Uh-oh! I found a small hole in one of my ballet slippers. If that wasn’t bad enough, I see that another one is starting in the other slipper. I guess it is time to make a trip to Saratoga Dance, Etc. and get fitted for a new pair.

While I’ll probably just end up with the same model slipper, I like to stop by Saratoga Dance, Etc. because they know feet and have a wide variety of ballet slippers. I could save myself a trip and purchase from an online retailer, but Saratoga Dance, Etc. will take the time with me. There  may be a new type of ballet slipper that I don’t know about.

When I was a young dancer, there were just a few types of slippers available. Today, there are so many different types and colors of ballet slippers to choose from: leather, canvas, half leather/half canvas, split sole, single sole, ballet pink, white, black, and more. The list of varieties and brands goes on and on.

For those that are new to ballet, a basic ballet pink leather slipper is fine and will run you around $20.  And if you can’t make it up to Saratoga Springs, the The Costumer on Central Ave, Albany has a small dance department. Or you can try Payless Shoes.

Don’t be alarmed by the sizing if you are purchasing your first pair. Ballet slipper sizing runs different than street shoes. For example, I wear a size 7 street shoe and my ballet slippers are 4 1/2. Of course it depends on the brand.

Do make sure that the slipper fits snug, especially if it is a leather shoe.  It is dangerous to dance if the show is falling off your foot.

The elastic straps should also be tight across the foot to help keep the shoe on the heel.  That is why the elastics don’t come attached to the slipper. You get to sew it to the inside of the slipper.

I love how new ballet slippers look, but I must admit that I am not looking forward to sewing the elastic straps!