JulieW Posted January 23, 2014 Share Posted January 23, 2014 My daughter loved her Gaynors, but did eventually go back to Grishkos! 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2dancersmum Posted January 23, 2014 Share Posted January 23, 2014 sorry spanner it was me taking the thread off at a tangent. Elder DD was advised a couple of years ago by a fitter to try Grishkos and we've never been able to find any. Whichever shop it was in London that supposedly stocked them was very low on stock when we were there and had none in her size! Unless they just liked the pair they had fitted her with - that DD didn't like! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
taxi4ballet Posted January 25, 2014 Share Posted January 25, 2014 For anyone who likes Sansha, their shop in Drury Lane has re-opened 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
drdance Posted January 25, 2014 Share Posted January 25, 2014 I had fun in Dancia yesterday. Tried some Grishko and the newer Bloch shoes (with the suede pre-sewn over the end, which I found quite unsightly!) I liked the Grishko but with my less-than-bendy ankles the GM were much better and I actually have an arch on pointe for the first time in years! Very happy with the shoes. The fitting wasn't awfully thorough but the fitter managed to pull out pretty much the right size shoe in each make from looking at my feet so was fairly competent, and once it was apparent I knew my stuff too the process was very easy. 7 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VBee Posted January 27, 2014 Share Posted January 27, 2014 drdance I was in Dancia on Friday afternoon too! I wonder if we were there at the same time!? I was wearing an orangey/brown dress. Unfortunately Capezio was closed due to “stock take” which was a shame because I quite fancied a new leotard from there. We went to Bloch next but the fitter there was pretty rubbish, she seemed very disinterested and didn’t manage to find any shoes that fitted me. I’m glad that I knew a bit about what I was looking for as I’m sure I would have ended up with some very ill fitting pointe shoes otherwise. I don’t know whether they have better fitters in on other days, but I really wouldn’t recommend them especially if looking for your first or second pair of pointes. Just my experience on the day though. So we went to Dancia next and I got fitted by a really nice girl (forgot to ask her name sorry)she seemed pretty knowledgeable and I felt happy with the shoes she was selecting for me. I also ended up with some gaynors, I thought I wouldn’t go for them, but they feel so lovely and seemed to fit far better than any of the other shoes I tried, especially as I was able to get the sleek heel ones. I’m also really intrigued as to whether they’ll live up to all the claims they make. p.s. porthesia thanks for the tip about the custom made grishkos, I may look into that in the future. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yulpany Posted February 13, 2014 Share Posted February 13, 2014 I've finally visited some stores in covent garden but sadly didn't bring home any shoes. I went to the bloch store but I did not get fitted mainly because I had tried 3 models and non fitted so I concluded that maybe my feet just dosent suit bloch! Hopped over to dancia and they lady who fitted me was really nice but I forgot to ask for her name! She only fitted me gaynors because she said I had a narrower heel. Sadly, they did not fit me because they did not have the sleek heel model in stock. She told me to go back to my 2007 pros and they didn't have stock for my 6xx too. Left dancia empty handed I personally do not favour sansha but I decided to at least try to fit (They are having 30% off pointe shoes now). The lady was a really bad fitter with very little knowledge. She referred to a piece of paper with the specs of the shoes and she literally just threw me all 13 models to try on. Thumbs down. Didn't get to visit the capezio and freed shop since I was rushing for time and I am regretting now 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Circe Posted February 13, 2014 Share Posted February 13, 2014 Yulpany- what a bore to come away with no shoes! I have been wanting to try sansha for my dd for a while so handy to know the fitting not up to snuff, but they do have some pointe shoes not available elsewhere that i wouldbe interested for my daughter to try. Shame you didn't get over to Freed as i have found the fitters very expert and interested and the range good each time we have been...just a shame the shoes appear to be not suitable for daugher! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
All4dancers Posted February 15, 2014 Share Posted February 15, 2014 Just to let you all know, you now need to book an appointment to have a pointe shoe fitting at Bloch. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
taxi4ballet Posted February 20, 2014 Share Posted February 20, 2014 Been into Sansha in Drury Lane twice now since it has re-opened. Oh dear. The first time we were told to hurry up and make our purchase as they wanted to cash-up the till and close (10 minutes early by my watch). The second time I went in there on my own with a very basic pointe shoe query, and the man serving didn't seem to understand what I was talking about at all. Not a particularly good experience really Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fiz Posted February 20, 2014 Share Posted February 20, 2014 That's shocking, Taxi! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ballemum Posted February 20, 2014 Share Posted February 20, 2014 My dd always goes to london and goes to dancia they are great in there and also have a feww other makes. last time went to every shop as she wanted to see if another make would be better. We went to capezio and there was a dark haired lady in there and she was great Although my dd seemed to know what she wanted the lady was very helpful and she bought the suffolks. This was only a few weeks ago but they said they are going to stop selling them so had a 30% discount. Good luck with whatever you choose Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
All4dancers Posted February 20, 2014 Share Posted February 20, 2014 When we visited Dancia in December, the fitter, who was obviously experienced and was in fact training another assistant tried to sell my dd a pair of pointes that were clearly not a good fit. She said to the girl she was training, "well they're not completely ideal, but that's about the best fit you'll get on her". When I said that I wasn't really happy with them, she asked dd if she had considered wearing more padding! We left without buying the shoes. My older dd however, was served by a different fitter and was quite happy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grishko UK Posted September 7, 2014 Share Posted September 7, 2014 Has anyone been fitted at Dancia?? I like their large selection but noticed that they were not a certified Grishko fitter (they haven't attend one of their workshops), is that a worry? I have a really good local fitter but she only stocks Bloch and Capezio which I don't really like; currently have Bloch Aspirations which are OK. Several of the staff in Dancia have in fact attended the detailed whole day Grishko pointe shoe fitting course, (some have attended twice) and I believe they have our certificates displayed. But with staff changes, it is hard for the to keep up with sending all the staff on the courses, especially when there are extra staff in on a Saturday. If you are looking for someone local to you, email me with your postcode, and I can 'point' you in the right direction. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grishko UK Posted September 7, 2014 Share Posted September 7, 2014 sorry spanner it was me taking the thread off at a tangent. Elder DD was advised a couple of years ago by a fitter to try Grishkos and we've never been able to find any. Whichever shop it was in London that supposedly stocked them was very low on stock when we were there and had none in her size! Unless they just liked the pair they had fitted her with - that DD didn't like! HI There, Dancia in London is our main Grishko stockist for London, and they stock the 2007, 2007 Pro Flex, Triumph, demi pointe and DreamPointe. They can also order in any other style of Grishko for you, as can any Grishko stockist. There are many stores around the country (over 100!) who stock Grishko's. if you cant find one using our stockist locator on www.grishko.co.uk, send me an email, and I will try and help. Best wishes, Amanda Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grishko UK Posted September 7, 2014 Share Posted September 7, 2014 VBee I can confirm that we have been offered the option to make changes to Grishko shoes by our fitter in Brighton, who only supplies Grishko. She has told us that dd can make changes to her shoes (obviously at a charge) and that the shoes will then be made to dd's specifications. I don't know if this would include a different shank. Wondered if this might be an option for you. We haven't gone down this route as yet as dd finds the Nova suits her perfectly, but it is something we have always kept in mind. Have no experience of other shoe makers and whether they offer this option, I would have thought they would. Yes, the specialist Grishko fitter in Brighton is correct, and she often gets special orders made for her customer. And any Grishko stockist (including those in London) should also be willing to help you get customised Grishko's made through us. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grishko UK Posted September 7, 2014 Share Posted September 7, 2014 Anyone tried the new Dancique shop that opened in Birmingham in January. I see they stock Grishkos and wondered which models. They stock 2007, Triumph, 2007 Pro Flex,2007 Exam shoe, and some DreamPointe too. But like any Grishko stockist, they can get hold of other models from us too, even if they do not stock them! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Loulabelle Posted September 18, 2014 Share Posted September 18, 2014 (edited) So, my DD has broken the back of the right shoe of her Grishko 2007 Pro's in a week! During this time she has only worn them for half the pointe class at Tring, around half an hours solo practice yesterday and 15 mins in her private lesson today. She has worn them at home and class breaking them in through demi too. I'm feeling pretty fed up! I'm going bankrupt from the number of shoes she gets through, any ideas where we go next with shoes? Edited September 18, 2014 by Loulabelle Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Living the Dream Posted September 18, 2014 Share Posted September 18, 2014 My DD had Grishko's for one term at WL in year 9, until she was told they were not approved. She then tried Bloch TMT axis and has worn them ever since. She's now in her graduate year. They don't suit everyone. She has very strong feet and doesn't even have to heat them up to mould them. Maybe worth a try. LTD Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Loulabelle Posted September 18, 2014 Share Posted September 18, 2014 Thank you Living The Dream, I will look into those. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lucinda Posted February 6, 2015 Share Posted February 6, 2015 I'd be very grateful for some help please, in regards to Freed pointe shoe fitters. DD is having great difficulty finding suitable pointe shoes for her feet. She is in a full time pre-professional programme in Europe and has been en pointe for 6 years so has worn a lot of pointe shoes! She is planning a trip to the Freed shop in Covent Garden soon and is wondering if she should organise an appointment with a specific fitter in advance. I have read through the previous posts and see that Beth, Sophie and Michelle Atfield are suggested fitters. Do they all still work at the shop? is it worth e-mailing/phoning in advance with details/photos of DD's feet? I don't want DD to get there and find there is nothing suitable for her feet and we know from multiple previous experiences that she is a real challenge to fit properly. Thank you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nancy19 Posted February 6, 2015 Share Posted February 6, 2015 Wish I could be of some help Lucinda, but I'm in a similar situation to yourself! ( sorry to hijack your question!!! ). My daughter has a bloch appointment on Sunday. Is there better fitters or anyone that comes recommended. Good luck Lucinda, hope you are successful with your search! ???? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anna C Posted February 7, 2015 Share Posted February 7, 2015 I'd be very grateful for some help please, in regards to Freed pointe shoe fitters. DD is having great difficulty finding suitable pointe shoes for her feet. She is in a full time pre-professional programme in Europe and has been en pointe for 6 years so has worn a lot of pointe shoes! She is planning a trip to the Freed shop in Covent Garden soon and is wondering if she should organise an appointment with a specific fitter in advance. I have read through the previous posts and see that Beth, Sophie and Michelle Atfield are suggested fitters. Do they all still work at the shop? is it worth e-mailing/phoning in advance with details/photos of DD's feet? I don't want DD to get there and find there is nothing suitable for her feet and we know from multiple previous experiences that she is a real challenge to fit properly. Thank you. I believe Michelle has retired now; please correct me if I'm wrong. Beth and Sophie are fantastic fitters. Last time dd needed to try a different maker we had a very good fitting with - I think - Jade? in consultation with Sophie. I don't think you need to send photos, all the makers make slightly different shoes so hopefully there will be a suitable shoe for your dd. :-) 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Circe Posted February 7, 2015 Share Posted February 7, 2015 In my experience, as a mum, not a dancer !, the fitting is attentive and professional in freed and they are able to offer an array of shoes from their stock. However, one way or another, looking for the perfect pointe shoe is like looking for the holy grail. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
swanprincess Posted February 7, 2015 Share Posted February 7, 2015 Wish I could be of some help Lucinda, but I'm in a similar situation to yourself! ( sorry to hijack your question!!! ). My daughter has a bloch appointment on Sunday. Is there better fitters or anyone that comes recommended. Good luck Lucinda, hope you are successful with your search! ???? I have a Bloch appointment on Sunday too so might see you there Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nancy19 Posted February 8, 2015 Share Posted February 8, 2015 swanprincess, what a coninsidence!! We are booked in for 11. Just on train now. If you see an erratic mum with small 2 year old boy and 13 yr old DD, that will be us!! ???? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sheila Beelam Posted February 8, 2015 Share Posted February 8, 2015 If you don't have any luck you're all welcome to come and see us in half term! We stock Grishko (5 styles), Russian Pointe (5 styles), Gaynor Minden (4 different shanks) Bloch (3 styles), and a smaller selection of Merlet and Capezio. Good luck on the quest for the perfect shoe!! Sx 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tulip Posted February 8, 2015 Share Posted February 8, 2015 If you are coming from London, is it easy to get to your shop by train Sheila? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lucinda Posted February 8, 2015 Share Posted February 8, 2015 Thank you very much for all your replies especially spannerandpony and chaperone. Please correct me if I am wrong but it would be better to go during the week for a fitting rather than on a Saturday? 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Circe Posted February 8, 2015 Share Posted February 8, 2015 We have been on a saturday and its been fine, always had an attentive fitting. Close at 4 pm though i think. When we have been in the weekday though more fitters were in so got second opinion too. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sheila Beelam Posted February 8, 2015 Share Posted February 8, 2015 Yes Tulip, you need the Fenchurch St to Shoeburyness train and get off at Thorpe Bay. The shop is just outside the station on the left. Fenchurch St is next to Tower Hill tube on the circle/district line. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Its her Life Posted February 11, 2015 Share Posted February 11, 2015 Sheila, are you not at Move It this year? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sheila Beelam Posted February 13, 2015 Share Posted February 13, 2015 No and yes! We decided not to go this year as packing up the shop is so hard and it clashes with the start of half term which is always busy locally for us, so we didn't want to annoy our shop customers. Then ballet rosa (portugese brand we stock) asked us to launch their 2015 collection there, so two weeks ago, we agreed! We are on stand 210, next to dance direct I met several ballet co members today and always lovely to "unmask" the forum names! Lottie and the other girls are taking over Sat/Sun as Hannah and I are off on family hols. Regarding pointe shoes, Russian pointe are at move it, (but not fitting shoes) and then I think we have two fittings left late afternoon on Monday with their fitters at our store - just phone to book. Sx Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lucinda Posted February 25, 2015 Share Posted February 25, 2015 DD had a very positive experience when she visited the Freed Store in Covent Garden the other day. The fitter she had was very knowledgeable and helpful. DD purchased three pairs of shoes to try out and was also given the specifications she could try if she was to go ahead with a special order shoe. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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