**Many teachers use demi-pointe, also called pre-pointe, soft-block or shankless, shoes, for pre-pointe training. Demi-pointes have a shaped box like a pointe shoe, but no stiff shank in the sole. Wearing demi-pointes gives dancers a more gradual transition from ballet slippers to pointe shoes. Therefore, they are never intended to stand en pointe in.
 
Bloch first developed the Demi-pointe shoe in the 1960s as a transitional shoe to help train dancers for pointe work. The Demi Pointe is more structured than a ballet flat and the sole and box provide resistance helping to build the necessary strength in the foot and leg muscles required for pointe work.
Features
The Aspiration Tensus Demi has a leather outsole and is made on the same last as the Aspiration pointe shoe. The last shape supports the foot and creates a smooth surface and stability when running, walking or standing flat.
The S0155 Demi-pointe has a square shaped box, low cut sides and a narrow heel. These features combine to accentuate the profile of the foot and suit the dancer with a narrow heel.