Tamara Hanton's Story —
Pointe Shoe Appeal
In 2015 I was privileged to perform a role that defined my childhood – Tinkerbell.
Peter Pan is a story I grew up with and the chance to bring Tinkerbell to life was a magical experience. When I was taught the choreography, Tink was everything I pictured her to be: quirky, enchanting and energetic! In order to muster this energy I had to rely on my most prized possession as a ballerina: my pointe shoes.
To make this demanding role look effortless I had to ensure my pointes were prepared properly. I would start by making sure my pointes were soft, as the choreography featured a lot of quick steps and jumps. I soften my pointes by breaking the sole of the pointe and bending the shoes. I then bang the pointes with a hammer and shave the edges of the bottom of the shoe. These steps ensure that I do not make noise on stage when I perform jumps. Once the pointes are softened, it’s time to sew on my ribbons and elastics. I measure and trim them to fit before sewing them on by hand. In order to not cut my leg line I use a powder the same colour as my skin to paint my pointes.
During the Peter Pan season I used over 50 pairs of shoes during rehearsals and performances. My pointe shoes were essential to bringing the role to stage.
After preparing my pointes, warming up and putting on my wig, costume and makeup I would hit the stage and hear the best sound of all: the audience laughing and having fun!
I am excited to bring Tinkerbell back to the stage this year and can’t wait to share this ballet with you once more.