So your teacher has told you that you’re ready to start pointe work – one of the most exciting milestones in a young dancer’s life! Anyone who has watched their idol dancing on stage dreams of the day they can take those first few steps en pointe.
Young dancers feet are still growing, and it’s important to make sure your shoes are fitted correctly. These are our top tips to make sure you get the perfect fit:
1 – Book an appointment with a pointe shoe specialist
Call up the shop you want to visit so that they can make sure they have enough staff present for to devote time to you and your fitting.
If it is not your first fitting, let the shop know your current preferred shoe and size.
Don’t forget that all staff at The Dancing Boutique are fully trained in fitting all makes of point shoes, and we stock all main brands in our Tunbridge Wells shop!
2 – Wear the correct attire
It’s really important that your wear your regular ballet tights to get a really fantastic fit, and leggings are useful as they allow you to fully bend and stretch to check the fit of the shoe in all positions.
Unfortunately we cannot offer tights for you to wear for the fitting so please do not forget your own.
We do stock many types of tights – so why not stock up whilst you’re here?
3 – Talk about toe pads
Most dancers prefer to wear toe pads inside their shoes for extra protection. It’s a good idea to wear these whilst your shoes are fitted as they will make a difference to the fit.
At The Dancing Boutique we stock a wide range of toe pads and we are happy to talk your through the different options available.
4 – Be honest with your fitter!
Nobody has any idea what pointe work is meant to feel like before they start it. Be honest with your fitter – although they will talk your through all elements of the fitting, your feedback is essential to make sure that the right shoe is chosen for you.
5 – Looking after your shoes
There are many different preferences for looking after pointe shoes. Most dancers want to create a non-slip surface on the toe platform, and this is usually done either by darning the platform or using a stick-on suede tips. As with your soft satin shoes, pointe shoes are secured to the feet using ribbon and elastic.
If you’d like any information about how to look after your shoes, then speak to us in store – we’d be pleased to talk through the process and have a wide selection of accessories available.
Once you and your fitter have decided on a pair of shoes, they will advise you where to put your ribbons and elastic. You are then ready to go!
It’s always a good idea to show your ballet teacher your first pointe shoes before attaching any ribbons so she can confirm that she is happy that it is the shoe for you before letting you go on pointe.
It is our passion that we fit pointe shoes, not sell pointe shoes, and with this ethos we will not let you leave our store with a pair until both we, and you, feel they are right.
Our fitters are all fully trained and very experienced, but we still always suggest you check your shoes with your teacher before sewing on ribbons & wearing the shoes. It is important that shoes are kept in pristine condition during this time as any marking or damage means we will be unable to offer an exchange or refund. (Tip – remember to stay on carpet or a fitting mat when showing your teacher as studio floors can mark the shoes)
If your teacher has concerns about the shoes, please come back to us with them along with the feedback from the teacher and we will try a different pair based on her comments.
If you have any questions about pointe shoes, fitting, accessories or how to care for your shoes then give us a call om 01892 529720 or visit us in our Tunbridge Wells shop.
