself spending only a few minutes actually dancing in the shoes. Do not be alarmed. It takes dedication and time over the course of many months and years to develop a strong pointe technique. You will gain strength, increase grace, and expand your dancing horizons as you begin pointe. There will be blisters, frustration, and pain, but the beauty of the dance will always make it worthwhile!

Jenny Pemberton is a dance teacher and owner of Dance to You, Inc. an online dancewear discount retail shop. She has a passion for the arts and enjoys passing along her love of dance to future generations.

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