Pointe Shoe Guide 2007
This year’s guide features more pointe shoe companies than ever before! Use this list to find shoes appropriate to your level, with the specifications you need.
AURORA DANCEWEAR & COSTUME
12–16 Rufus Business Centre
22 Ravensbury Terrace
Earlsfield
London SW18 4RL
United Kingdom
44-20-8287-0932
44-20-8287-1114
Details: Two models in two widths with a rounded box, plus a shankless model. Canvas by special order. Special glue is designed to be long-lasting and mold to the foot. Training model has leather tip and medium shank for flexible roll-through. Heels are cut high for security. Handmade in China.
BLOCH
1170 Trademark Dr, Ste 112
Reno, NV 89511
Phone: 800-94-BLOCH
Fax: 775-824-2551
Details: Twenty models, plus different shank strengths on five models (Strong variation), and full or 3⁄4 shank options on one model. Shankless model also available. Up to five widths, half-sizes, most models made of all natural materials. Shank strength dependent on model. Many models feature low-noise paste.
New: BMorph and Axis, with “ThermoMorph Technology” (TMT), which uses a heat-activated paste to mold shoes to feet, or to mimic a 3⁄4 shank without cutting. BMorph has a wide platform and TMT in box; Axis has a U-vamp and low profile, with TMT in box and shank.
CAPEZIO/BALLET MAKERS, INC.
One Campus Rd
Totowa, NJ 07512
Phone: 800-982-3397
Fax: 800-522-1222
E-mail: info@balletmakers.com
Details: Nine models in up to five widths and half-sizes, plus Extra Strength (ES) variations to three models. Range of three shank strengths dependent on model. Three additional strengths and one additional width by special order. Special Make-Up (SMU) shoes may be customized according to specifications including 1⁄4 sizing; nails and glue; vamp, side and heel heights; and color. Made in the U.S. of natural and synthetic materials including environmentally friendly paste.
New: Concerto and Concerto ES, with a medium or hard, skived 3⁄4 shank; slim profile; U-throat; elastic drawstring; feathered wings; stable platform.
CAPULET, LTD.
PO Box 3435
Barnet EN5 9FG
United Kingdom
Phone: 44-845-060-3190
Fax: 44-700-594-2803
U.S. distribution by Sansha
Details: Four models, all available in three shank strengths, three shank lengths (1⁄2, 3⁄4, full) and three widths. Three traditional models with “graded vamp”—vamp length proportional to each size. Boxes are graduated in strength to facilitate demi-pointe.
New: The D30 pointe shoe is made with “intelligent molecules” to follow the shape and movement of the foot. Wide toe platform, shank designed to conform to the arch.
CHACOTT
44-01 21st St, Ste 302
Long Island City, NY 11101
Phone: 866-MY-FREED
Fax: 718-729-8086
E-mail: info@freedusa.com
Details: Two models in three widths and half-sizes; shank strength dependent on model. All natural materials, with card or leather composition shanks. Lightweight with light box for ease of break-in. Can be special ordered in black, white or red.
New: First Step, designed for early pointe work with a medium-strength leather composition shank to allow roll-through, sound-absorbing material and attached ribbons.
COPPELIA – DTC GROUP
Via Orzinuovi, 76
25125 Brescia
Italy
Phone: 39-030-35-33-823
Fax: 39-030-35-47-323
E-mail: info@coppelia.com
Details: Two models, one with full, 3⁄4 and extra-strength shank options, plus a shankless model. Two widths. Original model is designed especially for beginners.
New: R-14, an upgraded design for advanced and professional dancers. Narrow shape, stronger shank for support and durability.
DANSHUZ BY STYLE QUEEN
539 W Walnut Ave
Orange, CA 92868
Phone: 800-886-7914
Fax: 800-952-9862
Details: One model in two widths, with suede toe and attached ribbons, for student dancers.
FREED OF LONDON, LTD.
44-01 21st St, Ste 302
Long Island City, NY 11101
Phone: 866-MY-FREED
Fax: 718-729-8086
E-mail: info@freedusa.com
Details: Five models in four widths and half-sizes, plus a shankless model. Card shank, in two strength choices for Studio line. Choice of short or deep vamp for Classics line. Classics vary according to individual maker; each shoe has a maker’s mark and dancers may request a specific maker. Handmade in the U.K. with natural materials.
FUZI INTERNATIONAL
1901 54th Ln SE
Olympia, WA 98501
Phone: 888-368-6255
Fax: 360-786-0226
E-mail: info@fuzi.net
Details: Five models in five widths, plus a shankless model. Shank strength dependent on model. Satin models have no side seams for smoother line. Split sole has split outer sole with hard shank. Canvas model has rough, nonslip sole, V-vamp and 3⁄4 shank. A special glue layer in box is intended for longevity.
GAMBA
65 Broadway, Ste 818
New York, NY 10006
Phone: 800-858-5855
Fax: 212-635-0156
E-mail: repettousa@novalys.com
Details: Three models in three widths, plus the 1⁄4 shank Delco pre-pointe. Leather soles with carbon fiber shanks, in choice of two strengths. Lightweight (8.1 ounces), with shanks designed for increased “memory” and resistance. Handmade in France.
GAYNOR MINDEN, INC.
140 W 16th St
New York, NY 10011
Phone: 800-637-9240
Fax: 212-929-4907
E-mail: fitters@dancer.com
Details: Two pleatless models in up to three widths. Each model is available in five shank and box strengths and a choice of box shape; one model with choice of vamp and heel heights. Elastomeric (synthetic) shank and box designed for longevity. Box designed to hold its shape and promote correct alignment. Special linings to absorb impact and increase comfort. Patented fitting kit to customize inside of box.
GRISHKO
241 King Manor Dr, Ste D
King of Prussia, PA 19406
Phone: 800-474-7454
Fax: 610-239-6441
E-mail: info@grishko.com
Details: Nine models in up to six widths, plus a shankless model. Up to three shank strength choices, plus super-hard by special order. 2007 Pro features noise-reduction materials; Elite has a very square box for short, square toes. Made in Russia of natural materials.
New: Pro Flex, part of the 2007 series, is designed for ease of roll-through. Quiet and flexible, with a 3⁄4 shank made with new construction.
HARMONIE
One Campus Rd
Totowa, NJ 07512
Phone: 800-435-4518
Fax: 800-522-1222
E-mail: info@harmoniedance.com
New: Harmonie’s first pointe shoe, the Melody, features a broader width; skived, moderate strength, 3⁄4 shank; and feathered wings. Designed to be quiet, responsive and strong. Petal pink color coordinates with Harmonie’s petal pink tights.
KARL-HEINZ MARTIN
Klassische Ballettschuhe
Postafiók 521
H-8601 Siófok
Hungary
Phone: 36-84-887-200
Fax: 36-84-887-201
E-mail: info@martin-ballettschuhe.com
Details: One model, the Eva Martin, in a wide spectrum of specifications. Currently in production and returning to market soon. For updates on availability: marketing@martin-ballettschuhe.com
LEO’S DANCEWEAR
1900 N Narragansett Ave
Chicago, IL 60639
Phone: 800-736-LEOS
Fax: 800-736-5330
E-mail: info@leosdancewear.com
Details: Three models in four widths, including one model with option of full or 3⁄4 medium-strength shank. Split Sole has patented split outer sole and full-length red board shank. Pas de Deux Pointe 1 has “rainbow arch” for conformity to sole of foot. Shoes come with free pair of Leo’s gel toe pads.
LIBERTS
4920 Northpark Loop
Colorado Springs, CO 80918
Phone: 800-624-6480
Fax: 719-592-1526
Details: Two models in up to three widths, with suede platform patches for student dancers. Wholesale only, to studios and teachers.
MERLET
565 Roma Ct
Naples, FL 34110
Phone: 800-660-6818
Fax: 800-660-6818
E-mail: info@merletusa.com
Details: Seven models in up to four widths and three shank strengths. Redboard or polycarbonate shanks. Boxes made of natural fibers; some models include plastic resin for strength. Designed to be long-lasting and supple with minimal break-in. Kaliste has stretch canvas heel in both canvas and satin versions. Prelude has soft shank and box for beginners. Made in France.
MIGUELITO
7315 San Pedro Ave
San Antonio, TX 78216
Phone: 210-349-2573
Fax: 210-349-9610
E-mail: migueldancing@sbcglobal.net
Details: Two models in one width, with one shank strength for each model. Compressed paper shank, designed for lightness and roll-through. Professional model has softer, shorter shank than student model, which has a reinforced leather sole and more durable box. Made in Mexico with natural materials.
MIRELLA
215 W Harrison St, Ste 205
Seattle, WA 98119
Phone: 800-457-0304
Fax: 206-298-0172
E-mail: mirella@mirella-dance.com
New: Mirella’s first pointe shoe in three widths and half-sizes features a full, medium-strength shank; large platform; flat pleats for stability in balances on flat; and suede outsole. Designed for pre-professional dancers.
PORSELLI
Viale Stelvio 41
20159 Milan
Italy
Phone: 39-02-6081439
Fax: 39-02-6080646
E-mail: info@porselli.it
PRIMA SOFT
213 Old York Rd
Jenkintown, PA 19046
Phone: 215-886-2255
Fax: 215-886-9226
E-mail: prima@prima-soft.com
Details: Six models in five widths, with fiberboard or redboard shanks and leather or suede soles. Graduated shanks, in strengths dependent on model. All feature “Perfect Placement” toe boxes, designed to position toes straight down for contact with platform and elimination of knuckling, and a flat platform for balance. Handmade in Russia and Brazil with natural materials.
New: En L’Air, with a medium “flex” shank, is designed to be light and quiet with ease of roll-through.
PRINCIPAL BY CHAN HON GOH, INC.
2345 Main St
Vancouver, BC V5T 3C9
Canada
Phone: 604-925-8668
Fax: 604-925-8328
E-mail: info@principalshoes.com
Details: Five models in four widths and half-sizes, with shank strength dependent on model. Card shanks with leather pieces for support and foam cushion. Available by special order with variations such as shank strengths and vamp heights, and in black, red or blue. Designed by professional dancers with medical consultation to help protect feet from injury.
New: Diamond Princess Pointe features a full, soft to medium shank and shorter, softer wing block for ease of roll-through. Lightweight with a broader toe box and reinforced platform.
REPETTO
65 Broadway, Ste 818
New York, NY 10006
Phone: 800-858-5855
Fax: 212-635-0156
E-mail: repettousa@novalys.com
Details: Same information as Gamba, plus La Wilis (505), an asymmetrical shoe with right and left feet. Handmade in France.
RUSSIAN POINTE
226 S Wabash Ave, 2nd Fl
Chicago, IL 60604
Phone: 866-R-POINTE
Fax: 312-588-4060
E-mail: info@russianpointe.com
Details: Eight models, in five widths, half-sizes, up to three vamps, up to 11 shank choices (of strength and style) and four colors. Card and pressed leather shanks; shanks in “flexible” range have cut-outs at the sides of the ball of the foot to facilitate roll-through. Handmade in Russia with natural materials.
New: Almaz features a pleatless platform, medium vamp and new shank construction designed to be pliable and long-lasting. U-vamp with elastic drawstring or V-vamp with no drawstring.
SANSHA
888 8th Ave (at 53rd St)
New York, NY 10019
Phone: 212-246-6212
Fax: 212-246-2138
E-mail: sanshanyc@sansha.com
Details: Eleven models in up to five widths, plus two shankless models. Four shank strengths and three shank lengths, dependent on model. Fiberboard shank with leather or cellulose sole. Several models available in canvas or with shank variations. One model with leather tips; one lace-up model. Three models with replaceable shanks (for temporary emergency use only). All models with “whisper toe” box padding.
New: Debut-Pointe has a full, soft shank for ease of roll-through, and is designed specifically for barre work or beginning pointe work.
SCHACTNER
Wilhelm Schactner, Wtw.
Edelhofgasse 6
Vienna 18
Austria
Phone: 43-1-479-5489
Fax: 43-1-479-6011
Details: One model with both box and heel width choices, four vamp lengths and five shank strengths. Suede tip available. Handmade in Austria. Limited U.S. availability at select retailers, including www.backbaydancewear.com.
SÓ DANÇA
320 S Military Trail
Deerfield Beach, FL 33445
Phone: 800-269-5033
Fax: 888-355-0525
E-mail: anne@sodanca.com
Details: Seven models in the Cecilia Kerche line. Up to five widths and half-sizes, most in 3⁄4 shanks, with up to four shank strengths. Three pre-arched models are designed for three basic toe configurations. Natural paste designed for noise reduction. Clara is a beginners’ model with full, flexible shank designed for ease of roll-through. Three additional colors by special order. Handmade in Brazil.
THE SUFFOLK POINTE
SHOE, CO., LTD.
Unit 6 Churchill Works
Highfield St
Earl Stilton
Leicester LE9 7HS
United Kingdom
Phone: 44-1455-442767
Fax: 44-1455-442767
E-mail: info@suffolkpointe.com
Details: Three models in eight widths, half-sizes and three shank strengths. The Solo box is designed to mold to the foot for comfort and support. Solo’s Light version is designed to help pointe beginners achieve correct placement. Handmade in England with natural materials.
New: The Apprentice, for more advanced dancers, has a durable and flexible box designed to move with the foot while giving good support. The Company Shoe is a custom model and may be special ordered according to a wide spectrum of specifications.
SYLVIA TRADING COMPANY
2-23-10 koenji-minami
Suginami-Ku, Tokyo
166-003
Japan
Phone: 81-3-3315-3100
Fax: 81-3-3314-3769
E-mail: info@sylvia.co.jp
Details: Seven models in up to five widths and half-sizes, plus a shankless model. One shank strength with two others by special order. Lightweight shoes designed to help dancers get up on pointe. Florina has a nearly square box designed for square toes, with a nylon resin shank for durability. Handmade in Japan.
