WHAT’S WRONG WITH POINTE SHOES? Ballet Dancer’s Untold Truth…

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  • Опубликовано: 4 июл 2024
  • How to prepare pointe shoes for a performance? What are the hacks for this? Today I will share my best methods to prepare your pointe shoes for performance, which will help you get them in good condition and perform great! Preparing pointe shoes is often difficult for beginner ballerinas, but now you won't have any problems with it! Why haven't we talked about these life hacks before? Watch this video from start to finish to learn how to prepare your pointe shoes for your performance!
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    These videos would not have been possible without the great company Nike, whose clothes and sneakers I do all my workouts in.
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Комментарии • 993

  • @peanutminicockapoo5759
    @peanutminicockapoo5759 Год назад +1231

    With all of the same modifications I've seen ballet dancers doing to their shoes, why haven't the shoes been redesigned so fewer changes need to be made? Surely with the new materials available and production technology the way it is now, can't they be (vastly) improved for comfort and stability while keeping the same appearance?

    • @sebumpostmortem
      @sebumpostmortem Год назад +351

      Precisely because all what she showed in the video. The level of customization of every ballerina is impossible to replicate. Comfort and stability is provided by the shape and the strengthness of the shoe. That' s why there are gazillion different models in the market that may look the same (if you want to see how to chose the right one, Josephine is a gorrrrgeus pro shoe fitter. Her channel is _The Pointe Shop_ ) But all the rest is millimetrically adapted to our personal taste and anatomy. Bear in mind that feet are uneven so the modifications can change drastically from right to left. On the other side, there are ballerinas who love to switch R-L and L-R. It' s a complex universe. And not and static one. It' s constantly changing as we change.

    • @axuanmii
      @axuanmii Год назад +149

      ballet dancers have different feet regardless; what modifications they make are tailored to their needs.
      beginners are typically advised not to cut the shank or modify the shoes too much besides bending it with their hands or feet because most of the time they really do need all the support that the shoes may give, and it can help to strengthen their feet by rolling through the hard shoes while the shoes mold to their feet. the shoes will get scuffed as time passes, the satin will rip, but it's not super important since it's for practice.
      as dancers get stronger and move onto professional companies, the same shoes are still available, but dancers are now used to feeling at their best with half-broken in shoes, shoes that give just the right amount of support but are satisfyingly flexible that allows the dancer to spring up on pointe with their own strength. so, depending on what they're used to, they may alter new shoes to that half-broken in state while preserving appearance for performances (and at company level that becomes affordable).
      even if common changes were applied to pointe shoes overall, it would hurt different levels of ballet dancers because all their needs are different. and some professionals barely do anything to their shoes, while some beginner-intermediate dancers may already be strong enough that they have to start modifying the shoes to allow for more strength from the dancer's side.
      there's also tradition and conservation to take into consideration. some teachers advise to avoid gaynor mindens (widely known for the technology and other stuff they put in their shoes for comfort) because of their synthetic approach to pointe shoes and removable shanks that may make a dancer too reliant on the strength of the pointe shoe to support them instead of their own. and we really shouldn't be filling landfills with more non-biodegradable material than we have to.
      until there is technology that is sustainable, practical, durable, and good for the environment, i think pointe shoes overall are going to stay the hard bricks they are.

    • @zuzulkakuka1057
      @zuzulkakuka1057 Год назад +28

      😂 I had exactly the same question. The type of art has been out there for many years, gazzilion dancers - they would have boycotted already if this wouldn’t work for them, right? It seems like easier way is to daily modify the shoe, rather then redesign the shoe at the manufacturer.

    • @shannon4386
      @shannon4386 Год назад +53

      I think people don't understand how much it would cost to have custom shoes made. Would you pay $800+ for something you'd need to throw away in a day or two?

    • @ballet2103
      @ballet2103 Год назад +36

      @@shannon4386 Most pointe shoe companies customize shoes especially Freed of London does it to a very high degree with minute specifications. Even with custom made shoes, most dancers will still tweak them to perfection :) Every dancer has their own tricks and very often, due to past injuries, one foot needs different modifications than the stronger , not injured foot. Also, in case of Freeds, they are hand crafted by your favorite maker so sometimes one shoe can be a bit wonky and require more adjustments. Custom made shoes don't cost $800, just slightly more than a stock shoe.

  • @petitluna2571
    @petitluna2571 Год назад +647

    I love how she keeps her foot pointed even when relaxed hahaha ❤❤ Maria is adorable! Greetings from Brazil 🇧🇷 🩰

    • @oliverklein1612
      @oliverklein1612 Год назад +41

      My ex feet also did this. Feet so flexible they basically just “fall” into that position. We have to push to point, for them there’s no resistance going to that position

    • @sebumpostmortem
      @sebumpostmortem Год назад +19

      Exactly, this is our relaxed comfort position. When I sit on the floor, I "sit" like Maria in the thumbnail or during the video because closing my legs ends being uncomfortable. We are completely rotated. 😅🤣

    • @petitluna2571
      @petitluna2571 Год назад +6

      @@sebumpostmortem woah! Wish I had that ““problem””😂🥰

    • @roxannegordon2854
      @roxannegordon2854 Год назад +13

      Whenever I do that my toes cramped up. I have to grab my foot and bend all the toes back to release the cramp. Ballet is brutal on women's feet.

    • @sebumpostmortem
      @sebumpostmortem Год назад +16

      @@petitluna2571 No, my dear no🥹. Hyperlaxitude is the perfect receipt for future problems. I' m paying my pelvic floor bills and, ouch😣🤕 Ouch my body and ouch my wallet, btw😮‍💨... I see flexibility like money. A good amount? Yes!! Who doesn' t want a comfortable free life surrounded by your beloved ones? A crrrrrazy amount? Potential problems, bad companies not interested in yourself but in your account and headaches. If you are so kind to accept my advice (for you or yours), keep a healthy range of movement, shake this body😜 doing the kind of exercise that you enjoy (it must not feel like an imposed sacrifice at all) and stay away from extras. The ghost of Christmas future😉. 🧛🏻‍♀️🖤

  • @DannyJane.
    @DannyJane. Год назад +433

    Seamstress and costumer here with a suggestion on darning the shoes. I'm delighted to see that you use a thimble to push. That's great. As further help pushing a thin needle through a lot of layers I use pliers--a gripping tool--to pull the needle through the thick layers. Saves your fingers from getting too tired. ❤

    • @JrsBoatRocker
      @JrsBoatRocker Год назад +21

      Maybe look into a sailmakers palm. I was watching a reaction video from The Pointe Shop , and the suggestion came up after a dancer’s needle broke while darning and stabbed her.

    • @GruppeSechs
      @GruppeSechs Год назад +12

      That's some good darn advice.

    • @dewilew2137
      @dewilew2137 Год назад +4

      I don’t think she was talking about her fingers hurting, she was talking about her toes hurting in the shoes. It’s an ESL mistake. In many language, the word for fingers and toes is the same, so when native speakers of those,languages learn English, they sometimes assume that fingers and toes are both fingers. It’s like how finger bones and toe bones are both called “phalanges”.

    • @newsviewstoday5689
      @newsviewstoday5689 Год назад +1

      For pushing have you ever checked out a Sailor's Palm? Amazing tool to PUSH the needle through.

    • @DannyJane.
      @DannyJane. Год назад +5

      @@newsviewstoday5689 It's great to push the needle in and through, but to grip it on the other side and pull it out again nothing beats a great pair of small pliers.

  • @tinadymova6245
    @tinadymova6245 Год назад +250

    Amazing, would never have imagined it’s such a long and laborious prep! Can’t believe the manufacturers of these shoes can’t make them more easily adjustable!

    • @-Reagan
      @-Reagan Год назад +79

      That’s a good question. It has a complicated answer. The short answer is every dancer is different. Her methods are different. She wants her shoes to be a certain way and there’s no one-size-fits-all way to make it easier.
      Yes, they HAVE made advancements to make it easier to break them in, and to make them last longer, but there are reasons why they are this way.
      They have to be broken in by the individual dancer to make them work for the dancers individual needs.
      For example, for one dancer, breaking-in shoes might mean cutting out half the shoe and breaking the shank. The shank is like the backbone of the shoe. It’s the support. It’s typically supposed to be broken at the exact shape of the arch of your foot. This is different for everyone. Pointe shoes already come in varying strengths, with different flexibility to the shank. There’s no safe way to make that breakaway at different places for different dancers, depending upon exactly how they might break it for their own foot shape and flexibility. However, it can be made easier to mold and more resilient. If they made shoes like that, it could break in the wrong place at the wrong time and they could get hurt or ruin a performance. Different dancers have different flexibility and ankle strength. The shoes are fitted for these considerations by a professional pointe shoe fitter. They’re made to break in and break down gradually, to allow them to support the dancer, while she builds strength. Plus, the shoes are very expensive.
      This is just one example. Everyone breaks them in differently.
      Did you ever see Harry Potter? Ollivander’s wand shop is a good example. He says “the wand chooses the wizard, Harry” and that’s exactly like pointe shoes! When Harry picks up the wrong wand, it doesn’t work and it almost results in a dangerous disaster. Pointe shoes are the same way!
      You should watch videos of Josephine from The Pointe Shop!! 😊

    • @teijaflink2226
      @teijaflink2226 Год назад +30

      And it's crazy too that these shoes will only last couple of days (sometimes only a day), it feels almost like a jobb to just prepare all the shoes as a professional ballerina.

    • @dewilew2137
      @dewilew2137 Год назад +7

      @@-Reagan thank you so much for explaining This! I’d just asked the same question in a separate comment.

    • @aaliyahraks
      @aaliyahraks Год назад +1

      @@-Reagan thank you for this explanation ... i had the same question in mind.

    • @diyu6900
      @diyu6900 Год назад

      @@-Reagan I’m

  • @sandragayle7866
    @sandragayle7866 Год назад +48

    As a harpist I love watching the ballet. The rhythm of the dancers helps me play in the correct time with the music especially the Nutcracker which can be a bit tricky in act 1. I have video of both Mikhail Baryshnikov and Vladimir Vasiliev dancing the Nutcracker. It's great to go back and see these amazing! Dancers.

  • @sebumpostmortem
    @sebumpostmortem Год назад +395

    Endless gratitude, Mashula. Finally, this beyond detailed and brilliantlly explained video done by a star prima ballerina is gonna help people understand why we customize pointe shoes in a gazillion different ways and that this is the reason why we don' t want to buy them already broken and sewed. 🧛🏻‍♀️🖤

    • @ellencox8415
      @ellencox8415 Год назад +8

      When looking online pointe shoes are from $30-$100 for one pair, but I read they only last 20 hours... this can't be right. The average ballerina makes $35,000/year, how are they affording the shoes alone?

    • @kleineoOoStern
      @kleineoOoStern Год назад +18

      @Ellen Cox the companies employing them pay for their shoes 😉

    • @kerstinasks1558
      @kerstinasks1558 Год назад +3

      @@kleineoOoStern it's horrifying to see how feet get wounded if a ballerina exaggerates the sport or doesn't care for good and sane shoes. Nice video for these sportives. 🧘‍♀️💝👠

    • @mjinba07
      @mjinba07 9 месяцев назад +5

      😳I'm not a dancer, but it seems to me that shoes are probably the most important equipment. I get that some of these hacks are good for customizing the shoes to the dancer's foot. But in other sports, athletes aren't responsible for making their own equipment work properly.

    • @Dwightinho56
      @Dwightinho56 8 месяцев назад

      @@ellencox8415Usually balletdancers in a company are given a certain amount of pointe shoes a year. But they wear out quickly so the prepping she does is important.

  • @jerseystrong3424
    @jerseystrong3424 Год назад +91

    I don’t sew or watch ballet, but this was really interesting. Great job at explaining why you needed to edit each part of the shoe & what happens when it’s not done properly.

  • @cheyanneturner5158
    @cheyanneturner5158 Год назад +31

    I'm not a dancer or ballerina, I am just genuinely interested seeing how this works! :)

  • @SandiByrd
    @SandiByrd Год назад +39

    So here's the thing. I have no idea how I ended up here but I applaud the effort it takes for this pointe shoe to take it's proper shape. Really unbelievable the work you have to put in! Now I'm subscribed and I'm off to watch more videos. 🥰

  • @autumnlynch2655
    @autumnlynch2655 Год назад +22

    Wish I had known about most of this many years ago when I was a dancer with SFO ballet. We we were always trying to customize our pointe shoes .. ballerinas now will be grateful for your hard won knowledge. I am a fan. :)

  • @catherinegoldie6724
    @catherinegoldie6724 Год назад +338

    Hi there Maria, it is very obvious to me that ballet shoe makers have no idea how to make a comfortable ballet shoe for ballerinas, it’s time to get back to the drawing board and get someone to create a ballet shoe that is made for modern dancers.X💕🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

    • @mimiwills8610
      @mimiwills8610 Год назад +20

      Yes! I am not a dancer and had no idea dancers had to work so hard for a wearable shoe. Do the lead dancers in a company have shoes custom made for them?

    • @rach_laze
      @rach_laze Год назад +44

      @mimiwills8610 a lot of companies provide a custom shoe for their dancers but they still have to prep them in the same way!

    • @gaylem4333
      @gaylem4333 Год назад +31

      My thoughts exactly! It looks like a LOT of work to make the shoes ready to dance in. From what I hear they go through fittings to get the shoe, why aren’t some of those things built in? She shouldn’t have to pretty much remake them.

    • @CDdeodata
      @CDdeodata Год назад +16

      Gaynor Minden has done a great job on this. A lot of top dancers wear their shoes. You have to buy the one with the shank which is what you need when in the old type shoe is the "broken in shank". . However there are still some dancers who prefer the old paste shoes and all the preparation.

    • @denisemoskala255
      @denisemoskala255 Год назад +9

      Do you think they have already been asked about making it comfortable for them? Ballet has been around for a long time,unless they don't have anyone to even try to make the shoe.

  • @DestinyHopeLou
    @DestinyHopeLou Год назад +152

    Very helpful and informative video! I just wanted to hop on and say that beginners en pointe are strongly advised against cutting the shanks of their shoes or doing too much to them in general. Beginners shouldn’t modify their shoes without their teachers‘ assistance!

    • @CorinnePina
      @CorinnePina Год назад +9

      I wouldn’t even dare to 😂😂, but yes, good advice.

    • @miask
      @miask Год назад +9

      That’s true. When I first went en pointe we were permitted to sew ribbons and elastic. There were a couple of other things we did to the toe box. As we progressed we learned what to do to make the she more comfortable.
      Mariah is a charming young lady.

    • @SarahFieldsenpointe
      @SarahFieldsenpointe Год назад +3

      It’s ok, the video does specify several times that this is a way to prep pointes “for performance,” which beginners won’t be doing 😊

  • @stormwarning9182
    @stormwarning9182 Год назад +68

    This was fascinating, thank you! As a former dressmaker, I hated doing alterations, so I can appreciate the work that you put into preparing your ballet shoes. The grater made me nervous but it looked like fun!

  • @ashleyjones7714
    @ashleyjones7714 Год назад +115

    I remember all the training leading up to my first pointe shoes and barre lesson with pointe shoes, and I thought I was going to die!
    I never got used to that pain, especially those exercises in the beginning to go from the heel to the box and back down.
    My teacher was a successful ballerina working with a company at the time, and she could definitely feel my pain because she said after dancing she soaks her feet in an ice bucket.

    • @jade5871
      @jade5871 10 месяцев назад +11

      If your shoes are hurting that bad then you should get refitted

    • @simplyaven
      @simplyaven 6 месяцев назад +2

      Not at all a regular experience. Pointe shoes are uncomfortable due to stiffness and fighting the resistance of the shank but a properly chosen shoe does not hurt as in pain causing. These days there is a vast choice out there and many brands have support incorporated in the shoes. And a broken in shoe is easy to wear all day.

  • @krlyq9158
    @krlyq9158 Год назад +19

    This was quite fascinating. I already have a great respect for ballet dancers and the sacrifice they make for their art and the beauty that results from it. This detail just increased my respect for dancers. Thank you Maria, for sharing this info. I very much enjoyed this video.

  • @ltsf
    @ltsf Год назад +45

    I'm waiting for the Pointe shop to react to this

    • @sebumpostmortem
      @sebumpostmortem Год назад +3

      Josephine is gonna drool🤤😍. Can' t wait! 🧛🏻‍♀️🖤

    • @glancycorner7425
      @glancycorner7425 Год назад +2

      They all break down their pointe shoes.

  • @claireinaflower
    @claireinaflower Год назад +7

    I always look foward to your videos masha! thank you for representing ballet dancers here on youtube!

  • @prettypinwheels
    @prettypinwheels Год назад +14

    Wow! This was so interesting to watch, I'll never look at ballerina shoes the same way again! What a commitment to your craft, thank you for sharing with us ❤️

  • @jadeswrapsandbraids
    @jadeswrapsandbraids Год назад +24

    Knowing how ballet shoes are made and the hard work that goes into them, it kills me to see what dancers need to do to have brand new shoes work for them.

    • @popsfg
      @popsfg 7 месяцев назад +1

      Ikr, they can just use Gaynor Minden or any other brand that offers customization.

  • @emitch9213
    @emitch9213 Год назад +19

    Lovely your share from how a more seasoned ballerina becomes a-tuned to her own feet and how your SPECIFIC choice POINT shoe is selected and by your needs from your shoe warrents a whole fit into the base of your technique. Everyone will enjoy how your personal tailoring of your point shoe is individual to you as you need ready to wear that most audiences are not aware. Beginners are of not this level, of course, discovering what merits only and first putting their point shoes on for the first few years into only training their body to feet as an extended instrument through the point shoe. Years of mental and physical training into this shared moment is what no one knew yearsago and the choices were not as available or discovered. Thank you. You're a joy to watch in how generously genuine to the audience. How is your little sister coming along in the ballet world? Best to you both.

  • @debratravis1761
    @debratravis1761 Год назад +11

    Maria your video was SO informative. Thank you for taking the time to film it…sending love from Boston, MA!

  • @janeblitz6763
    @janeblitz6763 Год назад +7

    Thank you so much for this video. My granddaughter will start on pointe within this year. For the past year…and continuing, she has been preparing physically so that her feet will be ready. I never knew how much was involved for dancing on pointe. I’m sharing this video with my granddaughter now…although, she is probably much more aware of the various things than I was.

  • @pushkincastle
    @pushkincastle Год назад +70

    My families motto was
    “Make the shoe to fit the dancer” not the dancer to fit the shoe. 🩰
    Freed of London
    My Father Rodney Freed, son of Dora & Frederick ‘ invented’ the 3/4 back for high arches & the elasticated drawstring amongst other things 🩰 Turning Pointe. There’s no business like shoe business 😂😂😂😂

    • @dewilew2137
      @dewilew2137 Год назад +3

      Family’s *

    • @pushkincastle
      @pushkincastle Год назад +2

      @@dewilew2137 thank you for your correction. Nice to be noticed 🩰😂

    • @Happinessiscrossstitching
      @Happinessiscrossstitching Год назад +4

      Wow! I used to wear Freed ballet shoes in the 70’s, lovely to read your message on here!

    • @pushkincastle
      @pushkincastle Год назад +1

      @@Happinessiscrossstitching did you go to the shop? St Martins Lane .. my grandmother or Ellen or Michelle or My mum Sarah might have served you 💜 🩰

    • @Happinessiscrossstitching
      @Happinessiscrossstitching Год назад +4

      @@pushkincastle No, I used to buy the shoes in a little shop in Lancashire, I was 14 at the time, it seems like only yesterday! I loooved my ballet shoes!

  • @lisacreagh8686
    @lisacreagh8686 Год назад +2

    Loved this video did not know modifications needed to be made. That’s why the ballet foot looks so beautiful in action!

  • @flightydancer
    @flightydancer Год назад +4

    Thank you for sharing your tips and wisdom about pointe. You really come from a place of experience and expertise in this area.

  • @wendyt8341
    @wendyt8341 Год назад +4

    So fascinating how you have to customise your shoes. Love how you sit without even noticing your toes are pointing! Such a ballerina. Xxx

  • @heididepotter8136
    @heididepotter8136 Год назад +6

    I ve been a ballerina when I was young
    I still own my points and I even have let my first pare bronzed.
    Grate memories.
    But now at age 48 is suffer with my feel. Forced my feet on very early age.
    During my growth.
    My feet are still very flaxible but I suffer with from tedenitis now.
    Enjoy your ballet as long as you can.
    It s magic and I will never forget it.

  • @tammyjohnson7401
    @tammyjohnson7401 Год назад +1

    So interesting. I never realized all the modifications you had to put into your shoes. Thank you for sharing.

  • @cannibale101
    @cannibale101 Год назад +21

    This was very interesting, thank you! What I struggle with, if ever you were interested in talking about that in another video, is to learn to identify what is normal discomfort for a foot that is still building up strength VS what is abnormal pain from shoes that might not be well fitted.
    I've started ballet training a few years ago at home and your youtube barre and center classes have helped me immensely. I am still working with my first pair of pointe shoes and am still figuring out what helps my feet get through a full pointe class. You discussing this would help me a lot. Thank you again!!

    • @esmeraldadelosbuenosaires3159
      @esmeraldadelosbuenosaires3159 Год назад +2

      In the end I Wonder why point shoes are made so tough from manufacturing.They should start to improve new materials . For me it was always like punishment when they were brandnew shoes .

    • @ronatibu
      @ronatibu Год назад +2

      I am hardly an expert (I am also an adult beginner dancer who's been at it a few years), but if you've only ever danced at home I think most teachers would say you should not be en pointe until you've been evaluated for readiness. Maybe watch some of Josephine the pointe shoe fitter's RUclips videos, because she makes this very clear if you watch enough of them.

    • @cannibale101
      @cannibale101 Год назад

      @@ronatibu Yes, i know. I did ask a teachera few years ago and she told me I was good to go. I actually started a while after she did to gain more stability.
      My issue is with being on my own right now, which is why I ask for advice on the developments of pointe work during the first year or so

    • @JoniMitchell-qi6hr
      @JoniMitchell-qi6hr 10 месяцев назад

      Lots of work wow b u t you know what works for you How much are they?

  • @vaganovadream1132
    @vaganovadream1132 Год назад +3

    Thank you for using a clip from my video Masha! And very informative video here ❤️

  • @ItsIsma229
    @ItsIsma229 Год назад +1

    I can’t believe all that you do to your shoes. Your are a ballerina artist and a shoe artist! You are also very delightful. Thank you for sharing with us. ♥️

  • @alejandrobalderrama8988
    @alejandrobalderrama8988 Год назад +2

    Thank you for sharing your experiences and tricks with us!

  • @ariannarodriguez9400
    @ariannarodriguez9400 Год назад +141

    I noticed Maria Khoreva made the same silly mistake when she said something about her toes as I did when I was still learning English! 😅 when I was learning English, and I was taking ballet classes with my English speaking friends, I never realized that fingers on the hands are called fingers, but the “fingers” on our feet are called toes! Because I’m Spanish, fingers and toes are both called fingers 😂 so I was putting my pointe shoes on and was complaining about how my “fingers” hurt so bad 😅 my friends were so confused and it was not until a few weeks later when I had said it many times that my friends finally asked me why my fingers hurt. And then they explained to me that fingers on my feet are called toes 🤣🤣 it was really funny
    Anyways I really hope I can be like Maria Khoreva when I grow up!! 🤍🫶✨🩰
    Edit: thank you for all the replies, I find it so funny how all of us whose first language is not English can all relate to what I commented! It is so funny what different languages call different parts of the body 😆

    • @sebumpostmortem
      @sebumpostmortem Год назад +5

      Nooooo 🤣🤣🤣🤣!!! Fantasía, qué grande. En ruso es igual que nosotros. Un palets es un dedo. Y un palets na nogue, pues un dedo "en" el nogue🦶🏼. Team #fingerfeet
      🧛🏻‍♀️🩰🖤

    • @astridwollerton1493
      @astridwollerton1493 Год назад

      @@sebumpostmortem . You

    • @JohnSmith-ji7xt
      @JohnSmith-ji7xt Год назад +18

      Her English is excellent, though. I wish I spoke Russian as well as she speaks English.

    • @sebumpostmortem
      @sebumpostmortem Год назад +4

      @@JohnSmith-ji7xt Excellent? Super excellent!! ✨✨✨ It has improved since she started her channel and it keeps on improving. I' m ukra-spanish so try to figure out how my brain is on fire when she speaksI wish I sounded like Mashula and I had her fluidity. 🧛🏻‍♀️🩰🖤

    • @user-pt8tg7dv1b
      @user-pt8tg7dv1b Год назад +15

      As a native Japanese, we call toes “foot fingers” too. Ankle is foot neck!

  • @kristiLB93
    @kristiLB93 Год назад +51

    Great informative video! Always interesting to see the different tweaks the a professional ballerina makes to her shoes - it's so personal to each dancer.

  • @Nannasrevival
    @Nannasrevival Год назад +1

    Such a lot of work to put in before you use your shoes. It is a very good video explaining what needs to happen to a dancer’s shoes before they perform. Thank you for your video ❤

  • @littlebitmckee8234
    @littlebitmckee8234 Год назад

    Wow! So much goes in to preparing the shoe. I had no idea. Thank you!

  • @Who-en2vo
    @Who-en2vo Год назад +4

    So fascinating to watch because I used to prepare my shoes in similar ways but with subtle differences!! We all are unique in what we do, I'm long retired but fun to watch ❤

  • @sofiakoutsouki1463
    @sofiakoutsouki1463 Год назад +3

    thank you very much Maria for this Video 💗💗💗💗💗 you are amazing ❤❤❤

  • @andreeapopa7317
    @andreeapopa7317 Год назад +2

    this was very interesting. i've seen similar videos before, but this one has a lot more cool details. thank you!

  • @MaggyShannon
    @MaggyShannon 9 месяцев назад

    Thank you for all you hard work making this very interesting video. I learned a lot and enjoyed your gentle humor!

  • @kimbargwanna1169
    @kimbargwanna1169 Год назад +5

    Wow! What those shoes go thru to be the best for the dancer. I imagine that a pair is not cheap. This was really interesting. Thank you for taking the time to show us that as a dancer you just don’t put on a pair of new ballet shoes and dance around for a bit to break them in.

  • @juncospollack6080
    @juncospollack6080 Год назад +7

    The little metal fingertip cap is called thimble, and the stitches you make on toes is called button hole stitches. - seamstress .

  • @danielleshay1972
    @danielleshay1972 Год назад

    Wow! I never thought ballet shoes took so much work. Thank you for the lesson.

  • @--ag
    @--ag Год назад +1

    Your posture is exemplary. We are impressed. Thank you for posting this. 😊

  • @cheryldidur2300
    @cheryldidur2300 Год назад +6

    It seems the shoes are made as they were made for many years, just to look dainty and pretty, and perhaps traditions stand in the way of a design that doesn't destroy the dancers' feet, and doesn't require reconstruction to be usable. Thank you for sharing this process.

  • @ivanabaray2481
    @ivanabaray2481 Год назад +6

    Thank you, very helpful !!
    Please can you do a series of videos where we send you a video of our performance and you select a few that you correct on video? it could be very helpful and beneficial, if you have the time to do that, obviously ❤
    You’re a beautiful ballerina

  • @robinkershen1054
    @robinkershen1054 8 месяцев назад

    I'm just sitting here fascinated by your video and the fact that ballerinas actually stand on their tippy toes! Much respect...

  • @marshaboswell1166
    @marshaboswell1166 6 месяцев назад +1

    This was a fascinating video! I had no idea you had to go through all this. I took ballet when I was about 25, just for fun, and the school had us buy and use 'toe' shoes, never telling us anything about breaking them in or fixing them to fit our feet. They were so uncomfortable. Needless to say, I didn't continue in these classes. I imagine people can get hurt taking classes at an older age, not having proper training. But I love this video and am glad I found it. Ballet is so beautiful!!

  • @ijustwanttogosailing8248
    @ijustwanttogosailing8248 Год назад +11

    That glue is called "Superglue" or CA glue or cyanoacrylate glue.
    "Hot glue" is VERY different - it is basically molten plastic that is dispensed by an applicator gun (which heats and melts that plastic). Hot glue does not work well with natural fabrics and tends to melt synthetic fabrics.

    • @christinebravomom5711
      @christinebravomom5711 Год назад

      Thank you. I was puzzled about that and figured it was a language thing.

    • @jenx5870
      @jenx5870 Год назад

      I think she said hard glue.

  • @DianeRoma1
    @DianeRoma1 Год назад +29

    You are brilliant! I damaged my feet for years at Kirov over 40 years ago and can only wear high arch orthotic shoes now. I hope more ballerinas watch this video if they haven’t figured out how to make it more comfortable.

  • @shopgirlmusic
    @shopgirlmusic Год назад

    I have no idea how I ended up here but it’s fascinating! Maria - you have a side hustle here making bespoke ballet slippers!

  • @DarQuing
    @DarQuing 8 месяцев назад

    I had some idea of what ballerinas do to get their shoes ready just from watching a pointe shoe fitter, but not all the steps that they go through. Thank you for showing it!

  • @jennybear1825
    @jennybear1825 Год назад +14

    I've watched so many of these at this point to know that every ballerina needs to do this. So I don't understand why they haven't sold point shoes with these adjustments already? As in no more inner sole (half), less stiff front part, ribbon already attached and etc. I don't get it.

  • @Lofilifer1
    @Lofilifer1 Год назад +37

    I was just a dancer at a local dance school, and my teacher had never danced professionally but majored in ballet in college. I wish she had taken the time to help us get our basic pointe shoes to fit better. All she told us to do was sew the ribbons on. If I had worn down the tip to make it more block-like and less curved and broken the sole it would’ve made a world of difference because I have high arches too! I thought I just sucked :(

    • @suew7630
      @suew7630 Год назад +2

      You are never 'just' a dancer. You have a talent that few people possess. I, for one, certainly don't have that talent, yet have always been fascinated by ballerinas and dancing en pointe

    • @brendadufaur37
      @brendadufaur37 Год назад +4

      Selizaz, I can totally relate. I'm so sorry that happened to you. I hope you can start anew and dance again and do your toe shies right this time. I know your feet are going to look beautiful.

    • @manp1039
      @manp1039 Год назад +4

      the internet is opening up new opportunities to learn different ideas from different people from all over the world.

    • @sherryanimallover7506
      @sherryanimallover7506 Год назад +1

      Seems like the manufacturing needs improvements knowone should have to do all this .

    • @Lofilifer1
      @Lofilifer1 Год назад +1

      @@suew7630 Thanks! It was my passion.

  • @truecynic1270
    @truecynic1270 5 месяцев назад +1

    Oh my goodness! So much work to prepare the shoes and they only last for how long? Amazing. You have my utmost respect for the respect YOU have for your craft1

  • @lGC597
    @lGC597 Год назад

    So fascinating! I barely know anything about ballet, but I just find it so interesting.

  • @nazuo1308
    @nazuo1308 Год назад +8

    She has such a good point

  • @MultiDaisy1995
    @MultiDaisy1995 Год назад +3

    I had NO IDEA that you had to do so much to these shoes! It’s truly amazing!

  • @annepoitrineau5650
    @annepoitrineau5650 Год назад +2

    I completely agree about shellac being a great material for pointes due to being so flexible.

  • @Mskitty123456
    @Mskitty123456 Год назад

    I always love watching these types of videos

  • @brianne9
    @brianne9 Год назад +58

    I love seeing how different pros customize their shoes. As a recreational dancer, thankfully I don't have to sew shoes too often, but it's such a chore. I think I might have to start experimenting with vamp elastics to better hold the shoe to my arch, however, I worry about it also pulling my foot back, and dislike that it's an additional step in the prep routine... Trial and error I guess. I do wish Bloch shoes in general had flatter platforms - I started darning mine similarly last year (but no cheese grater!) and feel much more confident finding my balance. I wish I'd started darning years earlier. But I also wish I didn't have to take the time for that extra step.

    • @jenx5870
      @jenx5870 Год назад +1

      If you're worried that a vamp elastic is going to hold your foot back and keep you from going over the box and en pointe, either Blochs aren't the right shoe for you, or you aren't strong enough for pointe work yet. There isn't a whole lot of resistance with the over the arch elastics. They are merely there for light support. You should always be able to balance yourself en pointe using your muscles despite having elastics and ribbons. If Blochs aren't giving you the support you need, try another brand. There are plenty of other shoe companies out there. Look for one that suits your particular foot type. Have your teacher do a shoe fitting with you at a store. If you don't have a teacher and you're self taught, you're putting yourself at risk for severe injuries.

    • @brianne9
      @brianne9 Год назад

      @@jenx5870 I've been en pointe for 20 years and tried many brands and styles. It's still trial and error to figure out what works best for each shoe.

  • @melusine5740
    @melusine5740 Год назад +3

    This was so informative, thanks for the video :) I never realized that these beautiful shoes are basically just another tool for work. Also, I thought the veggie grater part was kinda hilarious :D

  • @ankontini
    @ankontini Год назад +1

    Really happy to see a great ballerina dance with Bloch serenade. When I was studying, I was the only one using them! Everyone else was using grishko. I couldn't dance with any grishko model.

  • @carinapaulinarenardtoledo2704
    @carinapaulinarenardtoledo2704 Месяц назад

    Thanks very much Maria! now, it's up to me

  • @lisamomdzhi9937
    @lisamomdzhi9937 Год назад +3

    Спасибо большое!)
    Вы невероятная!) 😘

  • @user-hl6qf2dl7o
    @user-hl6qf2dl7o Год назад +3

    It’s a thimble! To cover the finger sewing 😊 Thank you for the wonderful video ❤

  • @janetavila2630
    @janetavila2630 Год назад

    I NEVER KNEW THAT ABOUT BALLERINA SHOES. VERY INTERESTING, THANK YOU FOR SHARING.

  • @thorick590
    @thorick590 6 месяцев назад

    Thank you for showing this ! Well, us guys have an easier less complicated life, for sure !

  • @ReyOfLight
    @ReyOfLight Год назад +3

    Hmm something I’d love to see: Maria getting fitted by Josephine from The Pointe Shop! That would just be such an epic collaboration too!

  • @missieclassy
    @missieclassy Год назад +5

    Maria, well done for posting this without actually complaining.
    So I'll complain for you! I used to dance en pointe until an accident stopped me. I remember the hours I spent doing my shoes just like you do.
    Obviously, if the existing makers changed how they fit and make shoes, they would make less money. But there would also be less environmental waste and damage in their manufacturing, which we must address in the arts. Which is why someone needs to challenge this wasteful industry by creating a custom fitting pointe shoe that accommodates each dancer's feet without having to buy endless pairs in order to be able to just dance to pay for more pairs of shoes! I can see technology that would enable this; scanning tech and 3d printing, combined with cutting edge textiles and materials being developed by biotechnology scientists.
    I know that sometimes, old school is still best school, but seriously: there MUST be a better way than this - even though the ritual of preparing shoes is sometimes a welcome space to be off your feet and enjoying the smell of shellac, the leather and the meditation of stitching your pointe. It's a kind of odd way of taking care of yourself as a dancer and I think I missed it very much when I stopped dancing - I'm sure you would miss it too, even though it is so annoying at times!

  • @reamartin6458
    @reamartin6458 8 месяцев назад +1

    That was fascinating 💜

  • @KB-hx3px
    @KB-hx3px Год назад +1

    Brings back memories of my daughters dance years. 😊

  • @a.phillips6892
    @a.phillips6892 Год назад +9

    Just got Bloch Hannah pointe shoes. I want to modify mine just as you do yours! Looks like perfect modifications! Thank you so much for sharing how you prepare yours!💓💯💕🥰

  • @normamimosa5991
    @normamimosa5991 Год назад +11

    Crazy. When dancers pretty well have to break and destroy the shoes then rebuild them, there is something wrong with pointe shoe design and manufacturing, especially today with so many new materials.

    • @catzkeet4860
      @catzkeet4860 Год назад +2

      Not really. It would be totally impossible for a pointe shoe to "work" for every ballerina because they are All DIFFERENT. Unless the dancer is purchasing custom shoes that are made to their personal specifications, there are far too many variables to try to take into account, and besides, some dancers will even customise their custom shoes!!! Dancers, particularly professional dancers, have a lot riding on their shoes so many prefer to be in control over a part of the fitting and "breaking" of their shoes. Just for an example of a few of the variables in pointe shoes, block shape, shank strength, shoe curvature, shank length, vamp length, width, shoe height, box width and more. Better to have shapes that fit a wide(ish) proportion of dancers that they can then customise to their own particular needs.

    • @shannon4386
      @shannon4386 Год назад

      Non-dancers seem to be the only ones who have an issue with shoe customization, dancers enjoy this process.

  • @geoffrey6000
    @geoffrey6000 5 месяцев назад +1

    Dude, your neck is amazing. I have never seen someone with that good of a posture.

  • @jimmypaget5737
    @jimmypaget5737 Год назад

    That's so much to remember thanks for sharing! 💛💛💛Ballet always huge fan of Vaganova/Maryinski
    NYC 🌆

  • @nicolaurion7050
    @nicolaurion7050 Год назад +3

    Fascinating, so interesting and presented with such charm. Thank you so much.

  • @TheRealCantaraBella
    @TheRealCantaraBella Год назад +13

    Buy ballet shoe
    Destroy shoe
    Rebuild shoe
    I am not a dancer but I feel like there is no other athletic and artistic endeavor that requires this much work on footwear.

    • @suesmith5746
      @suesmith5746 Год назад

      If you work as a hiking guide you usually do at least some work on your boots. The first step is to get a bucket of hot water, put your boots on your feet and soak feet and boots for 1/2 hour then walk on level ground for 2-3 hours. That may be enough depending on how steep the terrain is where you will go. But many jobs where people are on their feet a lot and need good balance they adjust their footware.

  • @krismiller5126
    @krismiller5126 Год назад

    Wow! Very informative. Very good video. Thank you I love to learn and I admire you for your skill and talent.

  • @AuroraKennedy
    @AuroraKennedy Год назад

    You did a great job recording this

  • @janetsouthworth6983
    @janetsouthworth6983 Год назад +4

    I have nothing to do with ballet, but I found this very interesting just the same.

  • @JennaGetsCreative
    @JennaGetsCreative Год назад +20

    I was always told to tie the draw elastics in a plie for best fit.
    Edit- That is not what I was expecting when you started talking about "hot glue." I was picturing the sticks that get melted by a glue "gun," as loved by 5 Minute Crafts.

    • @jenx5870
      @jenx5870 Год назад +1

      I believe she said hard glue, but with an accent.

  • @faeriesmak
    @faeriesmak Год назад

    Fascinating!

  • @EVZYL
    @EVZYL Год назад +2

    Always great to see a new video, Maria!

  • @misss3480
    @misss3480 Год назад +11

    That was really interesting, Maria. It must take up a great deal of your time doing that to every pair of shoes. Were you taught how to do it when you were younger? And approximately how long will a pair of shoes last? The metal object you were using to help you push the needle through is called a thimble. Keep going with your beautiful dancing.

  • @AbstractlyDelen
    @AbstractlyDelen Год назад +27

    I’m not a ballerina, or even a dancer. I’m just a girl who wanted to me a prima ballerina, but my body said no 😂 also, never apologize for being fluent in multiple languages. I can ONLY speak English, and at times, I can barely speak it 😂 you are a super human because of what you can do on stage, and because you can speak multiple languages 💜 and everything made perfect sense, I can assure you!!!

    • @malissahyatt2425
      @malissahyatt2425 Год назад +1

      My left ankle said no. It turns in and when pointed...make a lovely sickle. 😂😂😂 Would've never made it into point shoes.

    • @melyssagarguilo4570
      @melyssagarguilo4570 Год назад +1

      Her feet are permanently disfigured like all dancers on pointe. Consider yourself lucky. I might not have the body type or certain grace to dance on pointe, but my feet look nice, and people have told me this. No one compliments pointe dancers bare feet. You're missing out on nothing.

    • @casdragon_5939
      @casdragon_5939 Год назад

      @@melyssagarguilo4570 exactly this, I know a few ex dancers in their 60's who have so many foot/leg issues now. They have to have customized shoes just to walk without pain.

    • @melyssagarguilo4570
      @melyssagarguilo4570 Год назад

      @@casdragon_5939 true

  • @nyalimuir4103
    @nyalimuir4103 Год назад

    Very interesting!
    True professional 👌

  • @marlonbravo9466
    @marlonbravo9466 Год назад

    Wow! This is a very complicated process for making Ballet Dancer Shoes. Mazel tov!

  • @Cami_2006.
    @Cami_2006. Год назад +7

    This was so incredibly interesting! Thank you for sharing! How long do your shoes last? Do you have more than one shoe prepared to wear at once?

  • @lricci007
    @lricci007 Год назад +7

    The whole process makes me wonder why the manufacturer doesn't produce shoes that are closer to what the dancer needs. Considering the cost it seems like a lot of work for each pair which only last a short time. Very interesting video, thank you.

    • @jennraine
      @jennraine Год назад +4

      Every dancer's foot is a bit different. They tend to customize their own shoes to work with their feet. Manufacturers must make them to a standard, and then the rest is up to the dancer. It would be impossible to cover all the preferences and not cost-effective for them at all.

    • @shannon4386
      @shannon4386 Год назад +2

      Every dancer needs something different. What she's doing is what works for her, it wouldn't necessarily work for someone else.
      When I buy a pair of pants, they're always too big in the waist because I have thick thighs. So I have to wear a belt. I'm also 5'3", so I'm on the border between petite sizes and regular sizes. So regular pants drag on the ground and I have to hem them. Why don't the pants makers make pants that we don't need to wear belts with and that fit the height of every single person? Well the answer is obviously because there are countless different body types and it would be impossible to accommodate every single person on the planet. You just have to know your body and what works for you. You buy a pair of pants that's closest to what works for you and then make adjustments as needed. It's the exact same thing with pointe shoes.

    • @simplyaven
      @simplyaven Год назад

      They do. Gaynor Minden, for one. Capezio also has shoes which are highly customized and so does Siberian Swan.

  • @lavenderlady7441
    @lavenderlady7441 Год назад

    so interesting! thank you.alot of work goes into shoe preparation.👍🇨🇦

  • @gladysloan
    @gladysloan Год назад

    Bless you young lady❤.

  • @breakingpointe727
    @breakingpointe727 Год назад +23

    So fab having some insight into how you prepare your shoes! Two questions for you - are your shoes custom or do you just wear the standard model? Does the shellac on the sole not make the shoe really slippery to wear? Always love your content Maria! 💕

    • @katarinarabekova3396
      @katarinarabekova3396 Год назад +8

      She wears the Serenade Strong shoes - a standard model. She said in the video that she wears them since about fourth grade at the Academy.

  • @anabelv4
    @anabelv4 Год назад +3

    I used to burn the top instead of sewing it, and also the ribbons at their end because otherwise they would dissolve there. And I always used a big amount of colophony on all of the outside of my point shoes to make them less slippery, that was the most important thing actually... Interesting to see how you prepare them.

  • @jameswallace-vf1tt
    @jameswallace-vf1tt Год назад

    This was very interesting. Who knew you had to practically remake the shoe. Nice video. Bev

  • @melissalentz32
    @melissalentz32 Год назад

    Fascinating. Thank you.

  • @sebumpostmortem
    @sebumpostmortem Год назад +45

    All I want for Christmas is you showing the final result: how you put and adjust your freshly customized shoes, tie the ribbons correctly and a flat, demi-pointe, pointe, 360° view so people see the outcome 🙏🏻Please and thank you🙏🏻🧛🏻‍♀️🖤

  • @penny1186
    @penny1186 Год назад +4

    My daughter had specially designed pointe shoes made just for her. She wore nothing inside her shoes at the insistence of her ballet teacher. She had a lot of thick callouses on her toes (especially underneath, and some bleeding at times but her feet were not that bad. looking. My daughter took ballet since she was three and was on pointe from age 8 until age 24.

  • @Ruma_Kaalis_Camoran
    @Ruma_Kaalis_Camoran Год назад +1

    The basket with the veggie grater beside your ballet stuff is too cute lol

  • @tenmiltenmil1770
    @tenmiltenmil1770 Год назад

    Thank you for sharing this information ! My 7 year old granddaughter will appreciate watching it !
    ❤️❤️😡👍👍👍😊😊😊