Three pairs for a show: This endless ritual of dancers to prepare their pointe shoes

Three pairs of new pointe shoes for each performance: for Valentine Colasante, star dancer of the Paris Opera, who is currently performing “Swan Lake” at the Opéra Bastille, the ritual of preparing slippers resembles a marathon . Between varnishing, embroidering and softening the sole, the exercise is well established and specific to each dancer.
(Video: AFP/lch)