Although ballet has diversified and changed over the decades, many ballerinas of color still struggle to find pointe shoes and tights to match their complexion.

New York City Ballet dancers go through about 7,000 pairs of pointe shoes a year. That's because traditional ones break down after only a few wears.

After 60-plus years, Robin Williams, a ballet dancer, recently experienced a first: performing in pointe shoes that actually matched her brown skin tone.

LONDON—Ballet dancers have a more intimate relationship with their shoes than most people. So do ballet fans. When Marie Taglioni, among the first dancers to perform on the tips of her toes, or ...

Different ballet brands have different styles of shoes, so one brand may suit you more or not. Pointe shoes give the effect of a dancer floating on stage, making them look ethereal and weightless.

Although Robin Williams has been a ballet dancer for more than 60 years, she experienced a first during her performance of The Nutcracker this December.