Choosing the Best Leotard for your Body Type

There are so many leotard styles available (we covered those specifics in a previous “Studio of the Month” flyer) but this month, we’d like to focus on choosing the best leotard for your body type. Your studio may or may not have a dress code so please be aware that these leotard suggestions may not be appropriate choices for your studio.

Camisole Leotards – especially those with adjustable straps are suitable for still growing “tweens”. If you don’t have to worry about how a leotard fits, you can certainly focus more on your dance steps!

Halter Leotards – are great for dancers with long necks and narrow shoulders.

Princess Seamed Leotards – look great on short torsos as they help to elongate the body and create a sliming vertical line.

Cap Sleeve Leotards – can add width to small shoulders and create a great frame for a dancer’s face.

Three-Quarter Sleeve Leotards or Long Sleeve Leotards – draw attention to a dancer with long arms.

Pinch Front and Fashion Bodice Detailed Leotards – very subtly draw eyes upwards making them perfect for dancers who feel more confident about their upper torso.

Collared and turtleneck leotards – have a more sporty feel to them and tend to be great for dancers with a contemporary edge.

When looking for new leotards, be aware that your regular clothes size will differ from dancewear sizing. Many of the major dancewear companies have their own sizing charts and those charts will differ from style to style within the company. The best way to get the right fit is to try the leotard on. Do a few stretches with your arms raised, noting any gaps in material or slipping of shoulder straps. Squat down, as in a plié, and check for pinching or gaping around the legs. Try several to insure the best fit.

(Originally part of our "Studio of the Month" series - December 2011)

Are you new to pointe?

Thank you to Ballet Strength for sharing these tips. "If you are just starting pointe, you want to check this out.... http://t.co/wmF0J7BS

Do you have any tips to add? We'd love to read them ;o)

Back-to-Dance Attitude Adjustment Checklist

It’s time for back to school and your regular, dance class schedule. Well, to start the new season of dance off on the right foot, here is a checklist to help you get in the right mindset and remain positive. Thank you Dance Full Out for the tips!

http://dancefullout.com/2011/09/dance-attitude-checklist/

Tips for caring for Dance Shoes

As a dancer you know you must take extra care of your body, but did you know that caring for dance shoes is just as important? Dance shoes can be expensive and you want your shoes to last as long as possible. Dance shoes do require care that your regular street shoes don’t. By taking care of your dance shoes, you will help them last longer and you’ll spend less time shopping for new shoes.

Here are some general tips we’ve found to help you care for you dance shoes:

1. Ideally, you should consider buying at two pairs of each type of dance shoe you use. This allows you to alternate wearing the pairs, especially if you dance every day. Your shoes will last longer if you let them dry out and rest every other day. The moisture from sweat will break down the materials of the shoe.

2. Be sure to store your shoes in a separate bag after class or a performance. Don’t throw them in your dance bag, because they can lose their shape. If you have side pockets in your dance bag, especially ones with holes, store the shoes there. That will give the shoes exposure to air which will help them dry quicker after each use, and that will help them last longer.

3. When you’re not using them, store your shoes in a cool, dry place. You can find special pouches filled with materials like cedar chip sachets or cedar daisy wheels to put into dance shoes. These can quickly absorb sweat, reduce odors and help your shoes keep their shape longer.

4. Wear your shoes in the studio only. There are a number of reasons for this ~ Dance shoes are not built for streetwear and wearing them outside will shorten their lifespan. Many dance studios also forbid dancers from wearing street shoes in the studio as part of a health concern; many dance forms require to be practiced in bare feet. Barefoot dancers can get infections from outside germs brought in from dance shoes worn outside. Dirt brought to the studio floor from outside can also ruin the look of new shoes.

5. Don’t let anyone else wear your shoes. In addition to the health risks such as contracting athlete’s foot, your shoes may get stretched out of shape.

6. When you buy a pair specifically for performances, practice a few times to get accustomed to the new shoes and to break them in. Never perform in a new pair of shoes.

7 You can buy special covers for pointe shoes to use in class to keep the satin clean and looking brand new.

These are just a few pointers we’ve found, there are some you might use. If you have a tip you’d like to share, please call, fax or e-mail it to us, we’d love to hear it and will share it with others too! We can all learn from one another!

(Originally part of our "Studio of the Month" flyer series - September 2011)

Are you careful when using your Instant Jet Glue?

Here are some critical health & safety warnings regarding Instate Jet Glue....definitely information to keep handy (e-mail if you'd like us to forward a copy to you!).....

Body size....

Came across this great blog - Regan is right on the money with this one....check it out!~ http://danceswithfat.wordpress.com/2011/06/07/body-size-is-not-a-diagnosis/

Tips to Consider When Buying Dance Shoes

You need dance shoes, you know the type of shoe you need but do you know what to consider when you enter the store to try those shoes on? Here are some tips that will help you get the right shoe and the right fit for the shoe ....

1. First and foremost, it is very important to bring the person who needs the dance shoes with you. Dance shoe sizing is very different from street shoe sizing. To avoid numerous trips back to the store to get the right size, we can best serve you if the dancer is present.

2. Be sure to bring the right socks, stockings, and insoles with you, namely, whatever socks or stockings or insoles you like to wear while dancing. It makes an amazing difference in the fit for carefully-shaped dance shoes.

3. Don't rush - you want shoes that are extremely comfortable, or you'll hate dancing forever. This may take several pairs/styles. Allow for time to get just the right shoe.

4. Walk around in them. Do some dance steps. Sometimes you won't notice a pinch or rub or a bad crease - or the way the shoe falls off at a crucial moment -- until you start moving around. Do various moves that simulate the extremes of what you expect your feet to go through.

5. Try multiple sizes and multiple brands. Dance shoe manufacturers all cut their shoes differently. And their sizes vary a lot from what you'd expect. Try on lots and lots of shoes.

6. Ask for information and advice. Unlike regular shoe stores, dance retailers actually know about shoes and dancers' needs. But in the end, trust your feet.

7. Buy snug or buy loose? Choose dance shoes that fit perfectly or are a little snug - the leather will yield a bit quite soon. But only a little bit. You want to be comfortable from the first step you take, so don't overdo the snugness. Also, the heel should not slip at all, the toe should not pinch at all, and where the leather creases near your toes, there should be no discomfort at all.

You're probably asking, "Couldn't I buy over the internet?" You really, REALL Y should try dance shoes on before you buy them. Buying over the internet can be tricky - those "universal size charts" are not always accurate given the different manufacturers and the different foot types.

Save time and money ... Mary Ann's Dance and More is here to help you find the right shoe and the right fit for that shoe!

(Part of our "Studio of the Month" flyer - June 2011)

Healthy Eating for the Dancer

One of the wonderful things about dance that makes it so unique is that dancers are both artists and athletes. For this reason, eating healthy and taking care of our bodies is especially important, and I would like to share with you some basic advice that has been helpful to me in my dancing and personal life. Some of us get caught up in fad diets that are very restricted and others get too busy and either do not eat enough or eat a lot of junk food. I tell my clients all the time that “going on a diet” for a fixed amount of time is not going to work – the goal should be healthy eating for a lifetime, and if you are going to stick with it, you have to be able to enjoy it! I recommend the following basic rules of thumb for eating healthier without driving yourself crazy.

First, it’s perfectly healthy to have treats, just in moderation, and eating a variety of foods will help you avoid having too much or too little of anything. Secondly, eat foods with simple ingredients. This means avoiding processed foods with lots of added sugars and junk. Read the ingredients. Many times, products that claim to be “low-fat” have added sugars and other unnecessary ingredients, so “low-fat” doesn’t always mean healthy. Another idea that is important is to think of calories as dollars and make sure that when you spend them, you are getting your money’s worth. This means that if you eat something, your body should be getting lots of good nutrients from it – this is what is meant by nutrient-dense foods. A good example of an empty-calorie food is soda: lots of calories, no nutrition. Eating more fresh produce is always a sure way to improve your diet because these foods pack in a lot of nutrients for less calories – why not throw some more veggies on that slice of pizza or have some salad with it? Lastly, dancers are athletes and need to get enough energy and hydration when doing a lot of training. Some basic principles of sports nutrition apply, such as hydrating before, during, and after long bouts of dancing. When participating in prolonged vigorous activity, keep in mind that carbohydrates are your instant source of fuel, so consuming healthy carbohydrates before and during training will give you the energy you need, and during rest periods, while your muscles are repairing themselves, make sure to get enough protein.

My philosophy is to keep it simple: eat plenty of nutrient-dense foods with simple ingredients, and make sure to get plenty of variety; you will not only be getting much-needed nutrients and satisfying your appetite, but you will enjoy it much more than being on a restrictive diet. To get more information on choosing healthier foods, I recommend exploring the Food Pyramid web site: www.mypyramid.gov, as it has lots of good information and interactive tools.

Johnna Paulsen has a BA in Dance from Smith College and is certified by the American College of Sports Medicine. She has been dancing for twenty seven years, performed here in the Valley and in New York City with local companies such as the Sorvino Project, and choreographed for local theater productions. Johnna has taught dance at Stoneleigh-Burnham School and Holmes Studio of Dance, Music, and Wellness. Currently, she is a Personal Trainer at Universal Health and Fitness in Northampton. You can contact her at 413-563-7796 or johnnadancer@gmail.com for information on personal training.

(Part of our Studio of the Month series - May 2011)

Why Shop Locally?

In addition to helping the local economy, there are other advantages to shopping locally:
* You get personal service, so if something doesn't work or fit, you have someone to personally talk to and you are able to exchange it without incurring shipping charges.
* When you buy locally, you’re able to try it on so it fits. It was exactly what you were looking for because you saw it in person.
* When shopping on-line you order things "you think" are going to “work” but when they arrive they don't fit, it’s the wrong color, and not right for your body type. These are issues heard over and over when ordering on line.
* When shop locally you are personally fitted and helped to find just the right size/item. Shopping locally affords you the expertise to find the perfect item that would best fit your request.
** Why pay for expedited shipping that typically never arrives when expected, which is normally during a time when you need the product the most. Buy locally to receive the item, immediately.


In addition to the aforementioned, when ordering from an on-line discount supplier, you run the risk of several other issues:
* When you order, you end up paying the same less a few dollars due to shipping and process charges. You could have shopped locally, tried it on or gotten fitted and walked out with your shoes/leotard that same day for only a few dollars more.
* When an on-line discount supplier sells items, that is all they do, they sell. If you have any questions/problems with the shoes then you end up having to “deal with it”, because again an on-line discount supplier is only a seller of the goods, not a retailer.
* The prices that you are getting from an on-line discount supplier can at times be for shoes or items that are "seconds." Seconds meaning ones that were made for the “brand name” company that suddenly decided that the batch wasn't passing their quality inspection, so the on-line discount supplier buys that “rejected” batch for a deeply discounted price.

Besides, Shopping Local is COOL! Mary Ann’s Dance and More can help you with your time management & dance necessities in one quick & easy step. We provide the customer service you deserve. Save time & money with one easy trip!

What makes a dance sneaker a dance sneaker?

Did you know that there is a difference between a dance sneaker and a “regular” sneaker? There is a big difference!

Seems obvious but dance sneakers are designed for dancing. They are specially designed to support the feet, but still allow for bending, spinning, and movement. Therefore, dance sneakers should only be worn for dancing; they are not intended for general use, because they often do not provide enough arch support for daily walking.

Dance sneakers can be used for a variety of dance, such as jazz, Zumba and Hip-Hop. Often, dance sneakers are designed with a split sole. This means that there is sole support in the front, underneath the toes and ball of the foot, and the back, underneath the heel of the foot. There is no sole in the middle of the foot under the arch, however. This split sole design allows the foot to bend much more freely when dancing. Some feature straps along the side to give the arch a small bit of support. Other types of dance sneakers have a very thin, extremely flexible sole over the entire sneaker.

Dance sneakers typically only come in a few colors, including black, pink, or white. This is because many dance schools have strict rules regarding attire; both for practices and shows, and brightly colored sneakers are not often allowed.

Some dance sneakers feature additional benefits, such as smooth spots on the soles to make spinning easier, or notches in the heel to make it easier for a partner to lift another dancer. Sneakers are typically lace-up. The sneakers are typically made of leather, canvas, or suede; leather and suede shoes tend to be more expensive than others. Again, the style, type, and features of the shoe vary depending on the brand.

Remember, dance sneakers should never be worn for anything other than dance. Not only can this damage an expensive pair of dancing sneakers, but it can cause injury or pain in the legs and feet. It may also cause damage to the dance floor.

How do I find which size of sneaker fits best? It is very important that your feet are comfortable and that shoes are not too tight, nor too loose (you don't want to be constantly worried they will fall off!). The soles of the shoe should provide good grip on a number of surfaces, again, with some having a special spot made of different material to enable spinning. It is preferable for dance sneakers not to scuff too readily. Some sneakers are heavier than others, even if they look similar, so weight may also influence your decision. Those “universal’ size charts on-line or in discount catalogues aren’t always accurate. We’re happy to help you find the right fit for you…sizing varies by company so it’s always best to come in and try them on.


Information complied from www.wisegeek.com and www.ezinearticles.com

(Originally part of our "Studio of the Month" series - March 2011)

Is Tan really Tan?

Common request: “I need a pair of tan tights?” Most common answer: “Which color tan – suntan, light tan, jazzy tan..?” Tan isn’t really just Tan anymore! As the genre of dance expands, so does the color spectrum of dance tights available.

Each manufacturer of dance tights has their own color palette – many do not match other companies (to obviously capitalize on sales). Therefore, each company has different tight swatches with their color palette. For example: BodyWrappers offers the following colors in the “tan family” ~ Jazzy Tan, Suntan and Toast. While Bloch offers the following colors in the same family ~ Light Tan and Tan. The same is true for pink – pink isn’t just pink. The two colors which are universal within the tight world are white and black.

When you are in the market for a specific color tight, be sure that the studio/teacher is specific as to which color tan or pink. We’d be happy to lend out our swatches to help studios/teachers decide which color they would prefer. We’re here to help you get the right color tight!


(Part of our "Studio of the Month" series - December 2010)

Pointe Shoes: How Long Should They Last?

We’ve received a lot of questions about the life span of pointe shoes and we thought we’d use our “Studio of the Month” flyer to help clear up some of the confusion.

How long should pointe shoes last? Unlike other dance shoes, pointe shoes are very unique in their fit and care. You can usually expect about 12-15 hours of wear from a pair of pointe shoes. To get the most out of that time, there are some things you can do:

Pointe shoes breakdown when they are wet, therefore:
1. use a mesh bag to carry your pointe shoes
2. remove toe pads immediately after use
3. store the pointe shoes and toe pads separately
4. set shoes out to air dry between classes – ideally for at least 24 hours

When should you replace your pointe shoes? There are several reasons:
1. foot growth
2. change in foot shape
3. technical development
4. worn-out

Because pointe shoes have to fit precisely, they are “out grown” much more quickly than street shoes. Wearing shoes that are too tight or no longer the right shape can damage the feet.

What are the signs that the pointe shoe is worn-out? There may be a lack of support in the toe box or platform and/or over-flexing in the shank. Appearance of the pointe shoe can be deceiving – the shoe may look new but structurally worn-out or it may appear dirty and worn but still functional. Dance teachers are usually the 1st to notice if the shoe is no longer functional – don’t hesitate to ask and don’t be surprised if the teacher makes that determination prior to your asking.

Many beginners, being on pointe for a short time each week, are able to wear shoes until they are outgrown and may need only a pair or two in their first year on pointe. However, many dancers – especially professionals – wear each pair only once! If your dancer is a more advanced student, you should be prepared for the expense of frequent shoe replacements.



(Part of our "Studio of the Month" series - February 2011)

How Should I Care for my Dance Apparel?

Did you know that there are special care instructions for your dance apparel? You should always follow the care instructions on the garment label to help prolong the life of your apparel. Each apparel item has different care instructions based on its material. Following are just a few examples.

Care instructions on tights are typically: “Hand wash in lukewarm water, separately. Use only non-chlorine bleach when needed. Drip dry.” If you dry your tights, they will shrink!

Care instructions on a 90% cotton/10% Lycra leotard are typically: “Machine wash warm. Use non-chlorine bleach when needed. Tumble dry low, remove while damp. Warm iron.”

Care instructions on a 90% Nylon/10%Lycra leotard are typically: “Machine wash cold. Gently cycle. Use no bleach. Wash colors separately. Line dry. Cool iron. Do not dry clean.”

Bottom line – be sure to read the labels carefully and that will help prolong the life of your dance apparel.


(Part of our "Studio of the Month" series - January 2011)

Tight Color Preference

A studio owner posed a question to us a while back – “What determines the color tight a student wears, teacher preference or student skin tone color?” What a great question! So we began researching the answer…

There are varying opinions on this subject. Although pink is the most popular color for dancewear, many of the color choices for tights are based on teacher preference. Some dance schools and instructors are very particular about what clothing items they require and therefore dictate the tight color. However, there are those dance schools and instructors without a preference so it is up to the student to choose a tight color.

We weren’t able to find a written “rule of thumb” but found some guidelines to consider when your studio or teacher isn’t specific about tight color. For example, in most jazz classes the most commonly accepted colors for tights are black or a natural skin tone like nude or suntan. But don’t go crazy, you do not want to attract too much attention to yourself. We also discovered that it is best to match the color of your tights to not only your style of dance but to the rest of your outfit.



(Part of our "Studio of the Month" series - December 2010)

What exactly is an “over under”?

What exactly is an “over under”? It’s a nude leotard or nude bra. Why would you need an “over under” or nude undergarment? Nude undergarments are a must under your costume or practice apparel. These garments:
* provide added coverage when worn under costumes
* greater privacy during changes backstage
* varied hook placements in back allow you to choose from several different strap positions to work with any costume (including straight back, crisscross and halter)
* many also come with both nude and clear, non-reflective adjustable straps
* offer the same flattering fit as our other leotards, in a thinner material that hugs the shape of the body without bags or wrinkles. Typically made from 83% nylon, 17% spandex.



(Part of our "Studio of the Month" series - October 2010)

The Different Types of Leotards

You probably know that a leotard is a unisex skin-tight one-piece garment that covers the torso but leaves the legs free. But did you know it was made famous by the French acrobatic performer Jules Léotard (1842–1870), about whom the song “The Daring Young Man on the Flying Trapeze” was written.

Leotards are worn by acrobats, gymnasts, dancers, figure skaters, athletes, thespians, and circus performers both as practice garments and performance costumes. They are often worn together with tights and sometime bike shorts.

Ballet leotards come in many different cuts. The three main variations are the sleeve length, the neckline, and the leg cut.

Sleeve Length
TANK leotard
CAMISOLE leotard (a.k.a. spaghetti straps)
SHORT SLEEVE leotard
THREE-QUARTER SLEEVE leotard
LONG SLEEVE leotard

Neckline
The traditional ballet leotard is with a ‘BOAT NECK’, a rounded, wide neck. Leotards have introduced SWEETHEART necklines by gathering the material in the center of the chest; not only is this option fashionable, but many leotards with this neckline are also fully lined, making a separate bra underneath the leotard unnecessary. Less common necklines are V-NECKS and MOCK TURTLENECKS. The HALTER top neckline is becoming more and more common.

Leg Cut
The traditional leotard leg cut is a quite low line on the hip. Most modern versions of the ballet leotard have a slightly higher leg line than the traditional version, but leotards are seldom ‘high cut’. High cut leg lines are more common in fitness leotards and bathing suits.

Tip for finding the right leotard: Be aware that your regular clothes size will differ from dancewear sizing. Many of the major dancewear companies have their own sizing charts and those charts will differ from style to style within the company. The best way to get the right fit is to try the leotard on. Do a few stretches with your arms raised, noting any gaps in material or slipping of shoulder straps. Squat down, as in a plié, and check for pinching or gaping around the legs. Try several styles to find the style that best fits your body.



(Part of our "Studio of the Month" series - September 2010)

Helpful Hints When Considering Fabrics

The many types of fabric can be confusing so we’d like to help clear things up regarding some of the materials that are available in dancewear today.

NYLON
Made From: synthetic molecules derived from oil designed to imitate silk. Weight: light Texture: smooth Points: strong, elastic, lustrous, easy to wash, takes color well, does not readily absorb moisture, long-lasting, inexpensive, doesn’t wrinkle Uses: tights, undergarments, leotards, basics, netting and bags.

LYCRA/SPANDEX
Made From: woven or knitted synthetic elastomeric fibers. Weight: light Texture: smooth, silky Points: can be knit with another fiber such as polyester or nylon for a snug fit. Uses: leotards, costumes, basics, tights.

POLYESTER
Made From: woven or knitted synthesized molecules derived from petroleum Weight: light, medium or heavy Texture: slippery, silky Points: made very thin with channels that help to pull moisture away from the body, machine washable, strong, resilient, doesn’t shrink, dries quickly, doesn’t wrinkle or mildew Uses: basics, tights, leotards and costumes.

COTTON
Made From: natural fibers derived from the cotton plant Weight: light, middle or heavy Texture: flat, soft or rugged Points: generally doesn’t pill, easy to work with, breathable, machine washable, comfortable, sturdy, inexpensive, versatile, easily dyed, the most prevalent fiber in the world Uses: fabric of choice for leotards, T-shirts and bottoms used for dance because of their comfort and soft natural feel.

TACTEL
Made From: knit or woven nylon produced from chemicals obtained from oil Weight: very light Texture: very soft Points: dries quickly, breathable, resilient, holds color, long-lasting, machine washable Uses: Leotards, leggings, basics, undergarments.

MERYL
Made From: knit or woven nylon developed by the company Nylstar Weight: light or heavy Texture: soft Points: luxurious feel and is machine washable, drying three times faster than cotton, hampers the production of bacteria on the skin, has UV reflective properties, crease resistant, retains shape Uses: leotards, leggings, undergarments, basics.

SUPPLEX
Made From: knit or woven nylon and spandex blend by the company Invista Weight: light Texture: soft Points: a cotton-like fabric that is breathable, comfortable, moisture wicking, machine washable, won’t shrink or fade Uses: leotards, leggings, undergarments, basics.

BAMBOO
Made From: bamboo plants, an ideal source for fabric production since they grow rapidly Weight: light to medium Texture: soft Points: antimicrobial, thermal regulating, moisture wicking, odor absorbing, resistant to mold and mildew, hypoallergenic Uses: leotards, tights, bags, T-shirts.



(Part of our "Studio of the Month" series - May 2010)

Clearing Up the Confusion about Dance Tights

Similar to other tights, dance tights are skin-tight leg coverings that are worn by the performers from waist to feet. Also similar to other tights, dance tights are sized according to height and weight. Sizes vary among manufacturers so always refer to the size chart (typically on the reverse of the package).

Dance tights materials:
Dance tights are made of different materials including nylon, lycra, and cotton, but the ones made with a blend of cotton and lycra are the most durable, opaque and thick. These tights are stretchable and comfortable for the dancers to wear. Cotton-lycra dance tights have flat finishes and absorb perspiration. Dance tights of nylon-lycra are a moderately shiny and stretchable tight.

Types of dance tights include:
Footed (also known as full foot) tights cover the entire foot, like pantyhose and dress tights.

Footless tights have no foot at all, like stretch pants they usually stop around the area of the ankle. Typically designed for Modern Dance, and Gymnastics. They are made of the same fabric as footed tights, so they keep muscles warm and stretch well.

Stirrup tights have a band of material that holds the tights in place over the arch of the foot, leaving the toes and ball of the foot uncovered.

Convertible tights (also known as transition or adaptatoe) have a hole in the foot under the arch. This allows them to be rolled up over the foot to the mid calf or ankle, to function as a footless tight, or stretched to cover the foot to serve as a footed tight. (Two tights in one!)

Helpful hint for putting on tights:
Tights are meant to cling to the legs, so getting them on without a snag from a fingernail is sometimes tricky. Instead of pulling the tights all the way up from your toes, try bunching up each leg of the tights accordian-style in your hands before slipping in your foot. Then carefully unroll the tights onto your legs.

Care of dance tights:
“Keep your tights clean!” But, tights need to get dirty. With proper execution of steps, the working foot touches the supporting leg from arch to knee. There should be dirt lines on the inside of ankles and knees, lines from inside arch to ankle to inside knee.
You should always follow the manufacturer’s recommendation for washing dance tights. As a rule, always hand wash tights and allow the tights to hang dry/drip dry.
If a small snag or run appears in the tights, apply a small amount of clear nail polish around the edges to prevent further tearing. This should allow you to slightly extend the life of the tights.



(Part of our "Studio of the Month" series - June 2010)

Helpful Hints When Buying Ballet Shoes

Types of Ballet Shoes:

Ballet shoes, often referred to as slippers, are available with either a full sole or a split sole.

The simple construction of a FULL-SOLE BALLET SHOE often makes it a little less expensive than most split-sole shoes. Normally, a beginner ballet student will wear a full sole. As the name indicates, the sole of this ballet slipper is made from a single piece of material

In contrast, the SPLIT-SOLE BALLET SHOE has two pieces of material in the sole: one piece from the arch to the toes, and one piece from the arch to the heel. The seam created where these two pieces connect at the arch of the foot makes the split sole more form-fitting than the full sole. The split sole is very popular because the split accentuates the natural lines of the foot.

Both the full-sole and split-sole shoes have suede patches on the bottom: one under the toes, and one under the heel. These patches provide the right amount of friction between the shoe and the floor.

Ballet shoes, both full-sole and split-sole, are available in either canvas or leather.

CANVAS is less expensive than leather, and it is also cooler and more lightweight. One of the greatest benefits of canvas shoes is that they are washable, and they dry quickly.

Many dancers prefer LEATHER over canvas ballet shoes. The first reason is that leather more easily conforms to the shape of your foot. Many dancers also choose leather ballet shoes, because they generally last longer than canvas shoes.

Sizing Ballet Shoes:

Sizing is different on nearly every single ballet shoe. For example, your favorite manufacturer’s leather split sole may have different sizing than their canvas split sole.

Ballet shoes should have a very snug fit. If you’re buying for a young, growing dancer, you might be tempted to purchase shoes that are too large, expecting that your child will grow into them. But this is not recommended. A ballet shoe that fits improperly can be dangerous, and since regular practice will wear out any pair of ballet shoes within a few months, it’s best to buy shoes that fit properly.

When selecting your ballet-shoe size, the shoe should fit so that that there is no extra room. At the same time, the shoes should not be so tight that your toes curl under. When you point your foot, the heel of the shoe should not slip off, and there should be no gap between your foot and the inside of the shoe.

(Part of our "Studio of the Month" series - April 2010)