The Pointe Shoe: Dissected
When most people think of pointe shoes, they picture beautiful long legged dancers who seem lighter than air thanks to these magical shoes. Many are unaware of the pain and suffering that go along with along with the enormous cost that a dancer must spend on these expensive shoes that tend to break down very quickly. (Professional dancers can through one pair for each show). The first pointe shoe was worn by the prima ballerina Maria Taglioni in the 19th century in the title role of La Sylphide. The need for a dancer to appear sylphe like was a driving force in the creation of the pointe show.
My newer pair of pointe shoes and a deconstructed pointe shoe
Ribbons(these are added on by the dancer):
Elastics (these are added on by the dancer):
Thread:
Exterior part of the sole:
Middle part of the sole:
Interior part of the sole:
Canvas interior lining:
Exterior shell:
Reinforced toe:
Elastic drawstring:
