As a resident dancer of 12 years, Jessica Atwell understands the importance of point shoe fitting as an improperly fit shoe “can cause severe damage, especially if the dancer is still growing.”

The shoes “need to be measured and fitted by an expert,” said Atwell. “They are based on the strength and height of the arch, basic shoe size, and how much pressure you put in the ball of the foot.”

Ribbon is also a key component to the correct fit of a point shoe, as Atwell described the two main types of ribbon used depending on the thickness of one’s ankles.