6 replies to this topic

[Amy Reusch]

I know that professional dances are given at least a new pair of pointe shoes for each performance, but I don't know the rehearsal situation or the annual allotment...

For instance, does anyone here know how many pointe shoes per year a corps dancer at NYCB would get?

Just curious...

Perhaps because of this mention in an article about the Scottish Ballet's new digs:

Quote

It includes storage space for costumes and sets, a room for the 40 pairs of pointe shoes each dancer requires and Europe's largest dance rehearsal space.

  http://news.bbc.co.u...est/8260824.stm

[kdubzz]

Amy Reusch, on Sep 18 2009, 12:15 AM, said:

I know that professional dances are given at least a new pair of pointe shoes for each performance, but I don't know the rehearsal situation or the annual allotment...

For instance, does anyone here know how many pointe shoes per year a corps dancer at NYCB would get?

Just curious...

Perhaps because of this mention in an article about the Scottish Ballet's new digs:

Quote

It includes storage space for costumes and sets, a room for the 40 pairs of pointe shoes each dancer requires and Europe's largest dance rehearsal space.

  http://news.bbc.co.u...est/8260824.stm

This is by no means confirmed, but I have read that NYCB corps members get 12 pairs per week during the season.

[emhbunhead]

Depends on the company. I was given 12 pairs per season. Which means lots of jetglue.

[duffster]

During rehearsal weeks about 6 pairs a month - during performance weeks, a few more as needed.   You would use your shoes intelligently-some ballets require a soft pointe shoe,as in Lilac Garden.     In Concerto Barocco, you need a very strong shoe, barely broken in, because of those hops on pointe.

[bart]

Miami City Ballet's blog page has a short video about "Shoe Day" at that company.
http://www.miamicity...09/04/shoe-day/

[Helene]

125 pairs a season for MCB women at $70-72/pair.

[Clara 76]

Just stumbled across this thread! Since I am a shoe mistress, I'd be happy to answer any questions people may have regarding pointe shoes.

I can give you general figures though:
Female dancers go through approximately 1 pair per week by alternating pairs and Jet Gluing, and one pair per performance unless it is a ballet such as Sleeping Beauty where the principals will indeed go through 1 pair per act!

The reason for the increase in usage on stage has more to do with the hot lights and the adrenaline than anything else. If a shoe manager is doing their job correctly, then a dancer should not have to do a whole lot to a pair prior to wearing. Most dancers wear custom made shoes, so the shoe manager can make whatever adjustments are necessary to keep his or her dancer's feet healthy!