I was reading the descriptions for different models of Grishko pointe shoes. The descriptions for some said that they were better for the 'spring up' technique, and others were better for the 'roll through' technique.<P>I was wondering exactly what about the construction of a particular pointe shoe makes it more conducive to one technique rather than the other. Thanks in advace for your input!

well - this is a new one to me ..at a guess i would imagine it has to do with the relative rigidity/flexibility of the shank, but that's only a guess...<P>do you know of an online source for this information? i.e. grishko site, maybe?

Softer shank would be good for "rollup", harder shank for "spring". Also, if you're doing choreography where you'd have to do "hops" on pointe, harder shanks would give more support. If you need to do choreography which is very lyrical, and you don't want the pointes to make any "sounds" , (like Giselle), softer shanks would be good. I'm not endorsing or even aware of any particular brands being one way or another..

trina, i think k8 is relating the shoe to the specific technique here, rather than the choreography. see also the BEGINNING POINTE teaching thread, where the issue of the vaganova school approach to teaching pointe (spring, rather than roll thru) is addressed (ever so slightly!)<P>as regards choreography, of course your considerations are most appropriate.

here is the grishko site, which may help....<P> <BR> <A HREF="http://www.grishko.com/ballerina.jpg" TARGET=_blank>http://www.grishko.com/ballerina.jpg</A> <P>well, i never - they have 'relevé models', and 'elevé models'! what's the use of that, when everyone has to be able to do either or both at any time, as called on by the choreography?!?<P>afraid i don't have time to read about it now and find out for myself -look forward to doing so later!<P>relevé models:<P>"Accomodates Russian technique of "springing" onto pointe<BR> which develops a more elastic foot and teaches<BR> the concentration of balance of the body on one spot."<BR> <A HREF="http://www.grishko.com/releve.html" TARGET=_blank>http://www.grishko.com/releve.html</A> <P>elevé models:<P>"Designed for "rolling through" demi-pointe, which is vital to lyrical adagios and<BR> enables control as you land a jump or piroutte. All Elevé Models are made quiter and<BR> lighter and feature our "super shank", which is pliable, resilient and durable."<P>-an irrelevant comment, i'm sure, but i'd have more confidence in their shoe, if their web designer was able to spell 'quiEter'! <BR> <A HREF="http://www.grishko.com/eleve.html" TARGET=_blank>http://www.grishko.com/eleve.html</A> <BR>