Preparing pointe shoes for performance is an important and highly customised ritual. Nina Levy asks six dancers what they do to their shoes to ensure they are absolutely right for the stage.
Robyn Begg
Principal dancer
Victorian State Ballet
Born in Scotland, trained in Australia
On customising shoes
I sew elastic around my heels to ensure they cannot come off. I use dental floss instead of cotton as I find it stronger and less prone to tangling whilst sewing. I also occasionally darn the top with thick thread - this helps with balance on pointe and ensures you are pulling up in the legs instead of sinking into the shoe, thus saving the shoes a little longer. Lastly, I order quite a strong sole as my feet very easily break shoes.
On breaking in shoes for performance
I always wear my shoes for two or three classes and rehearsals prior to a performance so that they mould to my foot, the sole flattens out for a stable balance point and they are not as loud landing from jumps. I always put my pointe shoes on in warm up class just before the show to get a feel for some of the upcoming steps.
This is an extract from an article by Nina Levy the current (Feb/Mar issue) of Dance Australia. Buy your copy now from your favourite retail outlet, or subscribe here, or download our app to purchase a copy online. Also featured:
Florence Leroux-Coleno (WA Ballet)
Ako Kondo (Australian Ballet)
Laura Hidalgo (QB)
Brooke Lockett (Australian Ballet)
Carolina Pais (Melbourne City Ballet)