This year, 2015, we are celebrating our 15th anniversary. In April 2000, I looked back at my dancing experience, "Nutcracker" at the Manoel Theatre, having performed the Dance of the Snowflakes and the Spanish Chocolates. I enjoyed it thoroughly, but I did have to go through four pairs of pointe shoes - and the Shellac idea didn't work as 1. my feet were quite strong and 2. I'm not exactly a lightweight and, worst of all, 3. it damaged my ballet tights. I even went through a pair of Rusbal, which were very tough shoes. I decided to source my own directly from the manufacturers, since back then I was dancing some 3 - 4 times a week plus practising at home to keep up the strength.

Back then, the Internet did not have such a widespread presence in Malta - I think we were still on dial-up or just about changing over to ADSL.  A close friend of mine suggested that, therefore, I should make the hassle worth it by supplying my friends.  There was born the little business, which I then called En Pointe. As soon as my first order arrived, made of a mix of pointe shoes and ballet shoes as well as a couple of leotards, I began to ask around for interest.

Two years later, my teacher Ms Nina Winter (Zammit) suggested I speak to Elvia at Palkett, the Yada Shop. The uptake was immediate and I never looked back.  We have since been supplying a number of schools. Elvia has now retired, but I still liaise with the business she helped to create with Delina, who supplies me with YADA's uniforms and other custom-made dancewear.  Delina's sister, Rose, runs my shop beautifully at the College - were it not for her, I would be at a massive loss. Palkett is the physical shop that runs The Ballet Shop's business locally. The Ballet Shop ships both locally and abroad.  Shipping to Malta is free of charge, but buyers can also opt to collect their orders at Palkett.

In view of the 15th anniversary, The Ballet Shop - and even Palkett - will be offering a number of discounts which we will be publishing from time to time - watch our space.  If you want to be updated via email whenever we have an offer (which we do regularly, and not just on occasions like this - these are the special ones) please send us a private message with your email address. We will be getting back to you shortly!