Sunday 5 July 2009

How to Buy Ballet Shoes

By Sarah Wilkiamson

Now that you have decided to enroll in ballet classes, you need to prepare a checklist for the things you need. Even if you are not a pro in this, you need to know that ballet shoes are very important when it comes to ballet. It is impossible for you to dance if you do not have the right ballet shoes!

Ballet shoes are shoes specially made for ballet and are a requirement when dancing ballet since they protect and support your feet when dancing. The toes are mainly used in ballet that is why ballet shoes are made with toe pads that will prevent your toes from being injured especially while you are performing.

There are different types of ballet shoes for different purposes. You need to choose between two materials which are used to manufacture ballet shoes.

1. Soft ballet shoes are often recommended for beginners. These are easy to slip on the feet and are soft enough for the dancers to adjust to. When you have adjusted in ballet, you should then change to point shoes. This will know help the dancer to balance as the toes are supported. You can now do tiptoes perfectly and protects you from aching toes and feet after dancing.

2. Suede/leather full-soled shoes are also good for beginners as they support the feet while still maintaining flexibility. These shoes help to strengthen the dancer's feet, which in turn means they can perform more advanced steps. For more advanced dancers there are split-soled shoes which result in a more defined movement as the toe and heels are covered but allow greater flexibility and bending of the foot.

Tips for Ballet Shoe Buying

Pay attention to the material your new ballet shoes are made of. Leather may feel a little tight and uncomfortable at first, but as you use them the leather will stretch and little creating a "custom fit" for your feet. Leather ballet shoes will also last you longer than some of the other types of ballet shoes. A cheaper alternative to leather shoes are canvas ballet shoes. These have more pleats and provide greater support for your feet, but they don't stretch and mould into your foot shape as leather shoes do. If you have a wide foot however, canvas may be a better choice.

When you have chosen your ballet shoes, the next thing that you should do is to wear them. You need to make sure that both shoes fit perfectly. Your foot should fit in the shoe exactly as if the ballet shoe was made for your foot. Never buy shoes which are too small for your feet because it can only cause strain on your toes and feet. They should be relaxed with room for movement. When fitting ballet shoes, you are required to balance on the balls of your feet.

Shopping for your ballet shoes is something that needs to be done when you're not in a hurry. Remember, the most important thing about buying ballet shoes is that they fit perfectly!

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