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I will be back in class after summer break in September and would like to hold off another year before I buy a new pair, if possible. How often should I replace them (I dance twice per week)? Is there anything I can buy or I can do to the pair I have now to ensure that they will still be supportive without getting a whole new pair?
**VERY IMPORTANT**- I am interested in serious answers only!!! If you dont know, I would appreciate it if you did not answer this question.

2006-08-29 07:20:28 · 19 answers · asked by cintishoegal 2 in Arts & Humanities Dancing

Great answers so far, thanks for the input everyone. I should have added this in the first place, but its the support shank that feels like it is wearing out. Sorry. Thanks for the help!

2006-08-29 08:26:01 · update #1

19 answers

if it's the toes that are wearing out you can shelack (I think I spelled that wrong) It's something you can buy at a hardware store and lightly cover the toe of the pointe shoe in. It will harden them up for a little more time on them... I don't know if they'll last a whole additional year though, I guess it depends on how worn out they are already.

If it's the support in the shank that's going you could possibly replace part of the shank with something harder... (I don't know if this is possible, I always cut about 3/4 of my shank off)

You might also try a thicker pad inside the shoe or one of those slip on toe gels if that's what's bothering you. They can be found in most dance supply stores and websites.

Good luck it's a shame how expensive pointe shoes can be!

2006-08-29 07:36:54 · answer #1 · answered by angied 2 · 5 0

there's only going to be so much you can do once the support shank wears or feels as if it's going. you will need to break down & buy a new pair because the element of support is so important to protecting you from injury. you say you only dance 2x per week; what about practice sessions? most dancers practice daily & have pointe shoes they wear for practice sessions, still others that they would wear only for performances, etc. for some, that may seem a great expense or even an exorbitant amount of pointe shoes to have, but you have to remember that these are the tools of your trade, so to speak! if you don't have good shoes on your feet, you can't forget about your feet long enough to soar when you are dancing! buy the new shoes & begin breaking them in - that's the best advice any one who has ever danced will be able to give you. break a leg!!

2006-08-30 03:06:10 · answer #2 · answered by pumpkin 6 · 1 0

It's really not good to make a pair of pointe shoes last longer than they should, but since you asked- go on discountdancesupply.com and get a pair of pointe shoe covers. they will keep them cleaner,drier, and they will last longer. You can also use jet glue-sold at discount dance supply and most dance supply stores, to glue the outside of the shank where your arch is. That will definitely keep the shoe from breaking. If you only dance twice a week, then your shoes should last pretty long.

2006-08-30 03:17:34 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0 0

Having danced with the Sadlers Wells Ballet Company from the age of eight, I think you can at least consider my suggestion. I always broke the boxes on the pointe shoes so that they gave me just enough support, but didn't wear down. Also, if you put lambs wool in the toe portion, your feet will be stronger and put less stress on the shoe. But - remember - if you're serious about your dancing, investing in good pointe shoes is the least of your worries. Good luck!

2006-08-29 08:23:23 · answer #4 · answered by SUZI S 4 · 3 0

Always make sure after you dance to take your pointe shoes out of your dance bag to let them dry, it will allow the sweat to dry out of them and make them last longer!! I don't think your pointe shoes are going to last another year though so I would deffinetly invest in a new pair I go through at least 2-3 a year and it isn't my main dance.

2006-08-29 14:58:58 · answer #5 · answered by Leda S 2 · 1 0

Go to Discount dance supply.com, and find some Pointe shoe covers. They will help you increse the life, they have nice friction on the toe.
You didn't dance all summer break? That's sad honey, how do you expect to be a prima ballerina? MY suggestion- Do a benefit dance concert (It can be small) with a donation box. Start dancing EVERY DAY. You wil need another pair of point shoes, so use the donation money to pay for them AND more CLASSES!

2006-08-29 07:36:08 · answer #6 · answered by Tasya 2 · 1 2

Use your older shoes for practice and tape them up if you need to. It doesn't matter what they look like in class or practices. Save your new, nice pair for performances. Eventually your old pairs will lose their support, then rotate your worst best pair for class/practice.

By the way are your feet still growing? This rotation works if your feet are staying the same size. Usually girls' feet don't grow much after about age 12.

2006-08-29 17:23:20 · answer #7 · answered by HowdyTracy 1 · 1 1

remember to air out ur shoes all the time after dance. and use this special sealant at a dance store. i don't know what it's called but they should have it at a dance store. take good care of the ribbons and dont throw them around =) and if u dance outside of class [like in ur kitchen like me lol] make sure ur dancing on ur box. b/c i danced on the wrong place and its teared at the wrong spots. =) just be nice to them. theyre not meant to last long

2006-08-30 05:25:02 · answer #8 · answered by strictly_maggie 3 · 0 0

The covers work well..Also, we let them air out after use and then stuff them with white tissue paper (the kind you use for gifts). I bought my daughter's last pair for under $20 on clearance from discountdancesupply.com. They're great! Good Luck!

2006-08-30 00:50:19 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1 0

Try putting some glue on the toebox to make it harder and keep it from falling apart. This will make them last longer. You should be able to find some glue at a dance store. Also make sure you are storing them properly.

2006-08-29 09:21:44 · answer #10 · answered by jjdanca18 3 · 3 0

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