the Dance Bag
everything a dancer needs
Home     About Us     Contact Us     Staff Bios     Events     FAQ      
FAQ
 
Q:  How do I make my pointe shoes last longer?
A:  All shoes should only be worn in the studio.  Wearing them in public or ‘on the street’ is the quickest way to wear them down. After class when they are damp they should be hung by the ribbons on the outside of your dance bag or put in a mesh bag to dry. Pull your toe pads out!  Shoes can be stored in a dance bag after they are completely dry.

A: Ballet shoes should fit like a glove. Knuckles should be flat with no extra room.
A: A tap shoe should not be so big that the heel slides up and down. Control of the shoe is necessary.
A: The better the shoe fits, the more control the dancer has and the cleaner the line.
A: Toenails should always be cut strait across. Do not go around corners. File sharp edges, if needed.
A: Proper shoe fit is imperative. Toe spacers can be used to releive pressure. Pads can be placed over area for pain relief.
A: Absolutely! Tights collect moisture and keep the foot in a clean environment. Tights also help prevent blisters.
A: There are so many to chose from! First, toe pads have to fit right. They need to cover the toes and the mtatarsals at the base of the big toe and little toe. This protects the bones where the foot is supported in the shoe. We don't recommend thick gel pads. the dancer needs to feel th floor and must be able to control the foot.
A: Gel pads are breeding grounds for bacteria. Gel pads should be washed in detergent and air-dried often.
A: There is a slit in the bottom of a convertible tight that allows the dancer to expose the foot, if needed. It can also be rolled and tucked to make a footless tight.
A: The recommended age for your first pointe shoes is 11 to 12 years old. The bones in the foot are the last to harden and if pointe shoes are worn before your bones are ready, they can damage the feet perminently. Years of training, hard work and proper development guarantee your success whenever you get them!