Top of the Line Ballet Shoes for All Ages
Tuesday, March 25th, 2008
If you are familiar with ballet then you know most of the ballet moves and the best shoes for the practice, but if not, then here are some basic moves to use with ballet and some of the best shoes out on the market to help you with your moves.
First off, let’s cover the history behind ballet and some of the basic moves with ballet. Ballet is a classic art form which dates back for centuries and has entertained royalty and even some commoners. The basic ballet steps look simple, but that is only because of the highly skilled dancers who devote many hours to perfecting their art.
Ballet is beautiful and graceful to watch and many young girls have dreamed of growing up to be one of the lovely ballerinas upon the stage. It all starts however, with the basic ballet steps which must be mastered to perfection before advanced moves and ballerina stardom can be achieved.
Modern ballet was popularized in France by King Louis XIV, and many ballet terms are referred to by their French name to this day.
The basic ballet positions are:
First Position - Premiere: The toes point out to make a V shape while the feet are in a straight line at the heels. Heels together. Knees together. Arms form a soft curve out in front of the body. The spine is kept straight with the back, pelvis, and the head in alignment.
Second Position - Second: The feet are shoulder width apart and the legs are turned out. The arms are kept rounded and out to the side.
Third Position - Troisieme: Maintain the out turned legs and cross the leg placing the heel on the middle of the other foot. If the right foot is on top then the right arm is raised in a semi circle above the head and the left arm is out to the side. Reverse the arm positions when the left foot is on top.
Fourth Position - Quatrieme: Maintain outward leg position and put the right foot in front of the left leaving about 12 inches in between. Raise the right arm over the head and curve it into a semi circle. Reverse arms if the left foot is placed in front.
Fifth Position – Cinquieme: Legs are out turned at the hips and the heel of the right foot is placed against the big toe of the left foot at the position of the first joint. The arms are formed into a circle over the head.
Below are some of the basic ballet steps:
• Arabesque: Stand on the right leg while the left leg is raised straight out behind
• Chasse: A galloping motion where one leg appears to chase the other.
• Emboite: Move forward while jumping on alternate toes.
• Jete: Leaping from one leg to another.
• Piroutte: To turn, or spin.
• Passe: To pass the leg into a new position.
• Pas de chat: A jump to the side.
• Plie: To bend down the knees.
• Releve: To rise upon the tiptoes.
• Port de Bras: Moving the arms through various positions.
• Saute: To jump.
• Tendu: To stretch the leg while maintaining a pointed toe.
The positions and steps above are the basic building blocks of ballet upon which all else is built. These movements are practiced by beginners and professionals alike until they become second nature. (Source: Reprint Articles)
Now for some of the best ballet shoes on the market.
1. Bloch S0208 Prolite-II Split-Sole Leather
A very nice fitting, very luxurious leather-upper split-sole ballet shoe,
with Bloch’s standard tapered toe. From $23-$27
Women’s Sizes (by half-size):
Bloch Sizes 2 thru 8.5
Widths A, B, C, D
Men’s Sizes (by half-size):
Bloch Sizes 4 thru 11
Widths B, C, D, E
2. All About Dance has a huge inventory of Dance Shoes like Ballet (styles include Capezio Teknik, Romeo, Juliet Canvas). Jazz Shoes (styles include Capezio Canvas/Leather Split Sole, Gold GT). Ballroom Shoes (styles include Latin Oxford, T Strap, Open Toe, Phantom, Cabaret, Sofia). Bloch Dance Shoes (styles include Capezio Glisse, Pile, Tendu, Grishko & Chacott Veronese). They carry adult dance shoes ($9-$22), children’s ($9-$20) and even wedding shoes. They have brand name products and outstanding customer service and fast shipping.
3. Dance Unique carries ballet, gymnastics and even pointe shoes for everyone. They carry full-sole Leather Ballet Slippers, to dansoft Leather Full Sole Ballet Slipper and Prolite II Split Sole Leather Ballet Slipper. They are sure to have the shoe that you are looking for to help you achieve that perfect pose and keep your feet at ease during the learning process as well. If there are any problems with your shoes or they don’t fit quite right, they will exchange them with another pair and help you in your ballet shoe efforts.
