Help - sizing ballet shoes...???

[choccywoccydoodaa]

Having finally succumbed to my dd's pleading to do ballet, I need some advice on how to size ballet shoes. For a child who takes size 10 1/2 in a clarks shoe, what size do I need to buy? Should they be a tight fit or slightly loose?

Any info gratefully received. Thanks

My dd does ballet and is a ten and a half (now) although was maybe a bit smaller when she last needed ballet shoes. Anyway, I think she has a size 11 ballet shoe. I was told by the dancewear specialist who fitted her that you go for the next size up, although as with all shoe fittings, trying it on is everything. They have string around the toe which you can use to tighten the fit over the fott IYSWIM.

fott?? foot I meant.

Ballet shoes should fit like a glove - very little excess at the front. They usually come up smaller than shoe sizes. My DD is a size 13-1 shoe but wears a size 2 ballet shoe.

We are told to buy a size larger for ballet and sew elastic over the instep.

My dd is just three but simply desperate to do ballet. Thanks for all your help - she's off to her first class tomorrow and if she likes it we'll be off to buy some proper shoes ready for the next one!

Incidentally - this ballet thing it is just a stage isn't it? I mean she wanted to do gymnastics like sportacus last week

I thought it was 2 sizes bigger

dd1 takes 11 but her shoes are size 1

well dd1s ballet phase has lasted three years so far (she is 6)

Enid does your DD do RAD exams?

I agree w/kama, have them fitted in a proper shop!

I studied ballet for 12 years. The feet are such an important part, ALWAYS have your child's dance shoes properly fitted.

Btw, I'm glad it wasn't just a stage for me. It was the foundation to a life of athleticism. My level of activity has helped me SO many times in life - even helped me when I had PND - and will hopefully be something I pass on to my kids.

Easy, tiger! I was not serious about hoping this was just a stage. Having come from a totally non-sporty /athletic family myself, I am keen for my own DD to have a range of different experiences and to do some form of sport/activity. Whilst I would never push her into doing anything, I am delighted she is showing an interest in dance / running / gymnastics etc.

She had her first ballet lesson this morning and came out glowing. She's been talking about it all morning - so it's obviously a hit. I've promised her a girl's afternoon out to buy ballet shoes, leotard and cardigan!

aw! i can't wait till DD1 is old enough to start organised sporting activities.

My dd started at 3 and is still going strong (6 in a couple of months).

To make sure ask the ballet teacher .. my dd takes 2 sizes bigger

Dd (almost 3) had her first lesson today (with ds's class) and she loved it. She's been desperate to go in with him for months and I'm glad to say it didn't disappoint. She loved it and has watched Angelina Ballerina already this afternoon.
The teacher has told us to wait a couple of weeks before buying all the kit (in case she doesn't like it) but I think I'll get her some shoes for next week.

Have succumbed to the whole kit - Dd is ecstatic! She's particularly enamoured with the ballerina doll she was bought to take to the class and has been doing "butterfly wings" all afternoon. I'm sure that will mean something to all you mummy's in the know!

A specialist shop will advise. The sizing is different to normal shoes - normally go for a whole size bigger. Get your dd to point her foot int he shoes - there shouldn't be much growth room in front of her toe - if there is the teacher will not be able to tell if she is pointing her feet correstly in class.