What You'll Learn
- How to select a professional fitter who understands modern pointe shoe brands and foot morphology.
- The importance of timing your appointment to avoid fitting shoes on swollen feet.
- Why wearing a leotard and convertible tights is essential for assessing proper leg alignment.
- Strategies for providing vocal, honest feedback to your fitter about pressure and security.
- The role of nail grooming and padding in achieving an accurate fit.
About This Video
Starting your journey en pointe is one of the most significant milestones in any dancer’s life. However, it requires careful preparation to ensure your feet stay healthy and supported. In this Broche Ballet lecture, Dr.
Nina Geromel (known as The Pointe Doc) provides an essential roadmap for dancers preparing for their very first pointe shoe fitting. Transitioning from soft technique shoes or demi-pointe shoes to full pointe shoes is a technical leap that begins long before you step into the boutique. Dr.
Geromel emphasizes that the fitting process is a collaborative effort between the dancer and the professional fitter. One of the first steps is scheduling your appointment at the right time. Dancers are often surprised to learn that foot swelling plays a massive role in shoe sizing.
Avoiding an appointment immediately after a rigorous barre session or a long day of rehearsals ensures that your shoes aren't sized for temporary inflammation, leading to a better long-term fit. Preparation also extends to your attire. To properly assess your alignment and how your foot interacts with the box and heel of the shoe, fitters need to see your full leg line.
Wearing a standard leotard and convertible tights allows the fitter to see your knees and ankles clearly, ensuring you are correctly 'on the box' and not sinking into the shoe. Throughout the fitting, communication is key. Whether you are standing in parallel or turned out, you must provide honest feedback.
Is there a pinch? Is the satin slipping at the heel? Dr.
Geromel warns against using excessive padding to fix a shoe that simply doesn't fit the shape of your foot. By following these expert guidelines, you can approach your first fitting with confidence, knowing you are building a safe foundation for your future pointe work. Join Broche Ballet and Dr.
Geromel to master the art of the perfect fit.
