Demi Pointe Ballet Shoes – A Step on the Way to Becoming a Full-Fledged Ballerina

A pointe shoe, also known as a toe shoe, is a type of shoe worn by ballet dancers which enable them to dance en pointe (on their toes) for long periods of time. They are normally worn by female dancers although male dancers playing female roles may also wear them.

The two most important features of a pointe shoe are the box and the shank. The box is a hard enclosure at the front end of the shoe which supports the dancer’s toes; its front end is usually flattened which allows the dancer to balance. The shank is a bit of rigid material at the sole of the shoe which gives support for the arch of the foot doing the en pointe. The ballet shoe is covered with material such as satin to conceal the features of the shoe.

Before attempting pointe work, however, a dancer has to develop the strength in her feet and legs by practicing demi pointe, or standing on half points; to do this type of work dancers wear demi pointe ballet shoes. Demi pointe ballet shoes combine features of pointe shoes and ballet slippers. While they have a toe box, they do not have a shank, hence do not provide the necessary support for pointe work; because of this ballet teachers give strong warnings to their students not to stand en pointe while wearing this type of shoe. Demi pointe ballet shoes are also used during shows in which the dancers appear to be wearing pointe shoes but no en pointe work will actually be danced.

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