One of my favourite things about Moscow is that you can glimpse slices of life not otherwise accessible anywhere else in the world. Russians are proud of their accomplishments (and rightfully so) and are always willing to share and educate others. This day's educational excursion was to the Grishko Ballet Shoe Factory.
Having danced during my early years (I was far too uncoordinated to do gymnastics - that was Our Girl In Amsterdam's deal - ballet was a much safer option for all), I was thrilled to have the opportunity to learn how the various shoes I wore were made. Everything at this factory is hand-made. There are some machines used to cut out the various pieces of the different shoes but everything is pretty much done by hand.
Fascinating.
(Well, I think it is fascinating and that is all that matters, right?)
There was so much information shared with us that I couldn't possibly reiterate it all but suffice it to say that it takes many hands and many hours to create one pair of toe shoes. It takes a month's worth of apprenticing to learn how to properly craft each style of dance shoe - some take longer to master, depending on the complexity of the style of the shoe.
Fun Fact: Prima Ballerinas can go through upwards of seven pairs of shoes during one performance.
The Factory Floor - one of the many atelier rooms throughout the building.
Soft ballet shoes are made here.
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| tools of the trade |
Designer hard at work making bespoke shoes.
Hard ballet shoes (toe shoes) begin their life in this part of the factory where many hands make light work.
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| The shoes need to cure for a few days on drying racks and then they are placed in a smaller, temperature and moisture-controlled dryer to finish the process. |
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| They also make costumes! |
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| Lady Gaga would go gaga for this shoe! |
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| They ship worldwide - OPA! Gangnam style ... |
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