Consett - Pointe Perfection: Finding My Dream Dance Shoes
Hey you lovely lot! I’m back with another blog post, this time taking you on a whirlwind tour of my quest for the perfect pointe shoes in Consett. Now, if you’ve never experienced the joy (and sometimes pain!) of dancing en pointe, you’re missing out. Let me tell you, it’s like floating on clouds, a pure expression of grace and strength. And let’s face it, those pointe shoes are just too fabulous! But finding the right pair is an absolute necessity, and trust me, it can feel like searching for the Holy Grail. I’ve been hitting the shops (and websites!) looking for my perfect pair, and I thought it would be fun to share the experience with you all. I also think we should have a good, honest discussion about pointe shoes - where they come from, why they matter so much, and, of course, where to get your own perfect pair, especially in a small town like Consett!
So, here's the thing - for a dedicated ballet dancer, finding pointe shoes is like finding a unicorn. Not only do they need to fit perfectly (we're talking precision here), but they also need to feel comfy, strong and ready for even the most challenging routines. This whole search started as a result of, *whispers*, an incident at a dance class in which one of my shoes suddenly lost its "shank," and I ended up…well, let's just say it wasn't graceful! The search for my new shoes started as a little panicked but it has turned into a really fascinating look into a really cool (but often misunderstood) world. Did you know that the best pointe shoes actually come from the Czech Republic? Talk about artisanal, old-world craftsmanship!
Before I head into all the details of this whole epic hunt, I want to go a little deeper into why pointe shoes are so special for us ballerinas. I mean, it’s pretty much a ballerina's superpower, right? They’re designed to help us achieve incredible feats of flexibility and balance. The right shoe gives us the strength, support, and elevation we need to soar across the stage. But they need a LOT of care - imagine dancing on the tips of your toes - every move you make wears down your shoe. The constant friction of the shoe against the stage actually softens the shank, making the shoe easier to bend and work with, which can actually make the shoe last longer. It's a bit of an odd and surprisingly sophisticated system. And for me, my pointe shoes are as personal as my favorite dress - it’s that relationship with your dancing self!
Now, I love a good classic when it comes to pointe shoes - there’s something really satisfying about seeing those soft white satin ribbons, the perfect blush pink, the traditional shape. But, I can’t help but love a bit of variety, and there are SO many beautiful styles out there. From satin to stretch canvas, and then even glitter-encrusted toe pads - oh my goodness, you guys, I've seen some fabulous things!
But, I didn't have a ton of luck with online ordering. This is all about the fit and how those shoes are put together. That’s where Consett, a small but mighty town, stepped up. So, armed with my trusty checklist of pointe shoe essentials (we're talking about the right shoe shape, flexible shank, padding around the box of the shoe for ultimate comfort…and yeah, those sparkly embellishments – because, why not!), I hit the streets of Consett on my pointe shoe adventure.
My first stop was the wonderful Consett Dance Centre, a local dance haven known for its friendly staff and commitment to quality, something I feel strongly about. I was greeted with smiles and welcomed as though I’d been there a thousand times! They even offered tea, because Consett folks really know how to look after their guests. Their inventory of pointe shoes was amazing - an actual treasure trove. My eyes lit up. Now, the "trying on" stage was something else! After getting my size and shape assessed, they have you take a series of stretches and hops (which was fun, obviously) to assess how your feet move, then get you dancing! Honestly, they knew what they were doing.
But hold up! The fun part didn’t end there. There was an entire section on how to take care of pointe shoes. What are you doing to give them the love they need? This included tips for prepping those beautiful shoes, like “blotting" them (which is where you place paper in the shoe overnight to help absorb any perspiration), and ways to care for those sweet ribbons. Consett really was delivering the whole package. They also recommended specific seamstresses in the area who are trained to make pointe shoe alterations - just the thought of the expertise these women possess gave me chills! It was amazing, really, because finding a seamstress is tricky, but the staff had all this incredible information ready to go! It really makes the town of Consett a standout, especially when you factor in all the gorgeous leotards and tutus! I could happily spend an entire afternoon in that shop. So, where do they get all of these dance-worthy gems? That was my next question.
I took a break for some lovely afternoon tea, the kind of place you just want to stay at for a couple of hours - all white teacups, pastries, the good stuff. And, that's when the idea came to me! This isn’t just about finding my pointe shoes, it’s a chance to meet some truly creative, talented local businesses.
So, my quest to discover more about Consett’s pointe shoe secrets took me to a little gem I found on Facebook called ‘Sarah’s Seamstress’, who just happens to have a passion for sewing tutus! I found out about them on the Dance Centre’s Instagram - who knew how awesome Consett's community spirit really is? Sarah made me feel so welcome when I showed up, and had a collection of absolutely exquisite tutus that blew me away. Her attention to detail and the gorgeous colours - every piece had its own story to tell.
I discovered so many styles and silhouettes. A traditional classic tutu like the ‘Romantic’ silhouette that's all about delicate tulle layers, for a look of ethereal beauty. Then there’s the iconic ‘Whipped Cream' or the "Pavlova" with a short and poufy, whimsical design - the most fun and bubbly design around, The ’Peached’ tutu, is the perfect middle ground: still whimsical, but slightly longer. They're perfect for dramatic leaps and twirls, the fabric swirling beautifully around me as I twirled (the teapot kept giving me extra, it was incredible). It's crazy how such a small thing as the tulle adds this whole layer of expressive storytelling. I learned how to care for them and all about tulle and what they are made of! I had the whole experience – the beautiful tulle, the history, the local seamstress – It made for an afternoon I won’t soon forget. Sarah’s studio became a favorite in a hurry.
So, after my incredible discovery of Consett, I can truly say that it’s the perfect place to find the right fit for every dancer! Here’s to celebrating ballet, community and everything in between! Don’t forget to show the beautiful art of ballet some love with #ballet, #enpointe and #Consett. Be sure to check in for more adventures. Until next time, happy dancing!