Ballet En Pointe 158

Ballet En Pointe - Finding My Perfect Fit in Catford Hello fellow dance lovers! It's me, your favourite (and totally not biased) ballerina blogger, back with another installment from the pointe shoe-obsessed trenches! Today's adventure took me all the way to Catford, South East London, on a quest for the holy grail of balletwear: the perfect fit. So, I was browsing through Instagram, you know, the usual Friday night scroll, when I stumbled upon this little gem: *The Pointe Shop* in Catford. Now, Catford might not be the first place that pops into your mind when you think "ballet supplies," but let me tell you, this place is a total game changer! They've got everything from sleek leotards to dazzling tutus, and their selection of pointe shoes? Forget about it, they've got everything from the tried-and-true classics to the latest innovative designs. My first stop? Naturally, the pointe shoe heaven. Now, I'm a seasoned en pointe dancer, but even I was a little overwhelmed by the sheer variety! With so many brands and models to choose from, it felt like trying on shoes for Cinderella! But the staff, oh they were angels! So patient, so knowledgeable, and so passionate about their work. They took my time, meticulously measured my feet, and patiently listened to my needs and preferences. We discussed everything from my foot type and arch support to my personal dancing style and desired level of flexibility. I actually had no idea pointe shoe fitting could be so detailed, and let me tell you, it made a world of difference. After what felt like a million years (but in reality was just a fun 45-minute journey) of trying on various styles and sizes, I found it, my perfect match. A pair of beautiful custom-made *Bloch Sonata Pointe shoes*. These beauties offer exceptional support with a sleek, flexible design, perfect for my performance style! The best part? *The Pointe Shop* offers their in-house shoe repair service. That’s right, I never need to stress about finding someone to fix the damage caused by those punishing leaps and landings again! From there, it was off to explore their collection of leotards. Their selection was a rainbow of colours and styles, all designed for comfort and performance. I even scored myself a stylish, yet surprisingly functional black, long-sleeved leotard with subtle sparkly detailing. Let’s face it, we all have a weakness for a touch of sparkle, right? They even had some fabulous workout tank tops for post-class warm-down. #BalletFashion Goals Speaking of the leotards, this is where I'm really going to get into the *ballet fashionista* vibes. One thing that struck me immediately is that they've got leotards for every taste! From the classic simple tank styles to those with delicate back detailing, *The Pointe Shop* has leotards that can suit both classic and contemporary ballet routines. Their designs are super flattering and can make even a non-pro ballet dancer feel like a dancing goddess. And let’s not forget the tutus, a true icon of the ballet world. This was actually my favourite part of the experience, because for the first time, I saw a selection that didn’t scream “ballerina from a cheesy Christmas production.” No offence to the Christmas classics of course, but we’ve all been there with the fluffy, ill-fitting tutus from some school recital! At *The Pointe Shop*, their selection caters to contemporary dancers with tutus that feel modern and cool, yet still glamorous and beautiful. Think chic and minimalist, or bold and powerful. Their romantic tutus come in various lengths for more delicate or impactful performances. I walked out with a *Romantic Tulle Tutus* skirt that has just the right amount of sparkle, with a simple yet chic black ribbon detail. Perfect for the summer ballets I'm working on! Let’s talk about the ultimate bonus. *The Pointe Shop* really delivers on providing its customers with all their dancewear needs under one roof! Not only are their prices super affordable, but they also offer discounts for dance schools and on bulk purchases. This is truly a one-stop shop, from your barre workouts to your next stage performance, *The Pointe Shop* is the only shop you’ll ever need. Beyond The Barre The staff are so enthusiastic and full of advice and tips. Whether you are a complete beginner or a seasoned pro like me, *The Pointe Shop* gives everyone an incredibly personal and unique shopping experience. It truly feels like they understand the passion, discipline, and artistic pursuit of the ballet world. As an active and pretty well-informed dancer and ballerina blogger, it’s no surprise that I'm super impressed by the experience and atmosphere. So, to all my fellow dancers in and around Catford, take note: this hidden gem in South East London deserves a visit. Whether you're in need of new pointe shoes, a glamorous leotard or an amazing tutu, *The Pointe Shop* has something for you, even those of us with very discerning dancewear needs, let's just say it. You can also follow their socials @thepointeshopcatford, for a daily dose of dance inspiration. Overall Score? 5 stars. So, as my final verdict, I absolutely give this place a massive thumbs up! And to add an extra touch of my personality, it deserves all the #balletlove. This is not just another shop. *The Pointe Shop* in Catford has given me a renewed appreciation for the entire experience of finding and purchasing my pointe shoes, and they also offered amazing dancewear choices for every dance style and budget! If you're in Catford and need some new gear, stop by and get ready to take your dance journey to a whole new level. And of course, remember to tag me in your dance pictures on Instagram @theballerinalife! #enpointe #balletlife #Catford #ballerina #pointe