Ballet shoes

Quality ballet shoes are essential for anyone that wants to learn this demanding form of dance. The movements of ballet require shoes that are flexible and lightweight. They are specialized shoes that can be purchased through most dance equipment outlets.

Modern ballet shoes are actually much younger than the dance form itself. Previous to the 19th century, they were quite different, often incorporating heels. The invention of the demi-point shoe in the 1800’s forever changed the movements and choreography of ballet.

There are many different types of ballet shoes available to today’s dancers, but almost all of them have two basic design features in common. The front area, referred too as “the box”, utilizes a hard enclosure to help support the dancer’s toes. The “shank” is a stiff piece that runs the length of the shoe to help support the arch of the foot.