PROPER FIT

GAPPING?

Since the bones of a foot are not
totally hardened and joined until
the age of 20-23, incorrect sizing
can damage a dancer's foot.
The shoes must fit snugly.

Before allowing the dancer
to try on the shoe, take the box
and flatten it in the palm
of your hand. This is necessary
to guarantee there is no gapping
at the "V" of the vamp.

WHICH STYLE?

The style of shoe a dancer
needs is determined by the shape
of her foot (particularly the length
of her toes), her strength, and
the manner in which her teacher
instructs her to go on pointe.
If the student has been taught
to "roll through" demi-pointe,
then she should be fitted with either the 2007,ULANOVA I, ULANOVA II,
ELITE or MAYA.

However, if the dancer is
more advanced or has been
instructed to use Russian
technique of going on to pointe,
she should be fitted with either the
VAGANOVA or FOUETTE, as these
models enhance the dancer's
ability to spring onto pointe.

SPECIAL ORDERS

Some dancers feel they want to fine tune their fit.  Virtually any request can be accommodated from different colored satin to harder shanks & boxes to lower cut satin & different vamp heights.  An extra fee applies and there are no returns.

BIGGER IS WORSE

Although a perfect fit is optimal,
it is safer to have shoes that are
tighter than looser. It is impossible
to achieve proper support and balance
with a shoe that is too large.

A shoe that is too big will give
inadequate support to the arch and
it could possibly collapse, causing
the dancer to go over on pointe.
The platform can also collapse in
a large shoe when a dancer has
softened the edge of the platform
by continuously sliding on it.

The dancer should not sink into
the box of the pointe shoe, but rather
be able to just lightly feel the floor.
Remember, shoes stretch out as they
are worn and may cause the foot to
sink into the shoe which can cause
the big toe to twist. Shoes which are
too big can cause bunions, corns,
blisters, and bruised nails.
 

TOO TIGHT?

A shoe which is too tight will
squeeze the toes and joints
and will not allow the foot to work
properly. The shoe should hold
the toes snugly, but not bunch them
together. They should be able to
spread slightly sideways, and
the tips of the toes should just
touch the end of the shoes when
the weight is evenly distributed.

The right and left edges of the foot
should be slightly tight against
the edge of the shoe. The toes must
not be bent, pressed against
the tip, or feel sore inside.

Have the dancer demi-plie
in the shoe to see if her arch has
room for expansion. An arch that
does not have room to expand can
gradually lose its elasticity.

FOR THE BEGINNER

Any roll-through model in a soft shank is
recommended for dancers just beginning pointe.

LONG TOES

Long toes require a higher vamp.
If a vamp is too short, it will cause
the foot to break over the toe,
which is unattractive.

If the vamp is too long, it will
throw the dancer back and
prevent full pointe positioning.

SHANK STRENGTH

A soft shank is usually
best for a beginner.

A hard shank is often appropriate
for feet with over-extended arches
or for particularly strong feet. Not usually
recommended for beginners.