How to Break in Pointe Shoes
Some dancers like to break in their pointe shoes well before dancing on pointe, while others prefer to break in their shoes gradually through dancing. Here are some ways to effectively break in your footwear.
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Instructions
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1
Put the pointe shoe on and stand on pointe. Place your finger on the shank at the highest point of your arch.
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2
Slide the shoe off holding that spot. Gently flex the shank back and forth at that point. This allows you to stand properly in your pointe shoe with your foot supported at the heel.
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3
Steam the box of the pointe shoe to break it in. After 10 seconds of steaming, gently press on the toe box to soften it.
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4
Do several demi plies at the barre to further break in the pointe shoe. This helps shape the shank and allows you more freedom in your shoe.
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Practice rising to pointe. Remember to roll through demi pointe as you releve. This helps the shoe to bend where you need it to.
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Roll slightly past pointe on each foot. Start from parallel first position. Bend the right knee and press the right foot so that you are pressing the top of the toe box. Repeat on the left side.
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Let your shoes dry before placing them in a bag. This helps mold the shoe to the shape of your foot as it dries.
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Tips & Warnings
Don't bend your shoe in half or pound it into the floor. This just breaks your shoe and you get less wear out of them.
