Should I use ballet or pointe shoes?

well...pointe shoes are going to be super stiff. You will have trouble doing things on demi pointe. If it's a pre-pointe class, chances are you won't even be going on pointe yet, just doing strengthening. So, I'd say flats. Either those, or there are actual pre- pointe shoes, which have no shank and are bendable, but have the hard box so that you can get used to having it there while dancing. You can check out Fuzi's pre-pointe shoes on http://www.fuzi.net/products.htm Otherwise, I say definitely use flats...the studio shouldnt even give you the choice/temptation of getting real pointe shoes and going up on them before you're ready.

What is wrong with everyone!?!?! I don't know where you go to school at, but there should not be a choice! If you are only taking one ballet class a week you should not have a pair of point shoes! If you really want to be a dancer when you grow up, you need to find a better school.... I am a soloist with Boston Ballet and was dancing at San Francisco Ballet for 4 years before that. I have been a ballet dancer since I was three. I have been a professional for 8 years. PLEASE do not listen to any of these answers.....there are some of the most ridiculous things I have ever heard! You could really hurt yourself if your teachers are not good..... Which sounds like they are not.... I don't know if you have ever heard the saying "Those who can't do, teach." Make sure you know what your getting yourself into....This is a hard career choice and you have to be committed beyond 100%......

Only if you are at least 11 yrs old, weigh 80 lbs and have had a min. of 3 yrs ballet class (not combo classes) should you even consider pointe shoes. I don't recommend shoes of the "pre-pointe" category that have a toe box but no shank because who could resist the temptation to try to get up on them. Foolish mistake if you're legs are not developed yet. You'll never be able to dance properly on pointe if you get an early injury. The answer to gel pads has to come with a proper fitting and only at that time, because there has to be room in the shoe to accomodate that kind of stuffing without lifting your fot too far out of the toe box. Ask as many questions as you can. I think you need to understand the process a little better.

take it from a dancer for 9 years.i would take ballet slippers because pointe shoes really hurt yourfeet and if u go up on ur toes for the first time and fall you can get seriously hurt.u could even break your ankle or foot or toe.trust me pointe shoes hurt!they gave me big bruises on my feet and after dance one day i had a date to go out on and i got these really cool shoes and the uy i went out wit asked me y i had big bruises on my feet.so i told them they were from pointe shoes and he called me dumb for using poite shoes because everybody knos they hurt!so my opinoin is to wear ballet slippers.

Ballet slippers are safer, and at first I would only use lamb's wool when you're on pointe.

If you are just starting out, you shouldn't push yourself too hard too fast. This could lead to injury. Your pointe instructor will know best. I do not know your level, or ankle stregnth, therefore it will be very hard for any of us to give you good information. Toe gels are the best invention ever, in my opinion! I would definatly suggest buying some! But, each dancer will find exactly what she likes to use best.

pointe shoes hurt but if u are good at ballet and have been dancing for a while get pointe shoes for sure its gonna hurt tho

you should talk to the teacher or a foot doctor because everyones feet are different.

use neither...a true ballerina can dance barefoot