The Making of Pointe Shoes

     Each and every pointe shoe is hand crafted by the various cobblers. The video above shows the process it takes to make the many shoes needed by a ballerina en pointe. When buying a shoe there is usually the first initial of the maker, for example there might be a "maker B.". There are many ways to break in a point shoe so that it is fit to dance in. These include sewing, gluing, bending, cutting...etc. For company performances, shoes can be custom made for the lead dancers. 

Female Ballet Apparel

     There are many different options for ballet apparel and these vary depending on the school or studio. However the general idea of the clothing stays the same. All female ballet dancers attending class must wear a leotard which is a skin tight one-piece garment that covers the torso leaving the arms and legs free. The colors of these are usually blue, black, pink, or white. Tights are most commonly pink because it gives a more natural look and does not hide the leg muscles as much as black. In some studios, dancers are permitted to wear black tights, however the most popular color is a light pink. In some locations, dancers can wear small transparent skirts over their leotard during class. Ballet shoes or slippers are usually pink or white and made of leather or canvas. Other items can be worn, such as leg warmers during winter to keep the joints warm and ready to move.