Stage footwear at the "Legacy. Theatre. The Greats" exposition: quality materials and unique shoemaking techniques
There is a common belief that theatrical footwear may look beautiful but is impractical, and that on stage a striking image matters more than comfort or the quality of the materials. In fact, the opposite is true: theatrical footwear, especially for ballet, musicals and musical productions, is made from the finest materials. Performers may wear these shoes for years, so they need to be comfortable, allowing nothing to distract them from creating a convincing and memorable character.
Among the exhibits at the "Legacy. Theatre. The Greats" exposition at the National Centre RUSSIA — a major project marking the 150th anniversary of the Theatre Union of Russia and implemented with the support of the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation and the Presidential Foundation for Cultural Initiatives — the "Costume and Tailoring Workshop" section features professional shoe lasts. They were made in the workshops of the K.S. Stanislavsky and Vl.I. Nemirovich-Danchenko Moscow Academic Music Theatre. Such lasts are produced to performers' individual measurements: each has its own size, shape and character.
To make theatrical footwear, craftsmen use high-quality genuine leather: only this material provides an impeccable fit, durability and comfort. The variety of designs is equally important: silhouettes depend on the historical period and the artistic concept of the production. The exposition features dozens of models referring to different eras and created for different stage purposes.
The main secret of theatrical footwear lies in the special construction of the sole. It is made from soft genuine leather without the rigid arch supports and metal inserts typical of ordinary footwear. This technique allows the foot to move freely, makes steps and jumps quiet, and ensures secure contact with the stage floor. It helps performers move lightly and naturally while allowing the audience to become fully immersed in the action.
Visitors can see the unique shoe lasts and discover the secrets of the theatrical backstage world at the exposition at the National Centre RUSSIA until 25 September. Admission to the exposition is free. Advance registration on the russia.ru website is required to join a guided tour.
On 23 September, the sixth meeting of the Council under the National Centre RUSSIA for the Development and Promotion of a New Russian Style in Public Spaces was held at the National Centre RUSSIA.
The talk was held in Yekaterinburg as part of the International Festival of Youth — 2026.
This year, the contest received 80,257 applications from all 89 regions of the country and 10 foreign countries under the central theme "Unity of the Peoples of My Country".
