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Pointe Readiness · For You & Your Dancer

Up Next.

What to expect  ·  how to prepare  ·  how to care

A From the Top Orientation

A dancer being fitted at From the Top
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Hannah Requa — Lead Fitter

Meet your fitter

Hannah Requa

Kinesiology + Dance · Ballet Soloist · Lead Fitter

  • Dances professionally with Ventana Ballet
  • Former principal soloist, Corpus Christi Ballet
  • Director, {254}DANCEFEST
  • A core part of our Precision Fitting program
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Why pointe is different

Readiness is earned.

  • The shoe becomes an extension of the foot — fit is everything
  • Not about age — it's strength, alignment, technique, and maturity
  • That's what your teacher is looking for before they invite you
Teacher approval is required before any first fitting — no exceptions.  Our standard: we will never compromise on the fit.
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🩰 Pass-around #1

Anatomy

Know your shoe.

Handmade from layers of fabric, glue, and satin — built to match your foot.

Anatomy of a pointe shoe — top, side, and bottom views with fourteen labeled parts
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What to expect

Your Precision Fitting.

Duration

30–60 min

Never rushed. Try multiple brands and styles.

Our Tools

Brannock + Goniometer

A PT-informed approach — not just experience and intuition.

Documented

Your Pointe Record

Measurements, images, shoe selection — every fitting gets smarter.

In the Chair

No "wrong" feet

Walk, demi-pointe, en pointe. We won't settle for "close enough."

  • Hannah may notice strength or flexibility opportunities — we'll share recommendations and carry basic supports in-store (yoga blocks, resistance bands, more).
  • Today we'll take some preliminary measurements so we're already prepared for the August fitting.

Teacher approval first  ·  clean feet, short toenails  ·  convertible tights  ·  book ahead.

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On record

Your Pointe Record.

Every fitting is documented — measurements, tests, photos, and shoe selection — so your next visit builds on the last.

Pointe Fitting Record — page 1: dancer profile, tests, and measurements Pointe Fitting Record — page 2: fitting notes, shoes tried, final selection, and photos
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What we carry

Brands & our inventory.

… and more!

  • The most common, popular styles for our local studio levels
  • Strong retailer network — we can bring product in for you
  • Real supply and inventory challenges across this industry — we navigate them for you
  • Brand lead times can run 12 weeks to 12 months
  • Shopping local = we stock what's needed and support your dancer better
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Before you dance

Sewing basics.

1

Ribbons + Elastics

Placement matters — get it right and the shoe stays put and supports the foot properly.

2

What You'll Need

Needle, strong thread, scissors, a little patience. We carry everything in-store.

3

We'll Show You

No glue, no shortcuts — and always follow your teacher's preferences.

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Wearing them in

Breaking them in.

1

What's Normal

A gradual process — start at the barre. Every dancer's timeline is different.

2

What's Not

Sharp pain usually means a fit issue. Tell us — we'd rather know early than late.

3

Skip the Shortcuts

Door-slamming, soaking, hammering — they kill the shoe early. Don't do it.

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Make them last

Caring for your shoes.

Air-dry

After every wear

Never leave them in a hot car or sealed bag — moisture kills the shoe.

Rotate

Two pairs > one

Alternating pairs lets each fully dry — extends life noticeably.

Store

Mesh bag

Lets shoes breathe between wears. We carry these in-store.

Toe Pads

Keep them clean

Hygiene matters — replace when worn. Stock up here.

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🩰 Pass-around #2

When it's time

Is my shoe "dead"?

The signs

  • Softening box & wings
  • Limp shank — no support
  • Sinking past the platform
  • New pain in toes or arches
A dead pointe shoe (left) next to a fresh pointe shoe (right)
Dead Fresh

Dancing in a dead shoe is a safety and a technique problem.

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For parents

What to expect over time.

Replacement

It varies

Hours danced, growth, intensity, and how well shoes are cared for.

Rule of Thumb

Refit ~6 months

A solid baseline. We'll tell you sooner if your dancer is outgrowing them.

First vs Second Recheck

Usually different

Feet grow and strengthen. The Pointe Record tracks every change.

Reorders

Give us runway

Once you know your shoe, a heads-up lets us source it before you're stuck.

Your Pointe Record = changes tracked, not guessed.  Partner-studio perks: priority scheduling, fitting receptions, a direct line to our fitter.
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Ready to get fitted?

Let's find your fit.

Every dancer leaves with a take-home postcard — fitting date, anatomy quick-reference, and how to book a recheck or reorder. Keep it in your mesh bag.

Questions? Hannah — technical, fitting, sewing, break-in, care
Jessie — program, scheduling, inventory, parents

254 · 300 · 6195

From the Top
4304 W Waco Dr · Waco, TX
allfromthetop.com

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