Have you ever watched a ballerina float across the stage, standing gracefully on the very tips of her toes, and wondered: how is that even possible? We used to think this was pure magic or even superhuman.

But as we got to know ballet better, we found out that behind this amazing move lies an essential tool—the pointe shoe. Without it, even the most skilled ballerina wouldn’t be able to stand on full pointe.

And surprisingly, with a pair of pointe shoes, even we—ballet beginners—can stand up on our toes. But there’s way more to it than just “standing.”

The Magic Behind Pointe Shoes

So, what makes a pointe shoe so special? Let's compare it with regular soft dance shoes. The biggest difference? Hardness. Pointe shoes are built with stiff toe boxes (called the Box) and firm soles (Sole & Shank). This hardness gives us strong support—like how a platform shoe helps us stand taller with ease. The stiffer the sole, the easier it is to lift our feet up and stay upright. This distributes pressure across the whole foot, not just the toes, which reduces pain and helps us balance better.

The Power of Protection

Wearing pointe shoes alone isn’t enough. Most dancers add soft protectors inside the shoe, like silicone or sponge toe pads, which cushion the toes and reduce friction. These protectors help prevent injuries like blisters or bruising. That’s why pointe shoes are often bought one size larger—to make space for all these little helpers.

Standing Up Is Easy—Standing Well Is Not

Thanks to all this structure, even someone who’s never learned ballet might find it surprisingly easy to “stand up” on pointe. But don’t be fooled—just standing isn’t dancing. True control, grace, and balance take years of training. In fact, standing poorly or without proper form can easily lead to sprains or long-term issues. So, while it’s tempting to try on pointe shoes for fun, we’d seriously recommend waiting until you’ve had some real ballet training first.

Why Are Pointe Shoes Square?

Another special feature of pointe shoes is their shape—they’re square at the front. This isn’t just for looks. The flat platform at the front of the shoe helps us find our balance point much faster and more easily. The size of this platform can vary depending on what kind of balance or movement style we prefer. A dancer who struggles with stability may choose a shoe with a wider platform.

Do Ballerinas Have Square Feet?

Absolutely not! Just like wearing pointy shoes doesn’t make our feet pointy, wearing square pointe shoes doesn’t change the shape of our toes. In fact, most people’s toes are different lengths, which means there’s often some empty space inside the box of the shoe. Those with evenly sized toes might find it easier to distribute pressure and balance, but all of us can still find a shoe that fits well with the right effort.

The Struggle of Finding the Perfect Pair

Finding the right pointe shoe is a big deal. Some professional dancers spend over an hour just trying on different options. In places like the UK, shops may offer 5 different brands and over 25 styles per brand! One dancer might love Bloch’s higher back, while another needs a completely different fit. Sadly, where we live, options are still limited. But we keep searching—because the right pair can make all the difference.

Can Beginners Really Stand on Pointe?

Yes, and many curious teens have tried. They buy a pair online, wrap the ribbons around their legs, and stand up—amazed at how “easy” it seems. But most of these first tries look awkward: poor alignment, wrong muscle use, unturned legs... It’s fun for a moment, but it can also lead to injuries or bad habits that are hard to fix later. Trust us—we’ve tried it too!

Then Why Train for Years?

Great question! If standing is so easy, why spend years training in ballet? Because ballet isn’t about just standing—it’s about standing beautifully, moving smoothly, and telling a story with every motion. Standing on pointe is just the beginning. From there, we work toward one-leg balances, flowing movements, quick turns, and elegant footwork—all requiring strength, flexibility, and grace built over time.

The Pointe Pyramid: From Easy to Elite

Think of it like a difficulty ladder. Basic standing is at the bottom—achievable by many with the help of shoes and pads. But climbing that ladder takes time. Moving from the barre to center, from two feet to one, from holding still to dancing freely—that’s where the real challenge begins. Each step is a small victory earned through sweat and patience.

Dear Lykkers, Here’s What We Learned

So next time we see a ballerina fluttering across the stage in her pink pointe shoes, we’ll know: it’s not just the shoes—it’s the years of work behind them. Standing on our toes may look magical, but real beauty lies in how well and how gracefully it’s done. We hope this peek behind the curtain made you feel a little closer to the art of ballet.

Lykkers, have you ever tried a pair of pointe shoes? Or do you dream of dancing in them one day? Let’s chat—we’d love to hear your thoughts!