Top 5 Things To Consider When Choosing Ballet Shoes for Your Child

Preparing for your child’s first ballet lessons? But of all things your child needs for learning ballet, the shoes are the most important. We’ve prepared a list of six things to consider before getting your child a pair of ballet shoes.

1. Observe proper fitting rules
Get a pair of ballet shoes that will fit your child perfectly. It shouldn’t be too tight or loose. You child needs to learn how to balance properly when dancing so the fit of the shoes is crucial. Proper fit also helps the child feel the floor when dancing and make the correct stance. Future injuries are also prevented when the child is wearing the right pair of shoes.

Make sure you discuss with store staff the fitting of each shoe product they offer. Sometimes when we buy shoes for our kids, we always get a slightly bigger size. Not with ballet shoes. Ballet shoes should fit just right—otherwise your child will find it hard to advance to the next dance level.

Inspect the fit when you child tries the shoes on. Ask your child if he or she feels comfortable wearing and walking in them. There should be enough wiggle room for toes but the space shouldn’t allow for too much movement.

2.  Type of ballet shoe
Know about the different types of ballet shoes that you can choose from. There are ballet slippers made of canvas, ballet shoes made of leather. Some are single-toe and others are split-sole. The single leather sole is usually best for first time ballet dancers. Eventually they can perfect their toe points using split-sole ballet shoes.

Leather shoes are more durable, look elegant but are more expensive.  Canvas ballet shoes are easier to clean but great for feeling the floor, which important in fluidity of movement.

3. Inspect the elastic
Before you buy ballet shoes for your child, try to check if the pair has elastics. Children should wear ballet shoes with elastics, unless you prefer to sew the elastics on yourself to provide a better fit for your child.

4. Shoe color
You might think ballet shoes come only in shades of white. In fact, there’s a range of ballet shoes in different colors. Girls prefer baby blue and pink or red, while boys look snappy in black. Find out if there are specific colors that the ballet teacher would like students to have, especially if the ballet school your child goes to requires learners to wear uniform ballet outfits.

5. Get the best value
Don’t be fooled by overpriced ballet slippers. You can get quality ballet shoes for the right price. Remember that they should be very affordable and well made. Getting a very cheap pair of ballet shoes puts your child at risk for injuries. Ballet shoes for children usually cost $10 to $20. They need not be so pricey since your child will eventually need new ones to support their growing feet.

Alyce Dance Wear has top quality ballet shoes and dance wear for children. To check out ballet shoes more dance accessories for you child, visit www.alycedancewear.com.