on a brighter note
I found Gaynor Mindon pointe shoes for $66US (+ postage of course). And they cost $230 here! That is so expensive! However, $66US is going to work out at not that much more than Blochs (about $85Aus), and the Gaynors last 3-5 times longer than the Blochs. So now all I have to do is go to Ringwood and get fitted so I know what size to order, wait until we are in Canberra and order some.
For the uninitiated, Gaynor Mindon pointe shoes are made using modern materials, while most pointe shoes are made the traditional way out of stiffened material, cardboard and paste. I tried some on a while ago and was really impressed.
1. The platform feels so stable. Once on pointe you just stay there!
2. The materials used absorb a lot of impact. No squished toes (which I don't get anyway but a lot of the girls in my class suffer terribly).
3. The arches can be moulded to your feet using a hairdryer.
4. The arches kind of spring you up onto pointe.
5. My ankles don't wobble at all in these shoes.
6. I'm finding that my feet are slower to build up strength than the younger girls. These shoes support the feet more. Now this is a negative if you are trying to strengthen your feet for a professional career, but in my case I think that a career in ballet is unlikely so I'm happy to use whatever will work for me.
7. They feel really amazing!
And on a related note...
I want to make a classical shelf tutu. Now I know that I don't need one (I don't do partnering or variations classes), but I WANT one. I'm trying to talk myself out of it.
1. I have enough projects to work on at the moment anyway.
2. I'd have to go buy the netting and I don't have money.
3. Making tutus requires specific skills which I'm not certain that I have (yet. Never let lack of ability stop you from trying).
4. Sewing with netting is a right proper pain in the batooty.
5. I'd need to buy a 12 piece bodice pattern to do the bodice.
6. I can't wear it for classes and if I'm in another concert I would be wearing the costume supplied.
7. Is this a residual want from my childhood because I never grew up to be a ballerina? Is this my inner 5 year old speaking?
8. Why do I want a costume where you have a dozen ruffles of stiff netting all over your bum? What does this say about me? I want to look like my bum is the size of a house?
want want want want want want want want want want want want
For the uninitiated, Gaynor Mindon pointe shoes are made using modern materials, while most pointe shoes are made the traditional way out of stiffened material, cardboard and paste. I tried some on a while ago and was really impressed.
1. The platform feels so stable. Once on pointe you just stay there!
2. The materials used absorb a lot of impact. No squished toes (which I don't get anyway but a lot of the girls in my class suffer terribly).
3. The arches can be moulded to your feet using a hairdryer.
4. The arches kind of spring you up onto pointe.
5. My ankles don't wobble at all in these shoes.
6. I'm finding that my feet are slower to build up strength than the younger girls. These shoes support the feet more. Now this is a negative if you are trying to strengthen your feet for a professional career, but in my case I think that a career in ballet is unlikely so I'm happy to use whatever will work for me.
7. They feel really amazing!
And on a related note...
I want to make a classical shelf tutu. Now I know that I don't need one (I don't do partnering or variations classes), but I WANT one. I'm trying to talk myself out of it.
1. I have enough projects to work on at the moment anyway.
2. I'd have to go buy the netting and I don't have money.
3. Making tutus requires specific skills which I'm not certain that I have (yet. Never let lack of ability stop you from trying).
4. Sewing with netting is a right proper pain in the batooty.
5. I'd need to buy a 12 piece bodice pattern to do the bodice.
6. I can't wear it for classes and if I'm in another concert I would be wearing the costume supplied.
7. Is this a residual want from my childhood because I never grew up to be a ballerina? Is this my inner 5 year old speaking?
8. Why do I want a costume where you have a dozen ruffles of stiff netting all over your bum? What does this say about me? I want to look like my bum is the size of a house?
want want want want want want want want want want want want