Question... "Should dancers always alternate pointe shoes from foot to foot?"

"Should dancers always alternate pointe shoes from foot to foot?" (Jane)


Hi Jane!

This is always a common question and one that different people will insist on their point of view.

If you alternate shoes it means that you keep the box nice and lean looking, with no discernable foot shaped bumps or wear patterens. It does however pose an issue with the ribbon length as one will always heve extra ribbon to disguise. The shoes will usually last a little longer, and girls will be less likely to sickle as the shoe is worked evenly.

There are other pople that insist that you must always wear the shoe on the same foot so that it moulds to your foot. You may have more feel and control of the shoe this way, and may be less prone to blisters as the shoe will give in certain areas of stress. The ribbons can also be cut to the appropriate length.

Personally, I like alternating the shoes, both for aesthertic reasons and to vary the distribution of pressure on the foot. That said, there are many exceptional professional dancers who would not dream of this.

Try either way, and see which you prefer!

Hope this helps,

Regards,

Lisa Howell