You are here:
- Home
- Music/Performing Arts
- Dance
- Ballet
- pointe shoes - suggestions to stretch the shoe?
Ballet/pointe shoes - suggestions to stretch the shoe?
Advertisement
Question
My daughter recently purchased her first pointe shoes. Her dance teacher checked the fit before we committed to the purchase, and said they should be good. But the left shoe consistently hurts. She says it's too short for her foot, and cuts in at her heal. Do you have any suggestions for stretching the fabric? I'm an experienced seamstress and looked at opening up the back seam to release it a bit, but decided against it because I do not have the necessary equipment to close it back up.
Hi Gwen. I have known dancers to open the back heel seam of the pointe shoe about one quarter inch, and sew across a piece of elastic. This way you have a little give, but it needs to be fairly tight. The fabric will not stretch.
Hope this helps! All the best, Dianne
- Ask a Question
| Rating(1-10) | Knowledgeability = 10 | Clarity of Response = 10 | Politeness = 10 |
| Comment | Dear Dianne, Thank you for such a quick response. I took the plunge, opened the back of the shoe, and inserted elastic. I am in the process of putting the back of the shoe back together, and I think it is going to be okay. (I'm also embarrassed that I misspelled 'heel' in my original question. Yikes!) So, I believe my daughter's foot will be much more comfortable and the shoe should hold up well enough even with this tampering. It was interesting to see the inside structure of the heel. I really appreciate your help! | ||
Related Articles
Dianne M. Buxton
Expertise
I can answer questions about ballet positions, ballet movements and ballet technique, pointe shoes and pre pointe exercise, mens training, ballet diet, general health issues related to dance, artistry, performance, modern dance, rehabilitation from injuries, and teaching ballet. I have taught ballet, choreographed, produced and directed dance companies. For any answers related to health questions I will offer my experience, and give references to information, but I also automatically include "see a professional".
Experience
dancer, ballet and modern, choreographer, dance teacher, artistic director, ballet mistress, producer
Organizations
I.S.T.D. Actra, Actors Equity
Publications
http://ezinearticles.com
http://ballettoeshoes.blogspot.com
http://streetarticles.com
http://balletconnections.com
Education/Credentials
Graduate of the National Ballet School of Canada where I studied Cecchetti, Bournonville, Vaganova and Graham technique. Taught at the National Ballet School of Canada, York University, George Brown College and Harvard University.
©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.