Fitting Pointe Shoes

En Pointe
Dancing en pointe is a very elegant yet athletic talent and requires grace and strength. To compliment the form of this dance discipline, the pointe shoe is regarded as an extension of the foot and a continuation of the leg line.

However, regardless of a dancer's technical ability, a pointe shoe must fit properly in order to provide the support required to dance en pointe. To get a correct fit, each dancer must know the parts of the pointe shoe.

Parts of the Pointe Shoe
LAST: The last is the mold on which a pointe shoe is constructed. The shape of a last is designed to represent the dancer's foot. A different last is used for each size and width in every style.

BOX: The box covers the toes and provides the support a dancer needs to stand en pointe. It is lined with a combination of natural materials and Capezio's specially formulated glue. The side wings are an extension of the box and provide lateral support.

VAMP: The vamp refers to the length of the shoe upper measuring from the platform to and including the binding at the center front of the shoe. A longer vamp can help draw the foot closer to the shank when en pointe.

THROAT: It is the open area located from one side seam to the other through the center front of the shoe. The throat is the shape of the upper, which presents and flatters the arch.

DRAWSTRING / BINDING: The binding is the finished edge of the upper. The drawstring, which is encased in the binding, further secures the upper to the foot.

PLATFORM: The platform is the outer, flat tip of the box, which allows the dancer to stand en pointe.

CROWN: The crown is the vertical height between the vamp and the sole.

PLEATS: The pleats are located on the underside of the box where the fabric is folded into the sole.

STAY: The stay is the fabric that covers the seam in the back of the shoe at the dancer's heel.

SIDE QUARTERS: The side quarters are the sections of satin from the side seams to the back of the stay.

SOLE: The outer sole is made of either buffed or scored leather to provide traction. The sole is internally stitched into the upper.

SHANK: The shank is made of either leatherboard or redboard and is the backbone of the pointe shoe. It is located under the socklining and provides support to the arch. Capezio shanks range in strength to accommodate the strength and technical ability of each dancer.

Seven Steps to a Good Fit
In fitting pointe shoes, always consider the dancer's preference as well as the preference of her teacher. It is common to have two different sized feet so be sure to treat each foot separately and remember to perform each step on each foot.

Study the dancer's feet in a flat, standing position and note the general shape, width and length of each foot.
Select a pointe shoe that best mimics the shape of the dancer's foot. Be sure to follow the fitting description for each different shoe style.
Once selected, place the box of the pointe shoe between the palms of your hands. Gently apply pressure to soften the box. Do this for each shoe.
Slip the shoe onto the foot. Using a criss-cross motion, lightly pull the drawstring and tie a loose knot. Note the overall fit of the shoe. The pointe shoe must fit like a second skin. It should not apply excessive pressure or allow for growing room.
Make sure the dancer can feel the end of the box. If the dancer cannot feel the end of the box, select a smaller shoe until their toes touch the platform. Next, ask the dancer to plié while standing flat and watch the toes. The toes must never be in a curled position. To verify the correct length, you should notice a slight pinch of fabric at the top of the binding at the achilles while the foot is in the pointed position. This pinch of fabric should disappear when the dancer is in first position.
Check the width of the shoe. The dancer should be able to feel all five toes flat in the shoe with slight pressure on the side of the foot. Try on different widths of the shoe until this is accomplished. To verify the correct width, ask the dancer to apply weight to the platform while keeping one foot flat on the floor. If the foot slides downward into the box while in this position, the shoe is too wide.
A proper fitting pointe shoe does not allow for growing room. Depending on the dancer's age, it may be necessary to have the fit of their pointe shoes checked at six-month intervals. An exact fit is required to properly support the bones of the foot while en pointe. We advise that the teacher approve the shoe.
An adequate fitting will be accomplished by following these steps. Therefore, it is not necessary for the dancer to stand on full pointe during a fitting. If a dancer insists on standing on full pointe, the shoe may slip off the heel because there are no ribbons to keep the shoe in place during the transition from flat foot to full pointe. If this happens, it does not affect the proper fit of a pointe shoe.
Source: capeziodance.com

Capezio Dance Wear

Capezio has been in the dance wear business since the 1930's. They pride themselves on being dedicated to the performer in dance, theater and recreation. This is why they have some of the most exceptional dance wear on the market today.

From footwear to bodywear to legwear, you will find many products that are both fashionable as well as practical.

You can view Capezio's many dance wear catalogs by clicking here.

Girl's Dance Wear - What to wear to ballet class

CREATIVE MOVEMENT & PRE-BALLET: Pink leotard, pink tights, and pink ballet slippers for girls. White T-shirt, black knit shorts, white socks, and black slippers for boys.

JAZZ CLASSES: Any solid color leotard with pink or black tights and jazz oxfords or ballet slippers for girls. Boys follow graded ballet class requirements; jazz oxfords or ballet slippers acceptable.

TAP CLASSES: For girls, any solid color leotard with pink or black tights. White T-shirt with black knit shorts or leggings for boys. NO jeans or similar pants; they do not permit adequate leg movement.

ACROBATIC CLASSES: For girls, any solid color leotard. Barefoot is always acceptable; footless tights can be used in colder weather. For boys, white T-shirt and knit shorts; leggings or knit sweat pants in colder weather. Jeans do not permit adequate movement for acrobatics. Barefoot or acrobatic shoes.

FOR ALL CLASSES: Girls must have their hair pulled into a bun. If not long enough, hair must be in a ponytail or pulled back and away from the face. Bangs and loose strands must be kept off the face with clips or pins. No jewelry; this is especially important in acrobatic classes where you will be upside down during a large portion of the class.

DO NOT BUY BALLET SLIPPERS AT WAL-MART, TARGET, PAYLESS, OR SIMILAR STORE!!!
Ballet slippers are to fit around the entire foot like a glove. Shoes from the above listed stores will not shape to the foot; nor will the too-thick soles allow students to fully stretch and point their feet. They often slip off at the heels and cause other frustrations, both for the student and for the teacher. You will save only a few dollars and have an inferior shoe.

PLEASE DO NOT BUY TAP SHOES AT WAL-MART, TARGET, PAYLESS, OR SIMILAR STORE!!!
Good quality shoes and taps produce far better sounds, and it has been my experience that the rivets/nails of low-end tap shoes sometimes work their way out, scratching and gouging a wood dance floor. Because the Academy has invested a large amount of money in our sprung wood floor, we cannot allow this type of tap on the floor. Please ask one of our teachers to give you a list of helpful ideas to increase the life of your tap shoe investment. Reference: Ballet-Academy.com

Create Your Own Tutu!
DMOZ: Directory - Ballet Clothing

What is Liturgical Dance?

Liturgical Dance is "a contemporary style of dance that combines ballet and jazz techniques with personal emotion." Liturgical Dance is also known as Praise Dance.

Liturgical dance is a visual way to express hymns, prayers, songs and Scripture.
Liturgical dance is done within the context of worship. It leads to more fully worship and praise God.
Liturgical dance is an art form which can provide clarity, enhancement, teaching, and healing to the soul.
Dance is referred to at least twenty times in the Bible. -Soaring Spirit Dance Studio

Psalm 149:3 - "Let them praise his name in the dance: let them sing praises unto him with the timbrel and harp."

Liturgical Dance wear is beautiful. It's usually very flowing and and allows freedom of movement. Liturgical Dance wear is modest. Liturgical dancers wear dance blouses, leotards, skirts, shawls, and dresses.


Buy Liturgical Dance Wear
http://www.praise-dancewear.com
http://www.joyshoppe.com/


Liturgical Dance Links
http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1083/is_n12_v70/ai_18905903
http://www.ysursa.com/dantza/Onati/Liturgical%20dance.htm
http://www.bonasdancesite.homestead.com/costumes.html


Reads
Adams, Doug, and Diane Apostolos-Cappadona, eds. Dance as Religious Studies. Eugene, Ore., 2001
Sherman , Deena Bess. Liturgical Dance: A Practical Guide to Dancing in Worship. May, 2004
Johnson, Carolyn E. The Ministry of Dance : Operating in the Spirit of Excellence, the Next Level. Feb.2001

Leo's Dance Wear

Leo's Dance Wear has been in business for over 80 years. 80 years!! In my opinion, if you've been in business for over 80 years you must be doing something right!

I've personally worn Leo's Dance wear and I can attest that it is made from the highest quality materials. When you order from one of the Leo's catalogs, and receive your dance wear, you find that it's even more stunning in person.

When you ask most dancer's which dance wear they like best, one thing you will hear in common in Leo's Dance Wear.

Leo's has a new line of performance dance wear that is awesome! Such as the Metallic Foil "Dancer" Top.

You can check out Leo's Dance Wear Catalog's Online or if you are dance studio owner, dance instructor or dance team coach you can receive a print catalog by writing to:

Leo’s Dancewear

Inc.1900 North Narragansett Ave.

Chicago, IL 60639

Discount Dance Wear you won't be able to pass up...

Discount Dance Wear

Everyone loves a deal, so I've searched the internet and found the best dance wear at the cheapest prices. DiscountDance is an awesome website where you can purchase modern dance clothing at discount prices. They sell leotards, dance shoes, skirts, tops & bottoms, tights, unitards, warm ups, dance costumes...and much, much more.

Best of all, they sell major dance wear brands at discount prices. You'll find discount Capezio dance wear, Leo's Dance Wear, Bloch dance wear and Danskin Dance wear. Get the brands you love at prices you can't pass up!

You can search Discount Dance's 120+ page catalog online or you can send in for a free discount dance wear catalog to be mailed to your house. Receive your free catalog: Discount Dance Wear.

Dancer Gifts at Discount Prices
Are you looking for a gift for your favorite dancer? I found dancer gifts such as the adorable bracelet shown above.

What about this cute license plate: "I'd rather be dancing." Who wouldn't?!

Ballet Dance Wear

What should you wear to ballet class?

Girls
Ballet dance wear for a girl is tights and a leotard. A tutu is not necessary. Hair should be pulled straight back into a pony tail or bun. Ballet shoes are required, usually pink is worn. Optional ballet dance wear are leg warmers or plastic pants used to keep your leg muscles warm.


Boys
Ballet dance wear for a boy is normally a t-shirt or dance shirt with leotards or tights. Boys may also wear a unitard or biketard. While boys can wear tights or leotards made for girls, tights made for boys are stronger and thicker, and therefore it's better to look for tights made especially for young boys. Your t-shirt or dance shirt should be tucked into your tights. If wearing a leotard its worn under your tights. This is so the teacher can see your body and make sure it is in the right formation.
Traditional ballet dance wear is a white top and black bottom. Boys also wear a dance belt. A dance belt is a male dancers version of an athletic supporter and is worn in the place of underwear. A boy would start to wear a dance belt around the same time he would wear an athletic supporter. In place of a dance belt, boys may also wear dance briefs. Regular underwear is not recommended as they do not provide needed support and cause lines in your clothing. Ballet is about seeing clean straight lines.

Dance Shoes

A good fitting and comfortable dance shoe is a dancers best friend. It provides support but still allows you to feel the floor and lets you flex, point and move freely.

Here are some tips for a well fitting ballet dance shoe:
1. Make sure you are wearing tights you normally wear while trying on shoes.
2. Place the shoe over the toes and gently slide it over the heel.
3. Stand flat in the shoe. If your toes curl, go up one size.
4. Point your foot. Your heel should stay on the foot and there should not be any gaping in the width of the shoe.
5. Experiment with another size/width to be sure the shoe fits properly.

A very good place to purchase ballet dance shoes and other dancer wear:
Bloch

Dance Wear for Competition

The average dancer can perform in 3-12+
competitions/performances a year. Performing at this many competitions means, in
many cases, new dance wear for each routine.

Dance wear that is purchased through a catalog or off the internet can be
expensive and custom made dance wear costs even more!

The best catalog or online stores for ordering dance wear:
Discount Dance
DanceWear Solutions
Request a Free Catalog Here
Capezio
Request a Free Catalog Here

The best custom dance wear can be ordered through:
DanzGear
Pumpers Dancewear
Leapin' Leo's