Get to the Pointe

*Viewer Discretion Advised* This week, Josephine watched a video of some pretty extreme training. It's not super clear what they are training for ballet specifically - it could also be circus, acrobatics, rhythmic gymnastics, or gymnastics. As a company, we took some time to decide if we should post this video. We certainly do not want to attract any hate towards the dancers or culture. We ultimately decided to post this video after discussing how the comments are turned off in the original video. We hope we can share a perspective and spark discussion. To be clear, overstretching is NOT...

Are ballerinas perfect?  In this episode of 'Josephine Reacts,' a popular youtube compilation of "ballet mistakes" was presented to the pointe shoe fitter. Ballet is widely known as an art form that cultivates high levels of perfectionism. So when ballerinas mess up, it feels like a big deal.  What did Josephine think? Watch to find out!

On this episode of 'Pointe Shoe Fitter Reacts,' Josephine reacted to a Dhar Man video featuring Jordan Matter and Lizzy Howell. This skit video is actually based on Lizzy Howell's experience as a plus sized dancer. Although some elements may be dramatized, it gives insight to her specific experience and story. And one of our favorite dance photographers, Jordan Matter, makes an appearance as well!  Do you know Lizzy's story? It's certainly a lesson we can all learn from.

"What the fit?! Oh my gosh, we should've come up with that!" On this episode of 'Pointe Shoe Fitter Reacts,' Josephine watched a YouTube Original series called 'What the Fit.' In this episode, Kevin Hart and Ken Jeong joined Los Angeles Ballet for some class and dancing! It's a funny one. And we also learned that Kevin Hart is not that tall (lol!)

Introducing our 2022 Pointe Shop Senior Model, Isabella Graves! Izzy is a trainee at Milwaukee Ballet, who was home in OC for a little while before the season started. She dropped by our Santa Ana showroom to get refit with Josephine. Because of her dance load and an old injury, Josephine ended up not only changing the shape and model of her pointe shoe, but also the shank between her two feet. Changing shank strengths is not an end-all, be-all solution for everyone. Izzy has very specific needs, so even if this sounds and looks like you, it is still...