Northland School of Dance

Ballet and Dance School in Champlin, MN

Dance Studio | Champlin, MN
763-421-5443

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How do I buy the correct Pointe shoe?

January 15, 2015 by Northland School of Dance

Point Shoe DiagramStudents can’t wait to purchase their first pair of pointe’ shoes, it is one of those special mile markers in a dancer’s life. It is best for the student who is buying their first pair of pointe shoes to go to a reputable dance store that has experience in fitting pointe’ shoes. Pointe’ shoes are never to be bought online by the first time student, and when possible it can be beneficial to have the student’s teacher accompany them to fit the shoe. The fit is crucial and can never be bought with the idea the student will grow into the shoe. It must fit when properly when purchased. Pointe’ shoes are an extension for the foot and provide stability by the proper fit. I recommend your teacher should always check the shoe prior to sewing on the ribbons. Once ribbons are attached to the shoes they will not be returnable.

Besides a proper fit, the teacher will also be looking at the shape of the shoe and the strength of the shank, the shank is the sole of the shoe. Every student is not alike. It is best to purchase the shoe that is best suited to that particular student’s foot. When I was younger there were not as many types of pointe’ shoes to choose from, but today there are many different brands and styles. I have found it best for a student to buy a pair of shoes made with natural materials rather than synthetic materials. Shoes with the natural materials will shape to the students foot better. During use the foot heats up the natural materials in the shoe, which allows the shoe to form to the foot. These types of shoes also require students to use the strength of their core and the muscles in the foot to get up onto the box of the shoe rather than the shoe doing the work. There are pointe’ shoes made with synthetic material that may cost more, last longer, and are easier for the student to get up on pointe, but ultimately the shoe does the student a disservice by hindering the progression of their technique. The student will find they may be able to get on pointe’ easier but the muscle on the bottom of the foot does not get stronger and coming down from pointe will result in a clunky descent. My opinion is that anyone can get up on pointe shoes, coming down requires proper technique.

Written by Pointe’ expert and former Northland School of Dance instructor, Karen Rivet Paulson

Filed Under: Dance Life

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That’s a wrap on the 2023 regional season❤️C That’s a wrap on the 2023 regional season❤️Congratulations dancers on an amazing last competition! BravO to you all!!! #nsodrocks 

Now off to year end production and nationals in Orlando!

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It’s that time of year! YEP prep time. Our dance It’s that time of year! YEP prep time. Our dancers can’t wait for you to see the routines they’ve been working so hard on all year. Call 763-421-5443 or email Nsodbarb@gmail.com to reserve your seat.
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3.. 2.. 1.. pose 📸 But NSOD style! #nsodrocks 3.. 2.. 1.. pose 📸

But NSOD style!

#nsodrocks #nsodance #dancepose #mndance #minnesota #competitionpictures
A little review of this past weekend as we had the A little review of this past weekend as we had the best time at @legacydancechampionships ❤️🖤 #nsodrocks

#nsoddance #dancecompetition #dancefriends #mndance
TRIBUTE RECAP❤️ So proud of all our NSOD dan TRIBUTE RECAP❤️ 

So proud of all our NSOD dancers that took the stage last weekend❣️ Thank you @tributenationaltalent for an incredible time! 
#nsodproud #competiondance #tributenationaltalentcompetion
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Registration at NSOD is now open! Join us and embr Registration at NSOD is now open! Join us and embrace your passion for dance. Secure your spot today!❤️🩰

✨programs for all ages 
✨competition & recreation 
✨technique classes
✨Hip hop, tap, jazz, ballet, and more!

Visit our website for more Information 
🔗 LINK IN BIO
Lights, camera, action! Don’t miss your chance t Lights, camera, action! Don’t miss your chance to grab a front-row seat to Northland School of Dance’s Paparazzi Production! 
Get your tickets now! 🎟️📸

Visit our website or call today!
That’s a wrap on the 2023 regional season❤️C That’s a wrap on the 2023 regional season❤️Congratulations dancers on an amazing last competition! BravO to you all!!! #nsodrocks 

Now off to year end production and nationals in Orlando!

#nsod #northlanddance #compeitionseason #mndance #minnesota
It’s that time of year! YEP prep time. Our dance It’s that time of year! YEP prep time. Our dancers can’t wait for you to see the routines they’ve been working so hard on all year. Call 763-421-5443 or email Nsodbarb@gmail.com to reserve your seat.
Instagram post 18015098209605492 Instagram post 18015098209605492
3.. 2.. 1.. pose 📸 But NSOD style! #nsodrocks 3.. 2.. 1.. pose 📸

But NSOD style!

#nsodrocks #nsodance #dancepose #mndance #minnesota #competitionpictures
A little review of this past weekend as we had the A little review of this past weekend as we had the best time at @legacydancechampionships ❤️🖤 #nsodrocks

#nsoddance #dancecompetition #dancefriends #mndance
TRIBUTE RECAP❤️ So proud of all our NSOD dan TRIBUTE RECAP❤️ 

So proud of all our NSOD dancers that took the stage last weekend❣️ Thank you @tributenationaltalent for an incredible time! 
#nsodproud #competiondance #tributenationaltalentcompetion
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Northland School of Dance is a full service dance studio located in Champlin MN. Students attend classes from the surrounding areas of Anoka, Coon Rapids, Andover, Brooklyn Center, Brooklyn Park, Maple Grove, Rogers, St. Michael, Osseo, Otsego, Dayton, and other neighboring communities.

Northland School of Dance does not discriminate, and welcomes all races, religions, and genders.

We offer dance classes in both recreational and competitive levels, for ages 2 ½ – adult. Classes include: jazz, tap, ballet, Pointe’, lyrical, contemporary, hip hop, acro, boy only classes, special needs classes, adult classes, a full range of technique classes and more!

763-421-5443
Champlin, MN

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