Blog

What are the So-called "Rare" Grishko Models and Who Do They Fit Most?

Two quite rare and rather interesting pointe shoe Grishko models have attracted our attention for a deep analysis... – the long-vamped Maya-II and its opposed model, the short-vamped Elite --

First Pointe-shoes by Grishko

Grishko company, except for its wide range of pointe shoes, which fit almost every type of feet, it also offers three models of demi pointe shoes or, in other words,  soft blocks! These are pointe shoes, with a soft sole, so as to help you be prepared for the "hard" ones: Exam, Alice and Novice.

Fouette last and its evolution

The issue was that Fouette was not a “square” model. In order to be able to see it you need to press the box – the “wings” spread sideward forming a triangle. The Fouette model, and its "twin sister" Maya I, are known and popular all around the globe, as they represent that oldest "traditional", Russian-style pointe shoes. Let's see whether this last is good for you!

Grishko 2007 Last

"Grishko 2007" last: Perhaps it’s one of the most popular models in the ballet world. Tapered, comparably narrow and elegant, yet with quite a wide platform; it’s sleek, without any sharp angles. Its profile is quite flat but not "the flattest" on the market. The 2007' model itself and its later (and less tapered) modifications, for me, are among those few "universal" pointe shoes that may become a good fit for 80% of the dancers... 

With or without pads - What's better?

“What kind of pads do you recommend?”, “Is it possible not to use pads at all?”, “Which ones are the best?”. I’ll do my best to answer all the questions mentioned above.

R-class: the New RC Collection

What makes the new RC Collection special? The new RC collection is different from all the previous models of pointe shoes of the brand. It uses different technologies in the sole construction which allow the sole to be completely flat and very durable - yet, still made of the traditional and natural (non-plastic) materials. The upper layer of the shoes is made of a different satin – it has a radiant “champagne” shade and is stiffer than the classic R-class fabric. As a result, the shoes are more durable, plus the heel fits very nice without “bagging” when en pointe. 

R-class: the JW and SL Collections

These two collections by R-class should be the most well-known, as they also exist in the Russian Pointe and Energetiks brands. When ordering a matching model by R-class, you will get the exactly same shoes - yet branded differently. 

R-class: Classic and Polette Collections- "Oldies but Goldies"

Hand-made exactly the same way they were made 30 years ago. Following the traditions of the shoemakers of the Bolshoi Theatre, the pointe shoes of the very first collections of the R-class brand (the Classic (CL) collection and the Polette (P) collection), still remain some very noticeable and worth trying models.

R-class: the Manufacturer with the Most Pointe Shoe Models Ever...

Welcome to Moscow! – a city where, at least 1/3 of all pointe shoes on the planet are being manufactured!!! Let us tell you about the least well-known one, the R-class pointe shoe factory. Its director, Mr Roman Kukushkin, is a man who grew up in the shoe ateliers of the Bolshoi Theater of Moscow: his mother was bringing her young son to her work, where she was making ballet shoes for the cast. At 1992, he started his own production and since then, he is constantly working on achieving his dream: To create the Ideal Pointe Shoe!

Olivier Tourchon: An Aspiring Man's Story Behind Pointe Shoes

One aspiring man, one inspiring story. Everything about Olivier Tourchon and his personal story behind ballet and pointe shoes! A full interview article for one of our best customers on his everyday life, ballet classes, ballet story and his pointe of view on ballet and nowadays dance society.