Could I buy Pointe ballet shoes for prom even if I don't do ballet?
Basically all the cautions about starting pointe now has been said by the other two before me, but, yes, remember not to buy or use pointe shoes before you get the OK from your ballet teacher! Don't buy them first. Your feet will probably change by the time you get to pointe.
If you've done ballet before for a significant period of time and then stopped for less than a year it may take you only a short while to get en pointe, but if you've completely stopped it may take you two years or more. And with that said... moving on to the question! There is no real 'best' pointe shoe.
It always will vary from person to person. For example: foot shape (whether it's tapered or square or somewhat tapered), foot profile (how 'thick' your foot is), toe length, foot strength, arch height etc. etc. If a person has a stronger foot they will need a harder shank. A harder shank will also last longer; however if your foot doesn't have the strength or flexibility to 'get on the box' (i.e.
Ankle in line with box) this can prevent you from correctly executing pointework and may even lead to injuries. A vamp length (the bit of the shoe covering your toes) that's too long for you can, again, prevent you from getting on or over the box; a vamp that's too short will cause problems too. You will also need the correct width.
A shoe that's too narrow will cause bunions, will not enable you to feel the floor and thus makes it easier for you to injure yourself. A shoe that's too wide can cause you to 'sit in the box', killing your toes in the process, not to mention impinging on technique. ... and there is a whole lot more to pointe shoe fitting, such as the box shape and many other factors dependent on your personal preference (eg.
Pre-arching, special types of shanks). Ordering pointe shoes online is a bad idea unless you are someone who has gone to in person fittings multiple times, are buying the same shoes which you got fitted for and know EXACTLY which options you need. Otherwise please don't do it.
You may die. So as you can see, pointe shoe fitting is unlike your ordinary street shoe fitting - it's like comparing apples to oranges! This is why you'll absolutely NEED a professional fitting for at least your first few pairs of pointe shoes; and most, if not all, professional fitters will not proceed to give students a fitting unless they know that they have been approved by a teacher.
Dancing en pointe safely requires adequate training. Everything in ballet must always be learnt on flat first before doing on pointe, if you think about it! It may be tempting, but the dangers of self-taught pointe may cost you a ligament, a tendon, or an entire ankle, or even your ability to dance.
In other words, why not spend the hundred dollars you'll otherwise be wasting on pointe shoes, on extra ballet training! It will be well worth it. Good luck in all your ballet endeavours!
Dancer12: No, it does NOT take an average of 6 years! Three 90-minute lessons per week for two years minimum is what many schools require for pointe work. Others opt for three 60 minute lessons for three years.
If you are a beginner you should not buy pointe shoes because you are nowhere near ready for pointe. End of story. No store would agree to fit you, buying online would be stupid.
Do you want to break your ankle?
I cant really gove you an answer,but what I can give you is a way to a solution, that is you have to find the anglde that you relate to or peaks your interest. A good paper is one that people get drawn into because it reaches them ln some way.As for me WW11 to me, I think of the holocaust and the effect it had on the survivors, their families and those who stood by and did nothing until it was too late.