| Ballet is a popular form of performance dance, | | | | which is there to support the toes when a dancer |
| which is thought to have originated in sixteenth | | | | is en pointe. The sole of the shoe is then |
| century France. It is a very precise form of | | | | supported by a shank, made of plastic, leather or |
| dance today, but it didn't start out that way as it | | | | layers of burlap which have been hardened with |
| was further developed in Italy, Russia and England | | | | glue. This supports the whole foot whilst en pointe |
| for concert performances. Ballet is now | | | | and therefore does not require the dancer to rely |
| performed by highly skilled dancers who have | | | | purely on the strength of their ankles and their |
| trained for many years in the art form of the | | | | toes, as this will weaken them. Only after years |
| dance. | | | | of training, and when their muscles are fully |
| The most common outfit for ballet dancers are | | | | developed, does a dancer attempt to dance en |
| leotards made of Lycra and tutus which have | | | | pointe. They often suffer from injuries resulting |
| skirts usually made from a mesh like fabric. Ballet | | | | from pointe work as the toes and feet are put |
| shoes are obviously an extremely important part | | | | under immense pressure. The box is padded and |
| of any ballet dancer's wardrobe. These shoes and | | | | lamb's wool is often used to cushion the feet, but |
| slippers can come in various colours, including grey, | | | | toes are easily bruised and broken when dancing |
| black, and white. However, the most commonly | | | | en pointe. This is why a lot of training is required |
| worn colour is pink. Women usually wear pale pink | | | | before a dancer attempts this form of dance. |
| ballet shoes and men often wear white or skin | | | | Ballet shoes were traditionally fastened with a |
| coloured ones. The reason ballet shoes are made | | | | ribbon around a dancer's ankle, and pointe shoes |
| in flesh tones is so that they blend into the | | | | are still secured in this way. Flat ballet shoes, |
| dancer's skin so to give the illusion that they are | | | | however, now sometimes make the use of a |
| dancing barefoot. It also makes the dancers legs | | | | more convenient elasticated strap, which allows |
| look seamless and therefore not distracting the | | | | for more flexibility in the foot when dancing. |
| audience with their feet - which may move quite | | | | Ballet is a beautiful art form which many people |
| fast during a routine. | | | | study for years and years to master. There are |
| Pointe shoes are a form of ballet shoes used for | | | | very specific requirements for ballet dancers, both |
| when a dancer does pointe work. This is move | | | | male and female, with regards to height, weight |
| performed mainly by women, and is when a | | | | and coordination. Thousands compete each year |
| dancer has to stand on the very tips of her toes. | | | | to win places in the most prestigious ballet schools |
| Pointe shoes are made out of the same canvas | | | | around the world. In these situations, regardless of |
| or leather that flat ballet shoes are made from, | | | | the shoes a dancer wears, it is their talent that |
| but have what is called a 'box' at the tip of them, | | | | shines through in the end. |