Breaking In Pointe Shoes - How to Speed Up the Process

In many ways, Pointe shoes epitomize ballet and performance arts. It's that pink satin shoe with the ribbons that conjure up visions of popular ballet standards and performing arts meccas. Whether you've just went on pointe or you've been performing for years, breaking in new point shoes can be painful work. In order to have a pleasant, blister free dancing experience you're going to have to break them in, forming the shoe to your feet so it can support your feet while you dance. While nothing takes place of natural form fitting over time, there are a few ways you can speed up the process.

Barre Work

Wearing your shoes can be on the best ways to break them in. That said, some movements and steps are more useful than others. To really break in those shoes get to the barre and start doing some work. Plies and releves are extremely useful as are knee bends followed directly by points. While you're doing this you want to focus on the movement of your foot and try to roll from heel to toe as often as possible, this will help break in various parts of the shoe.


Apply Moisture

Since the center of your shoe is made to soften as it comes in contact with moisture some dancer believe that this can be used to help soften the shoe. Apply some water to parts of your shoe that may present the most problems like the pinky and big toe area. Do this before you dance so that it forms to your feet while you dance. You can also use rubbing alcohol instead of water to achieve the same effect. Professional dancers advise against dipping the entire shoe into water to speed up the process.


Shoe Massage

Sound silly? Believe it or not, giving your shoe a little TLC in the form of a massage can help speed of the process. Starting with the tips of the shoe, rub and press on the shoe to soften the plaster like substance. Focus your time on the shank of the shoe as well as the sides. While this is a great technique, practice caution. Since the shoe is not on your foot you will be able to manipulate it in several ways you normally would not be able to. This can lead inexperienced dancers to break the arch of the shoe by bending it completely or over massage the box leading to a lack of support.


Ask Around

Not every pointe shoe is made the same way, therefore, some methods may work better than others for your particular pair. By asking experienced dancers, your instructor, or even the person who sold you the shoes, you may learn a technique that will work particularly well for your shoe or foot. These individuals will also be able to give you tips on what methods do not work.

The longer you dance the more personalized your pointe shoe break in routine will become. For dancers that have graced the stage for years, breaking in pointe shoes becomes another skill necessary for the job. Pay attention to what does and does not work for you so you can come up with a break-in strategy that is curtailed to your personal needs.

My Links : Buy SHOES Now and Pay Later paylatershoes.blogspot.com