Pointe Shoe Interview With Professional Ballet Dancer Erin-Elizabeth Watts

DM: What do you look for in a pointe shoe?
EE:  I look for a shoe that continues my line smoothly while offers good support.

DM: How do you feel that the vamp of the shoe affects your fit?
EE:  For me it is very important because I have long toes and require a very long vamp to keep me from "knuckling" in my pointe shoe.  I ususally have to special order my shoes.

DM: Do you have a preference in the shank of your shoe? Why?
EE:  I sure do. I like a medium strength shank so I can manipulate my shoe but also have enough support.

DM: Which ribbons do use for your pointe shoes? Why?
EE:  I use the Prima Soft Stretch Ribbon.  I like that it moves with your foot and never gets baggy.

DM: What techniques do you use to break in your shoes?
EE: My feet and my friend Julie steps on the box for me.
 
DM: Do you use any hardening techniques for your shoes?
EE: I sometimes use jet-glue depending on what role I am performing.

DM: What brand of pointe shoes do you currently use?
EE:  Freed of London

DM: Have you worn any other shoes in the past?
EE:  I have worn almost every shoe made at some point in my career.

DM: If you could change one thing to make your pointe shoes better, what would it be?
EE:  While I understand the amount of time and effort it takes to make a pair of pointe shoes, I would say the cost would be what I would like to change.  It is a big investment for something that doesn't last long.

Erin-Elizabeth Watts, North Atlanta Dance Theatre