How long have people used pointe shoes?

by Bailey
(Idaho)

I'm just wondering when people started using pointe shoes.

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Hi Bailey!

Good question. Truth is, we don't know for sure when the first pointe shoe was created or who tried it out. What we do know is that it was probably in the early 1800's. This was during the romantic period full of ballerinas depicting creatures so light they could float. And so, dancers invented a way to get as close as possible: the pointe shoe.

We also know that Marie Taglioni was the first recorded ballerina to perform on pointe. She danced Le Sylphide on pointe in 1832.

For more check out this page on pointe and ballet history.

Ashleigh

References to check out:
"How to Enjoy Ballet" by Don McDonagh
The Perfect Pointe