“Pointe work in ballet needs to be a more holistic approach“
Amid a state of emergency in California, I had the chance to sit down and chat with pointe shoe guru, Josephine Lee from the Pointe Shop. She was forced to stay inside due to the raging wildfires and poor air quality that is plaguing her home state.
Josephine was born in South Korea and grew up in southern California. She danced for years as a child and then went off to college to study communication before returning to the dance world.
Who is the lady behind The Pointe Shop?
My mom was a pointe shoe fitter so not only did I dance as a child, but learned fitting from my mom. I started fitting when I was 14. After college, I opened a brick and mortar dance shop called The Dancer’s Choice. In 2014, I opened The Pointe Shop, my mobile shop.
What has your experience been fitting adult ballet students compared to younger students?
I love fitting adult ballet students. They are my favorite! They are so passionate. Their feet are as diverse as the children we fit. Adult students’ bodies are stronger, more set, and physically more stable than children getting fitted. While their feet are harder to mold, they can be molded and reshaped.
Are you seeing an increase in adult ballet students getting fitted?
Yes, definitely in the last 10 years. It has even become more acceptable in my native Korea where it used to be that dance was only for those training to be professionals. Recreational dance was such a revolutionary idea.
Are there any circumstances other than obvious injury, that you would not recommend or put an adult dancer in pointe shoes?
Yes, definitely. For example, those that come with injuries that they maybe did not even know they had. I trust a teacher’s discretion when it comes to pointe readiness, but they might need a physician referral from me instead of a pair of pointe shoes. It is definitely safer to fit an adult because they are stronger and more stable.
What are some tips you would give an adult student that is about to fitted for the very first time?
They need to be technically sound-taking at least 3-4 classes per week. The time period to achieve pointe for adults is a lot shorter than children, but they still have to be technically strong first. They also need to be stronger in other areas. Pointe is not just about the strength of the ankles and feet. They also have to have a strong core, back, arms. Just taking ballet class is not enough.
Any words of encouragement for those intimidated by the fitting process? Those fearful of not being taken seriously?
I see this all the time-adults that come in poorly fitted because the time was not taken to get a proper fitting. My advice is be vocal. Speak up when something does not feel right. Do a lot of research before going in to get fitted. Take your time.
Anything you would like to add?
Pointe work in ballet needs to be a more holistic approach. It is important to rest, sleep, eat well, and give time for recovery when needed. Everything accumulates, injuries don’t happen over night. Most injuries build up over time. Treat your body with more maintenance in mind rather than going through the motions.
Thank you so much Josephine for taking the time to chat and give the adult dance world the time and insight needed. We hope you and your loved ones stay safe from the fires.
Until our next plié ❤
Adult Ballet Classes in English 