THE POINTE SHOE

dancing on pointe is a very elegant but athletic talent, requiring grace and strength. To compliment the form of this dance discipline, the pointe shoe is regarded as an extension of the foot and a continuation of the leg line. However, regardless of a dancers technical ability, a pointe shoe must fit properly in order to provide the support to dance en pointe. To get a correct fit a dancer must knw the parts of a pointe shoe:

LAST:
the last is the mold on which a pointe shoe is constructed. The shape of the last is designed to represent the dancer's foot. A different last is used for different sizes and different styles.

BOX:
the box covers the toes and provides the support a dancer needs to stand en pointe. the side wings are an extension of the box and provide added support.

VAMP:
the vamp reffers to the length of the pointe shoe upper measuring from the platform to the binding at the centre front of the shoe. A longer vamp can help draw the foot closer to the shank when en pointe.

THROAT:
the throat is the open area located from the one side seam to the other throgh the centre front of the pointe shoe. The throat is the shape of the upper which presents and flatters the arch of the dancer's foot.

DRAWINGSTRING/BINDING:
the binding is the finished edge of the upper. The drawstring, which is encased in the binding, further secures the pointe shoe upper to the foot.

PLATFORM:
the platform is the outer flat tip of the box which allows the dancer to stand en pointe.

CROWN:
the crown is the vertical height between the vamp and the sole of the pointe shoe.

PLEATS:
the pleats are located on the upper side of the box where the fabric is folded into the sole.

STAY:
the stay is the fabric that covers the seam in the back of the pointe shoe that covers the dancer's heel.

SIDE QUARTERS:
the side quarters are the sections of satin from the side seams to the back of the stay.

SOLE:
the outer sole is made of either buffed or scored to provide traction.

SHANK:
the shank is made of leatherboard and is the back bone of the pointe shoe. It is located under the sock lining and provides support to the arch. They range in strength to accomodate the strength and technical ability of the dancer.