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We buy them brand new and beautiful. Uniformly they sit in a box or bag, waiting for the necessary care and attention which will see them prepared and customised for their moment of glory on the stage. Patiently they journey with us up and down the country, enduring the sewing of ribbons and elastics. Bravely they endure being hacked and cut and shaved down with Stanley knives. They do not complain as they are bashed unceremoniously on concrete floors, or as they are stood on, bent, and beaten into the desired shape, for they know that their triumph is coming...
Their glory is short-lived. Perhaps for several special days they will be in favour; chosen for performances, even pas de deux, if they are lucky. They will help to hold balances, feel the excitement of doing multiple turns and enjoy the sound of rapturous applause. Dancers will pronounce: 'I love this pair!'
Yet before long, they will hear the fatal words: 'These shoes feel a bit soggy.' They will be removed, and replaced by a younger version of themselves. They might languish for weeks at the bottom of a dance bag, or immediately suffer the humiliating removal of their ribbons and elastics, that they might go on to serve another pair.
Yet even as they lie abandoned in a dressing room bin, they can look back to their finest hours and be glad that they have fulfilled their life's purpose. 'I was a Rose Adagio shoe, you know - Spring Tour 2012...wonderful times.'
To improve the life of a pointe shoe near you, donate to The Red Shoe Campaign.
www.gofundme.com/RedShoeAppeal
www.BalletTheatreUK.com
