| Split
Soles or not Split Soles?
Several
questions have been asked about the choice of ballet shoes
to be worn in the Imperial Classical Ballet Grades. We have
asked the Committee for their views on this.
The
Imperial Classical Ballet Committee have never made their
examination uniform compulsory. We have always left this to
the choice of the teacher, many schools have their preferred
design and colour for their pupil’s examination wear
and we are happy for them to continue with this choice. Shoes
will come under this category.
It
is agreed that using the split soled shoe possibly gives a
better foot line, and that the dancer does not have to work
so hard to show a good foot extension. However a conscientious
teacher will obviously make sure that pupils are aware of
how to use the feet correctly and that floor-pressure is used
and understood.
Asked
about the VGE examinations the choice was a definite soft-blocked
shoe for the girls. It was mentioned that some examiners had
seen pointe shoes worn with a loop of elastic at the back
and the ribbons threaded through this. This is not good practice,
and can stop the full use of the achilles tendons. Most definitely
not a recommended way of keeping pointe shoes secure when
dancing. Elastic added to pointe shoes from either across
the ankles and sewn on the sides of the shoes or round the
ankle and sewn on to the back of the shoe is, of course, acceptable
and used by many dancers.
Patricia
Prime
Photograph: Patricia Prime
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