6 Ballerinas Share Their First Pointe Shoe Memories

The mark of a truly skilled ballerina is her ability to make the pointe shoe look like a part of her body, an extension of her beautifully S-curved leg. It's hard to believe the shoe was ever foreign to her, or that she ever had that awkward first time on pointe. We asked six professional ballerinas to reminisce about that very first pair, and the memories—and photos—they shared are sure to make you smile.

Dana Benton's Instagram, Twitter & Facebook on IDCrawl

Dance Spirit: 6 Ballerinas Share Their First Pointe Shoe Memories - Philadelphia Ballet

6 Ballerinas Share Their First Pointe Shoe Memories

6 Ballerinas Share Their First Pointe Shoe Memories

Maggie McNamara Mandal, Author at Dance Spirit

Maggie McNamara Mandal, Author at Dance Spirit

6 Ballerinas Share Their First Pointe Shoe Memories

Ballet Archives - Page 4 of 5 - Dance Spirit

Ballet Archives - Page 4 of 5 - Dance Spirit

6 Ballerinas Share Their First Pointe Shoe Memories

Dana Benton's Instagram, Twitter & Facebook on IDCrawl

Dana Benton's Instagram, Twitter & Facebook on IDCrawl

Ballet Archives - Page 4 of 5 - Dance Spirit

The Point of Pointe Shoes - Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre

How do you know when your pointe shoes are dead?

How to Care For and Maintain Pointe Shoes – BLOCH Dance US

Pointe Shoes Canada: Shop Bloch, Suffolk, Grishko, Russian Online + - Dancewear Centre

Soudittur Girls Women Ballet Pointe Shoes