Beyonce's Ballet Heels Hit MTV: Are They Ready to Go Mainstream?

If one were to ask a member of the public, "What are ballet heels?" the odds are they'll talk about ballerinas en pointe, Swan Lake, and graceful, tip-toe pirouettes. However, they would be mistaken.

Ballet heels are an extreme example of high heeled shoe or boot. Essentially, the heel is so long (eight inches, or more!) that the wearer must stand 'en pointe', or on their toes. The design is not intended for prolonged walking or standing, and instead exists for erogenous appeal. Surprisingly, despite their popularity in underground fetish and fashion scenes, ballet heels have existed since at least 1896, when they were hand crafted in Europe.

Like almost all underground, risque things, given enough time, they emerge and become "mainstreamed" into society. Ballet heels may be on that cusp, after slipping into full public view through the massive media portal of the music video. They made an appearance in the White Stripes video "Blue Orchid", worn by Meg White, who actually descends stairs in them, and then a brief appearance on Pink's feet in her video "U & Ur Hand", although she remains seated while wearing them. This was then followed by the Christina Aguilera video "Hurt", in which she appears in full circus showgirl regalia, including a pair of ballet heels, which she actually stands and walks briefly in. Not to be outdone, Rihanna's video "Umbrella" features Rihanna standing and posing en pointe, in actual ballet dancer's shoes.

All of these, however, were trumped by Beyonce's "Green Light" video, in which Beyonce seems to have intentionally outdone all of her starlet rivals. Not only does Beyonce herself appear in a pair of ballet boots, but her entire cast of backup singers and dancers also wear the extreme heels. Although most of them are holding onto something for their balance (above the shot and out of view) there are several scenes where Beyonce stands, dances, and cavorts in her ballet boots. Clearly, these women do not want to be outdone, even if it means walking on the tips of their toes. The real question is: Given that fashion tends to copy what the stars do, can we expect to see ladies staggering around in 9 inch heels in the near future? Perhaps a spike in ankle injuries and falls? Laugh if you will, but admit: There is empirical proof that young women mimic what they see on MTV.

I would not be surprised if the war of ballet heels continues, as all our favorite starlets try to one-up each other. My money is on Madonna making an appearance in an outrageous pair of ballet boots; she will do anything for notoriety. Angelina Jolie would also be a safe bet: she isn't a singer, but she is crazy. Entertainment tiptoes on.