Pointe Shoes Kelly Marie's are extremely passionate about the correct fitting of Pointe Shoes in order to prevent injury and maximise performance. This is why, all of our staff have attended Grishko's Pointe Shoe fitting course who present the work of Esther Juon, the leading expert and author on pointe shoe fitting. We strongly recommend that you arrange a fitting with one of our qualified staff in order for us to fit the correct shoe for you to prevent any injury. It's not as easy as to just order your normal street shoe size as different styles from different suppliers can vastly vary and are available in up to 5 different widths. The only exception to purchasing Pointe Shoes on-line, is if you have already been fitted by a professional fitter and have stayed in the same size, style and width for the past couple of fittings and are simply re-ordering to replace a worn pair. As your feet strengthen on pointe, your feet can vary in shape and width over time. If you have any queries regarding any aspect of our Pointe Shoe fitting or would like to book an appointment, please do not hesitate to contact Kelly on 01480 477212. Are you ready to start Pointe work?
There are some important things to consider before starting pointe work and buying your first pair of Pointe Shoes. - How strong are you? When you dance on pointe you not only rely on the shoe for support, but you also need to be able to dance 'out' of the shoe which requires huge strength in your legs, hips and abdominal muscles.
- How many classes do you do each week? To do Pointe Work, you should take a minimum of 2-3 classes per week.
- Has your teacher given you permission to go on pointe?
- Have you started your periods, or had your second growth spurt? This is because the bones are much stronger after the 2nd growth spurt which occurs around the same time as menstruation.
If at all possible, no one should start Pointe work before the age of 12 years. If a young dancer starts Pointe work earlier, then it will be doubly important for us to see strength in the feet and leg muscles as well as a good basic placement.
Please allow between 1-2 hours to fit you first pair of Pointe Shoes. Although this may seem a long time to most dancers, we want you to dance as safely as possible on pointe. This helps to prevent any injuries that may occur from a badly fitted shoe.
We would also highly recommend the use of demi-pointe shoes for at least 3-6 months before your first pointe shoe fitting. They will not only make your feet stronger but it will also get them used to working in a confined space. The foot has its own natural 3 point support system when stood on the flat: when you go up on pointe, this is lost, so the shoe then has to become your support. “Always remember, your feet are needed for your whole life, not just for the years when you dance.”
When the shoe is a good fit, it should fit like a glove. The toes should be straight and in a normal position inside the shoe when flat and on pointe, the foot should never slip down the shoe, but feel held by the box.
If you would like to book a Pointe Shoe fitting or would like more information, then please contact Kelly on 01480 477212. Arrive for your fitting prepared - Please allow 1-2 hours for you first Pointe Shoe fitting.
- Please make sure your toenails are cut short and your feet are clean.
- If you have any blisters, we may be unable to fit you for shoes until they have healed. If you have verucas, then the feet should be washed and the veruca covered with a plaster.
- Please wear clean convertible ballet tights so that we may have full access to your bare feet.
- Wear a circular skirt with a leotard underneath so that we can see your legs and are able to assess your turnout.
- If this is not your first Pointe shoe fitting, then please bring your old Pointe shoes with any pads, wool etc. that you use with them so that a comparison can be made.
If there a number of students that need a Pointe Shoe fitting, please contact us as we may be able to travel to your school to do the fittings.
Happy Dancing! |
