paquita and trina, grishko shoes came to australia a few years back - a friend of mine was the importer. at risk of seeming disloyal to her (she's not a close friend!

) these shoes have NOT been at all well received here. <P>i know of no-one who recommends them. in fact i know of several good teachers who specifically tell students 'don't buy them'. (i have never used them myself.) as to being 'handmade with great care', their ads may SAY that, but i can think of a few people who would dispute that, too!

<P>paquita, these are the only russian brand shoes i am aware of, for sale internationally, but there may be others...<P>like everything, there will be a lot of brands if the manufacturers think they can make some money that way - it doesn't mean you should be swayed from your choice of whatever is right for YOUR foot. <P>with a lot of brands it IS confusing, but at least there is now a better chance each dancer will find what they need. there is also a better chance that each dancer will spend a lot more money (!), especially if they are enticed by slick advertising...but that's the world we live in.<P>i'd say: stick with what is working well for you.<P>btw, since i know your age from your other posts, i assume you started pointe at age ten? is that correct? is that usual at your school? is it usual at other schools you know of in france? just curious. thanks for any info!
