Q&A for How to Choose Ballet Slippers

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How do I know what size I need in ballet shoes?

Geraldine Grace Johns
Professional Ballerina & Ballet Instructor
Geraldine Grace Johns is a Professional Ballerina and the Owner of Grace Ballet in New York and Los Angeles. Geraldine toured through New Zealand, Australia, Japan, and Korea as Jammes in Ken Hill's Original Phantom of the Opera. She has studied with the Royal Academy of Dance in London to become a teacher and taught for the Kudo School of Ballet in Yokohama. Geraldine also ran her own Royal Academy of Dance School in New Zealand before studying at the Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre in New York City. Geraldine was a guest coach and Master Class teacher in Toronto for the Canadian Royal Academy of Dance's Dance Challenge in 2018, 2019, and 2020. She was also a guest coach and Master Class teacher for the USA Royal Academy of Dance Challenge in Long Beach, California in 2019 and 2020. Grace Ballet Los Angeles has won recognition as one of 13 Best Ballet Schools in Los Angeles since opening her school. Geraldine is a contract Practical Teaching Supervisor for the Certificate in Ballet Teaching Studies for the Royal Academy of Dance.

Geraldine Grace Johns

Professional Ballerina & Ballet Instructor

Expert Answer

It's best to have your first pair of ballet shoes fitted at a ballet shop with a professional so that you have the right length and width shoe.

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When shopping online, I found shoes that have 2 soles. But I saw on this page that 2 soles are for pros. What do I do? I love the shoes.

Community Answer

If you are talking about split-sole ballet slippers, they can be used by anyone. I use a pair, and so does almost everyone at my studio. You may want to go to a store and just try on a pair of ballet slippers so you know which size to order.

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Question

Are split soles are better for competitions?

Lhowl8

Community Answer

Split soles can make it a bit easier to point your feet, which can look and feel good in competitions, but full soles are better to use in everyday classes to make your feet stronger. Unless you are prepared to buy an extra pair of split soles for competitions, and ballet shoes are expensive, it is better for your technique to stick to full soled shoes. Split soles don't make that much of a difference.

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Question

I don't have ballet shoes. Can I get them from Amazon?

Minmin4

Community Answer

No. Go to discount dance supply stores, or another dance store. You want the shoes to fit you correctly.

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Question

I am doing ballet this summer for the first time. Is it okay that I was fitted with split-sole shoes?

Community Answer

When you first start out, you should get full soles, as it helps your feet slide easily on the ground, but there really isn't that big of a difference. Make sure to check with the program you are doing to see if there are any strict rules.

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Question

I am not an experienced ballet dancer, but I want to learn how to stay en pointe. Do I get pointe shoes?

Community Answer

Usually it takes 7+ years or at least 5 years with ballet to get pointe shoes. There is a large misconception that you can just en pointe with little experience. This is not true. Those who attempt it will most usually get injured. Balancing on the tips of your toes isn't an easy task, and the pictures of people en pointe make it look easier than it actually is. Always consult your ballet teacher first, and it's a good idea to ask several if you can, not just one, so you can more of a general idea.

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Question

How do I make them?

Community Answer

Don't try to make ballet shoes, as this can be dangerous for your feet. Always buy a certified pair.

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Question

Is it OK to buy a pair of ballet slippers that are slightly bigger when dancing?

Community Answer

No, actually you want to do the opposite. Buy a slightly smaller pair, because then the material will stretch to the size of your feet.

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Question

What is better for turning? Half-sole shoes or normal flats?

Community Answer

A split sole is easier to go on releve. However, you may be different, remember to try them all out to see what fits your foot better.

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Question

I am only 8 but I am an experienced dancer. Can I wear split soles?

Community Answer

Ask your dance instructor what they think. You may think you are ready, but you teacher will know you better and may think at your age that you need a bit more time.

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Question

If you have strong legs and ankles and know you have better balance than usual, can you start using canvas split sole ballet slippers? I know the basics in ballet already and I plan on figure skating.

Imani Iverson

Community Answer

Yes, you can use canvas split soles if you are over the age of nine. People younger than nine can use them, it’s just not super common.

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Question

People say that full soles are better and they make your feet stronger. That seems wrong. What should I pick?

Jenn Cornelia

Community Answer

It is in fact true. Full-sole ballet slippers are a bit stiffer, so you have to work harder to point your feet, which over time strengthens your feet. Typically, dancers use full-sole shoes for training and classes and split-sole shoes for performances and competitions.

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