What Ballet Shoes Are Made Of Influences The Dancer’s Technique
Pointe shoes are the most common shoes in ballet that allow dancers to balance on toes. However, many years of practice can pass before the adequate strength and dexterity for pointe work is gained. Until then aspiring dancers must practice in their soft ballet shoes that may be made from soft leather, canvas or satin and have flexible, thin soles.
As with any type of dancewear, finding proper ballet shoes needs much consideration. When choosing, a dancer should consider comfort, size, material and sole type. As far as material is concerned, ballet teachers and ballet professionals often give preference to leather ballet shoes as they require the feet to work harder to stretch. This extra effort develops strength in the muscles of a dancer. For the same reason a full leather sole is preferred as opposed to a split-sole shoe. However, canvas shoes may be a better choice because they are durable. Leather ballet shoes might stretch with wear and lose their shape whereas canvas does not change shape much. Moreover, if worn by men, a man’s extra weight can cause leather ballet shoes to stick to the floor unlike canvas shoes that do not have this particular problem.
Canvas shoes are also easier to clean as they can be washed in the washing machine, nonetheless, they might tear easily and have holes quicker than leather shoes. The most aesthetically attractive ballet shoes are satin ballet shoes. But generally, it is recommended to avoid satin shoes except for special occasions as they withstand the daily rigour of ballet classes poorly not to mention that they are very hard to stretch and mould to the shape of the foot.
Comfort and size are other factors that should be taken into account when choosing ballet shoes. A dancer should make sure that he or she can move the toes freely in shoes and that the material does not hang loosely and rub against the skin.
On the other hand, too tight shoes do not allow the dancer to balance and put unnecessary strain on the feet.
It should be mentioned that when choosing leather ballet shoes they should be a little tighter to allow for stretching while canvas shoes should fit like a sock. As ballet shoes are designed to enhance the dancer’s technique and at the same time to protect the feet and ankles there should be enough room in the shoe for moving the toes. The toes should not be crammed into the shoe but feel relaxed with plenty of space to move around. That is why it is important that ballet shoes are neither too big nor too small.
The last option that should be considered when choosing ballet shoes is full sole or split sole. Split soles make it easier to point feet and make the shoe form well to the foot. The full sole shoes lack flexibility, however, they provide more support for the feet, are less costly and are the best choice for beginners.
In the end, when buying ballet shoes a dancer should visit a trusted store or ask advice of a ballet teacher. The teacher can help determine the proper fit. A dancer may also try different materials or different soles to see which type of shoes feels and works best for his or her feet, be it leather ballet shoes or canvas or satin shoes.
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