It's well known that it takes practice to
become a good ballerina. What many people don't tell you is that having the right kind of shoes is also essential. The right ballet dance shoes will give you comfort while helping you in learning your craft easily.
A range of different ballet shoes can be found on the market today and choosing the best ones isn't really something straightforward. There are some things you must consider in order to get the most out of your dance shoes as well as to avoid disappointment or injury. Keep reading to find out what you need to consider when choosing the right footwear for your dancing needs.
Sizing
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Sizing is a factor you need to consider when buying any footwear, especially with ballet. Your dance shoes should fit like a glove to your feet. Even if the shoes are just a little loose, they can compromise your performance and prevent you from doing even the most basic movements. So, it is crucial that your ballet shoes are the right size for your feet. You should know that some brand sizes differ slightly from others. For example, a size 7 from one brand may be slightly different than a size 7 from another brand. Try the shoes or check the size guiding from the online retailer to make sure you get the right fit.
Material
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When looking to
buy ballet dance shoes, the most popular materials you'll find are canvas, leather and satin. Canvas ballet shoes are known for being easier to clean as you can simply put them in a washing machine along with other shoes to freshen them up and then place them on a dryer for some time to dry out. Leather ballet shoes require a more tiresome cleaning process including wiping with leather cleaning products. You also need to consider the finish of the floor you'll be dancing to in order to choose the right shoe material. For example, if the floor on your dance studio is made of vinyl, you may want to choose canvas ballet shoes. Leather ballet shoes, on the other hand, works best on most wooden floors. It also provides improved foot's strength for inexperienced dancers. However, if you're are going to perform in front of an audient, you'll probably want to choose a pair of ballet satin shoes. Satin ballet shoes are often the popular choice for dancers' performance exams and competitions as they are more aesthetically pleasing and flatters the line of the foot.
Sole
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There are two types of soles: full sole and split sole. For dancers who need to dance on his/her toes, full sole ballet shoes are the best option. Although these shoes function similar to pointe shoes, they aren't recommended for dancers that haven't yet developed enough strength on their calf muscles, like kids.
The split sole design isn't new but in the world of ballet, it's somewhat new. It became popular in the last two decades. The biggest difference of split sole ballet shoes is that they typically don't have leather or any kind of sole in the midfoot area of the shoe. This allows dancers to point their feet more easily, and even make the moves more exaggerated.
When it comes to which type of sole you should choose, adult and advanced dancers often choose split sole designs. Young kids, however, must stick to full sole shoes in order to develop the increasing strength and technique required for the succeeding years. As a general rule, children should stick to split sole ballet shoes until they reach at least 11 years old. At this age, the plates in the foot are fused together, which means a full sole ballet shoe can be used if required.
Other Types of Ballet Shoes Available
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It's also important to become familiar with the other basic types of ballet shoes available. They include soft, slippers and pointe. Soft ballet shoes are generally recommended for beginners. They are slip-on design, are soft and typically don't have straps. Slippers exactly as they sound - soft slippers with one strap over the upper foot area. Some models can have a wrap-around that extends up to the ankle.
Pointe is the more popular type of ballet shoe - it allows dancers to dance on the tip of their feet. This type of ballet shoe is generally used by older and more experienced dancers and is specifically made to support the toes and feet. Know that there are ballet pointe shoes available for beginners also, which you may want to take a look at.
Durability
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Durability is another important consideration when buying ballet shoes. Ballet dancers that practice regularly may want to invest in a durable leather pair of ballet shoes instead of a canvas pair. This will ensure that the ballet shoes last a long time.
When shopping for ballet shoes, make sure you compare the price and overall quality of the shoes to make sure you get the best value for your money. Paying more for a pair of ballet shoes doesn't necessary means you'll be getting the best. However, getting the cheapest shoes available can mean getting a low-quality shoe that won't last. For the best results try to find a good middle and stick to the well-known brands.
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