Parts of a Ballet Slipper

Ballet slippers come in various shapes, sizes, materials and colors. When choosing the right slipper, there is no right or wrong answer: The dancer should choose the best shoe for herself based on comfort, desired longevity and type and intensity level of dance. Ballet slippers are fairly simple in construction, with a few major elements. The design of a ballet slipper centers largely around making the shoe as custom to the wearer as possible.

Shape

The materials used in constructing a ballet slipper are typically leather, canvas or satin, each having their advantages and disadvantages. The material envelopes the foot, completely covering the bottom and sides but with a gap over the top of the foot, leaving room for flexibility and added ease to put on or take off the shoe.

Materials

Leather and canvas materials are the most common types of material used for ballet slippers. Satin shoes are more often used for performance or for younger dancers, as they are easily dyed to match a costume. The leather shoes are the most durable, flexible, and likewise typically the most expensive. The advantage to canvas ballet slippers is that the canvas material is very breathable, reducing perspiration.

Custom Fit

A key element to ballet slippers is having the shoe mold to your foot. All of these materials have a give to them and will stretch slightly to fit the unique shape of your foot. Breaking in the shoe, and thus the material, is necessary regardless of which material is selected.

Elastic Band

Another important aspect in establishing an exact fit unique to you is the elastic band that crosses the top gap in the shoe over the top of the foot. This band of elastic material binds the shoe to your foot, establishing a secure, tight fit. Often, the manufacturer will provide the strip of material, but will refrain from attaching it to the shoe in order to allow for a more individual fit. Usually the dancer will sew the strip in place where it is most comfortable and effective for them. The shoe can have a singular band, crossing horizontally over the foot, or a double band, criss-crossing horizontally over the foot, depending on the preference of the dancer.

Sole

The sole, which is often suede, gives the dancer the friction with the floor necessary to maintain balance and control their movements. Ballet slippers come in single or split soles, depending on the preference of the dancer. A single sole has a more secure, firm feel to it, and would be preferable for a younger, more amateur dancer. The split sole allows for greater flexibility and control, and would be more apt to an experienced dancer.

Tie

For even more increased individual fit, many ballet slippers also have a thin elastic tie at the toe of the shoe. The string is enclosed around the top of the side seam of the shoe, encircling the foot. The ends of which are exposed at the top of the front, inside seam. The dancer can adjust the tightness of the sides of the slippers by pulling the exposed strings as tight as they desire, then tying them into a bow or knotting them.

References

• eHow
• Dance 4 Less