20 votes

The pointe shoe makers of Hackney

6 comments

  1. [3]
    Grzmot
    Link
    Despite the harsh working conditions on display here, I found this text to be a heartwarming handshake across social boundaries. The tough blue collar workers meeting with and being appreciated by...

    Despite the harsh working conditions on display here, I found this text to be a heartwarming handshake across social boundaries. The tough blue collar workers meeting with and being appreciated by the ballerinas for whom they make shoes that last only such a brief amount of time. I love how most of them don't really go to ballet, but that they enjoy personally meeting the dancers.

    I enjoyed this article due to the personal testemonials, but if you want some extra info in a video, Business Insider made a video on this some time ago: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tn1rN0tu1Ro

    3 votes
    1. [2]
      ahatlikethat
      Link Parent
      I mean, yes, they talk about the pain in their hands, but their working conditions seem to me far above the average--getting to make something from start to finish and being personally recognized...

      I mean, yes, they talk about the pain in their hands, but their working conditions seem to me far above the average--getting to make something from start to finish and being personally recognized and appreciated for it, a pride of purpose and a knowledge of where and how your work is meaningful. I envy them and I wish there was more of this in the world.

      1 vote
      1. Grzmot
        Link Parent
        At least one mentioned six day workweeks. That's what I was mostly referring to.

        At least one mentioned six day workweeks. That's what I was mostly referring to.

        1 vote
  2. [2]
    Habituallytired
    Link
    As someone who used to dance, and went up en pointe for a few years, I've always appreciated the skill, care, and dedication that's gone into making these shoes. Without them, or even with them...

    As someone who used to dance, and went up en pointe for a few years, I've always appreciated the skill, care, and dedication that's gone into making these shoes. Without them, or even with them (if they're faulty, or accidents happen), you can absolutely break every toe on your foot, and even break ankles if the shoe doesn't support you enough. Dancing en pointe is hard AF, and it makes sense why the shoes have to be specially made.

    Thanks for sharing this article! I really appreciated it and the step back in time it gave me.

    3 votes
    1. Grzmot
      Link Parent
      Thank you! I hope it gave you some fuzzy good memories, it's that time of the year after all. :)

      Thank you! I hope it gave you some fuzzy good memories, it's that time of the year after all. :)

      1 vote
  3. paris
    Link
    This is beautiful, thank you for sharing

    This is beautiful, thank you for sharing

    2 votes