Ballerina Shoes
Ballerina shoes are the type of footwear used primarily for ballet. Ballerina shoes also go by other names which include ballet shoes or ballet slippers (Wiki).
The types materials used for the construction of ballerina shoes can vary but they usually revolve around three basic types of fabrics/materials, satin, canvas or leather. This type of footwear has had a long and illustrious history dating back the mid 1900's when the first non heel version was worn by the famous French ballet dancer Marie Carmago. From that time onwards, all ballet shoes were standardized.
Traditionally, these shoes are very flexible which allows for the free movement of the foot. The soles are usually very thin but can vary depending on type. Those used by beginners are usually full leather soles as it is both flexible and strong. Advanced ballet dancer usually utilize canvas varieties as these are more up to the task and rigors of advance footwork.
The types of colors used were traditionally gender assigned with pink belonging to the fairer sex while men were given black or white shoes. These days however, nude slippers or tan colored shoes are the norm for both genders. There are two general types of ballerina shoes within ballet dancing.
For the most part, the majority of them are soft slippers worn by most dancers. Those that are skilled in the art almost always opt for pointe shoes for shows. These shoes are always used for pointwork, which is a technique that involves standing on the tips of ones toes. Women are perfect candidates for pointwork as men tend to have larger feet that can make it rather difficult and awkward. The pointe shoes are made to specification due to the variety found when it comes to our foot shape as well as toe length.
For that reason, manufacturers usually offer a few different types. But the basic feature that sets them apart from ballet slippers are the inclusion of a box at the front of the shoe as well as stiffened toes that provides support to the foot. This makes the front of pointe shoes square in design which makes like much easier for dancers.These two features are essential when doing pointwork. Overall, shoes designed for ballet need to be very form fitting to retain as much flexibility of the foot as possible.
If you are a beginner, you may want to go with those made from leather. They are very durable and offer enough flexibility. Expensive varieties are almost always made from canvas that is commonly used by advanced dancers. Despite its high price, they wear much faster than leather. Another choice is luxurious satin. Satin ballerina shoes are almost always reserved for performances as they wear out he fastest compared to leather and canvas. These shoes are firmly secured to the foot by using an elastic band, normally over the arch of the foot.
Ribbons are also used sometimes with the knot hidden in the ribbon itself. Today however, ballerina shoes have crossed genres and are now used for casual wear. Pretty Ballerina Shoes is one company that produces very stylish modern ballerina footwear for casual use. It is a British brand that specializes in all thing ballet shoes including ballerina pumps.
