A Special Make-Up (SMU) is a shoe that is precisely made to conform to the dancer's anatomy and performance style. It is the ultimate achievement in the art of crafting pointe shoes. The SMU is truly an extension of the dancer's body and his or her artistic expression. Capezio® cobblers have been supplying the world's greatest dancers with custom made shoes since 1887. We are proud to make SMU pointe shoes for leading ballerinas worldwide. Our shoes can be altered and dancers may request modifications to virtually every part of the shoe. Developing an SMU may take several fittings, and the dancer assumes financial responsibility for
the process. Capezio® recommends first experimenting with an in-stock shoe. Capezio® shoes are handcrafted and natural variations are expected. Capezio®/Ballet Makers, Inc. makes every attempt to fulfill each dancer's request, slight variations up to 1/8" may result and are considered accurate.
Expect six to eight weeks for delivery. SMU shoes cannot be returned or cancelled.
C O L O R S
Our pointe shoes can be made in the following satins: black, caramel, european pink, ivory, pink, red and white (matte finish on all colors is available). Pointe shoes can also be manufactured in leather at an additional charge.
S I Z E / W I D T H
Shoes can be ordered in a different size for each foot, and quarter sizes are also available. Shoes can also be ordered with combination widths (Ex. B width at heel and C width at box).
V A M P
Vamp height is increased or decreased to custom-fit the dancer’s foot. The vamp can be changed in increments of: 1/8”, 1/4”, 3/8”, and 1/2”.
T H R O A T S H A P E
All shoes can be ordered with round, U-shaped, V-shaped, or Extreme V-shaped throats.
S I D E / H E E L
Side and heel heights are increased or decreased to custom-fit the dancer’s foot. The sides and back can be changed in increments of: 1/8”, 1/4”, 3/8”, and 1/2”.
D R A W S T R I N G
Drawstrings are available in cotton and elastic. We offer optional knot placement at front or side.
S O L E
Shoes may be ordered with either a buffed or scraped sole. A scraped sole offers more traction. A smaller outer sole can also be requested to provide more flexibility.
S T R E N G T H O F P L A T F O R M, B O X O R W I N G S
The platform, box and/or wings of a pointe shoe may be reinforced or lightened. The wings may also be pasted longer or shorter. A dancer can also choose to have no paste in the wing area.
S H A N K S T R E N G T H / L E N G T H
Dancers may choose leather board shank strengths ranging in hardness from #1 to #6 (with #1 being the lightest and #6 being the hardest). For more pliability, firm red board shank or a flexible red board shank may be used. Shanks may be different strengths at select points. Razor slits can be made across the shank at demi-pointe for a smoother roll through. Shanks may be made to measure, full, 3/4 cut off, or 1/2 cut off. Shanks can also be skived at the 1/2 or 3/4 point to varying thickness.
T O N G U E
A tongue may be placed on top of the shank to add more support under the metatarsals and arch. Tongues come in shank strengths: #2, #3, and #5.
N A I L P L A C E M E N T
The placement and number of nails may be altered to the dancer’s preference. A dancer may choose to have no nails attaching her shank to the outer sole; latex glue or boxing paste may be used instead.
T O E S H A P E
Even though the shape of the last upon which the shoe is built determines the shape of the box, it may be altered slightly during the hammering out phase.
P L AT F O R M S H A P E / A N G L E
Platforms may be angled forward, back, or not at all depending on a dancer’s desire for placement. As with the box, the platform shape is determined by the shape of the last, however, the shape may be changed slightly during hammering.
S O C K L I N I N G
A dancer may choose to have a cotton, suede, or no sock lining.
For more information, please contact the SMU Department.
Email: smuorders@balletmakers.com.
Fax: 866-618-5954
Phone: 877-300-1887
Inquiries will be responded to within 48 business hours.
