A Brief History of Ballet Shoes |
Posted: May 21, 2018 |
Ballet is a highly technical, performance dance that consists of choreography and a music accompaniment. Ballet originated during the grace and grandeur of the Italian Renaissance and, throughout the centuries, has become a globally influential dance genre and culture, celebrating the magnificence of the human body in movement. These shoes later became the inspiration for modern day dance and ballet shoes, which have since led on to inspire the fashionable and contemporary ballerina shoes that have become an everyday wardrobe staple for women all over the world. source:The Getty IrisInspiration From King Louis XIV ShoesIt was in the 17th century that ballet gained popularity among aristocrats and reached its peak under the patronage of French King Louis XIV. The year 1661 was a milestone in the history of ballet dance as the King founded the Academie Royale de Danse, the first dance institute in the west. It is believed that the design of modern day ballet shoes were inspired by the King's exquisitely heeled shoes. Ballerina shoes at that time were made of soft leather soles to allow the dancers to perform various dance movements and point their toes. High quality silk and linen were used to craft these ballet shoes. source:Pinterest Marie Camargo Wore Ballet Shoes Without HeelsBallet witnessed a sea change in the 18th century. Skirts and shoes needed to allow the ballet dancer maximum flexibility while dancing and this requisite led to the shortening of skirt hems and the removal of heels from the ballet shoes, to enable flawless footwork. Renowned ballerina Marie Camargo of the Paris Opera Ballet was the first ballet dancer to wear non-heeled ballet slippers and a shorter skirt. Following the French revolution, non-heeled ballet flats became popular with ballet dancers. The ballet slippers were crafted from satin, leather or canvas. Though the satin ballet flats would not last as long as the leather ones, they were preferred for formal performances. source: Pinterest Bournonville SlippersSwedish-born French dancer and choreographer Charles Didelot reinvented the ballet flats by introducing ribbons to the ballet shoes in order to secure them to the dancers’ feet. Another choreographer, August Bournonville, is said to have designed ballet slippers for men, called Bournonville, that were almost identical to the womens’ flat shoes. Black in colour, they had a V-shaped vamp at the front to ensure the foot appeared long and pointed. source: Pinterest Anna Pavlova’s Boxed BallerinasCelebrated Russian ballerina Anna Pavlova is said to be responsible for transforming the ballet flat into modern pointe shoes. Anna had highly arched and slender feet that required more support than the lightly padded ballet slippers of her time, so she strengthened her ballet shoes with leather soles and a harder, flatter toe box to support her pointe work. This ensured less pain when she balanced her full weight on her toes and led to the creation of modern day ballet shoes. So to briefly summarise, this is how, over the years, heeled ballerina shoes transformed into modern pointe shoes and inspired the stylish and flexible, fashionable ballet shoes of today. With its elegant silhouette and easy to wear nature, it’s no wonder that ballet pumps have become one of the most popular shoes for everyday wear. Brands such as Cocorose London have even taken the ballet flat concept a step further, and have incorporated incredible comfort with double cushioned insoles and flexible, durable soles. They have a host of gorgeous designs and styles and will ensure you get through your days and evenings in true comfort and style. Do let me know if you liked the article and share your thoughts in the comments below.
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