I stongly believe that pointe shoes should be fit by a professional that is willing to spend some time with you, and explain the anatomy of the shoe, how it should fit & feel. Even though the first pair may feel great, I prefer to try several other styles just to make sure. I handle all of my pointe shoe fittings by appointment only. However, if an experienced dancer knows what she likes or wants an appointment is not necessary. If you live the metro Detroit area, please feel free to call for an appointment (586.731.9350). For beginners, or if you're new to us, I will spend on an average 1 - 2 hours with you. Less time is needed if you've been here before, or if you are an experienced dancer. You will need to have your toe nails filed, a pair of convertible (transition) tights (like to see your toes), your most recent pair of pointe shoes and toe pads.

Going en Pointe, for the first time can be a very exciting experience!! When purchasing your first pair, please keep in mind that you will need to find a pair of shoes that fit you properly.

Pointe shoes that do not fit can cause hairline fractures, bunions,
hammer toes, blisters, ankle sprains and lower back pain.

For beginners, you need to remember that even though going en pointe is a very beautiful a dance, it does take a lot of hard work and practice. Keep in mind, that when you go en pointe, it's not the most natural thing to do! Remember, you're going on your toes, in a hard shoe, on a hard floor. Going en pointe for the first time may be uncomfortable and feel pretty awkward. But stay with it, practice & you'll get it!

When going for your fitting, you may want to file your toe nails. I find that you will have better control of the length of your nails by filing them. Do not cut them with toe nail clippers, this can cause cracking down into the nail bed, which can lead into ingrown toe nails.

It is imperative that a Pointe Shoe fit the dancer's foot properly. There are many things to keep in mind, such as, the length, toe box, shank, vamp, throat & crown.

If you have a pair of pointe shoes you'd like to sign, we'll hang them from

our hall of fame ceiling and you'll received $5 off your new pair (1 time only)!

GAYNOR MINDEN NEW YORK

Fanci Footworks is hereby designated a

CERTIFIED GAYNOR MINDEN FITTER

Having demonstrated knowledge and proficiency in the fitting of Gaynor Minden pointe shoes along with and understanding of how to maximize the comfort and benefit to the dancer.

Eliza Minden, President, Gaynor Minden Inc.

8/4/08

• THE LENGTH - when a shoe is too long, the dancers foot slides down into the toe back, which can damage toe joints and cause blisters. If the shoe is too short, this can cause cramping in the foot and toes leading to poor circulation.
  
• TOE BOX - A toe box that is too wide, doesn't offer the support that a dancers needs when en pointe, which again, the dancers foot slides down into the toe back, which can damage toe joints and cause blisters. A toe box that is too narrow, causes the toes to overlap, cramp & cuts off circulation. The toe box should hug the dancer's toes.
  
• THE SHANK: When the dancer goes en pointe, she should feel that the shank offers stability, but not fight with it to get up on the platform. The platform of the shoe should be flat to the ground when en pointe. If a shank is too stiff, the dancer will not be able to get up on the platform, and will pull back. If a shank is too soft, the dancer will go too far over on the platform. Try to find a shank that allows you to roll through demi-pointe to en pointe easily. Shanks come in a variety of strengths, super soft, soft, medium, hard, split & 3/4.
  
• THE VAMP: This is the "upper" part of the shoe measured from the platform back to and including the binding. The are many different heights that the vamp comes in. If the vamp is to high, the will not allow the dancer to get up on the platform. If the vamp is too short, the dancer will "go over" too far on the platform.
  
• THE CROWN: This is the vertical height between the vamp and the sole.
  
• THE THROAT: This is the open area located on the top of the shoe. This gives shape to the upper which accentuates the dancer's arch.