Fitting for pointe shoes, which is open to the public, will take place at Ballet Theatre Company in West Hartford on Aug. 13.

Pointe shoe fitting. Courtesy photo

Submitted

The School of Ballet Theatre Company (SBTC) is pleased to welcome back and partner with the wonderful staff of Beam & Barre for its fifth annual Pointe Shoe Fitting on Saturday, Aug. 13. Beam & Barre, located in Greenwich, CT, is the official dance wear store of SBTC and a Pointe Shoe Patron sponsor of BTC’s resident company.

The Pointe Shoe Fitting is open to the public and will take place in BTC’s The Ron and Nancy Compton Studio at 20 Jefferson Ave., West Hartford from noon-4 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 13. There are two, professional fitting spots available per each time slot and fittings cost $10/dancer. Online registration, including completed payment, is required in order to reserve a fitting.

To celebrate SBTC and Beam & Barre’s fifth annual fitting, dancers who attend can enjoy a series of contests and treats provided by the two companies. Be sure to follow BTC (@dancebtc) and Beam & Barre (@beamandbarre) on their social media platforms to learn more!

Being approved to dance on pointe is a monumental step in a young dancer’s training, as it represents reaching a level of strength, coordination, and body awareness in their ballet technique that begins their progression into more advanced studies.

A proper fitting pointe shoe is crucial for dancer safety and well-being while dancing on pointe, so it’s imperative that dancers are fit by trained professionals for their first pair, and that they periodically return to be re-fit, especially as they continue to grow and mature. “Getting the correct fit is essential to preventing strain and potential injury,” says Cara Milo, owner of Beam & Barre. “Core strength, proper alignment and positioning of the foot in the shoe are just a few of the elements we assess when finding the best shoe for you.”

BTC will follow its 2022-2023 Academic School Year policies during the fitting. Masks will be optional for dancers who wish to register for BTC’s Pointe Shoe Fitting. Dancers younger than 16 should be accompanied by a parent, but we ask that no more than 3 people per dancer attend. To register visit, https://dancebtc.org/pointe-shoe-fitting.

On Aug. 21, SBTC will welcome new and returning families and students for its Open House, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. During the Open House, families will be able to meet BTC Faculty and Staff, tour its 6,700 square foot, state-of-the-art facility, and learn more about the 2022-2023 class offerings. Placement Classes will be offered for new students interested in joining SBTC’s 2022-2023 training program from noon-2:30 p.m.

The School of Ballet Theatre Company (SBTC) is the official school of Ballet Theatre Company (BTC), offering classes for students ages three to adult, from beginner to advanced levels. Its carefully-constructed curriculum emphasizes strong technique, proper alignment, musicality, and expression. Through a faculty of distinguished professionals, its ballet instructors incorporate the best of the French, Italian, and Russian training methods in a nurturing and supportive classroom environment that fosters the development of young artists.

In addition to classical Ballet training, SBTC offers Pointe, Variation, Boys Ballet, Contemporary and Jazz classes. SBTC students share a facility with the professional company, enriching each student’s experience by allowing them to observe those dancers in classes, rehearsals and performances. Students are also offered opportunities to perform with the professional company in productions such as Stephanie Dattellas’ “The Nutcracker.”

Beam & Barre has been Connecticut’s finest dance wear provider for over 40 years and specializes in expert pointe shoe fittings. They have an impressive range of over 50 styles of pointe shoes to fit every dancer’s needs. The fitters, who are dancers and teachers, have a combined 20 years of fitting experience, ensuring customers the right fit. Not only does Beam & Barre have an extensive stock of pointe shoes, they also carry quality products from top dance brands and are truly a one-stop shop for dancers. Beam & Barre prides itself on being involved in the local dance community and is proud to support Ballet Theatre Company and its dancers.

Like what you see here? Click here to subscribe to We-Ha’s newsletter so you’ll always be in the know about what’s happening in West Hartford! Click the blue button below to become a supporter of We-Ha.com and our efforts to continue producing quality journalism.