Do you know what I really love? Finding a brand so lovely that it makes me happy I created this blog. I absolutely love learning about new brands and this one is no exception. Another gorgeous Italian pointe shoe brand can now be added to the sidebar. Italy is so full of beautiful brands that you can probably smell the bolts of satin as you arrive from overseas.
The BBM Danza Company Offers A Few Mysteries To Solve
According to their official website, the company address appears to be located in an industrial park in Naples, Italy. After a long diligent search, I located a storefront/ warehouse image at this address on Google Maps:
27 Viale Balzano Francesco, Torre Del Greco, NA 80059, Italy
Now for the most mysterious parts: Who is Bianca Buonandi? It makes sense that these pretty pointe shoes have BB in the title, but what does the M stand for in BBM? Was she a former dancer?
After a long and diligent search, I finally found the name BIANCA BUONANDI MORVILLO listed on a Dance Shoe Directory in Naples. On an interesting note, Triunfo is included in the description as well. Below is the Google translate version of the directory description:
NAPLES DANCE SHOE –B.B.M. di Bianca Buonandia: professional line of shoes, tights BBM, B.B.M., DANCE, DANCE, BALLET, TORRE DEL GRECO, NAPLES, BIANCA, BUONANDI, MORVILLO, PRODUCTION factory, triunfo dance shoes factory, dance shoes, dance shoe.
Hopefully we are correct to assume that B.B.M. stands for Bianca Buonandi Morvillo. However, the only reference to a Bianca Morvillo based in Italy is a Triathlete. Is it her? I don’t know. I have decided to let it be for awhile.
The Lovely BBM Danza Models
Are you ready for this list? I hope you have a comfortable chair because it is quite lengthy. Along with my own observations, any detailed descriptions were acquired using Google Translate. All of the models are constructed with non-toxic glue.
Pre Pointe- Pre-pointes are always interesting because they are controversial. Some ballet teachers put their students in Pre-pointes, some do not. Even so, many brands offer a Pre-pointe model; including BBM Danza. They are described as a soft-sole training shoe for developing the instep during barre exercises.
Studio Basic-This one is a beauty, don’t you think? I love the colors of the Italian flag on the heel seam. The Studio Basic comes with a wide range of options that lets you chose the width of the shoe as well as the reinforcement level of the sole. This one would be a treasure to add to my collection.
Aurora 08-The Aurora 08 appears to be created for dancers that need a wider metatarsal area in their shoes. From the photo, you can see that this model appears to have a higher profile, slightly smaller platform, and a more tapered box. Like the Studio Basic, the heel liner area has the colors of the Bandiera d’Italia .
Contempora A- What do you think? Have you ever danced or trained in 3/4 pointe shoes before? Typically, 3/4 soles or shanks are for dancers that have strong feet. These are beautifully shaped.
What I find interesting about these types of pointe shoes is that they didn’t exist in my area of the East coast U.S.A. back in the olden days.
Contempora B- Here is the lovely split-sole model for maximum arch enhancement. Unlike the A version, this model gives you a bit of traction in the heel area. That patch of leather can help keep that part of the shoe from wearing out too fast.
Like the other Contempora model, it offers less bulk in the arch area so your feet can pointe beautifully. Pointe shoes that are designed this way are chosen for both their aesthetics as well as their function.
FF Arcuate- The FF Arcuate is their pretty pre-arched model. Not only are they beautiful, they are a pointe shoe collector’s dream.
Nowhere in the realm of pointe shoe land will you find another model with the name FF Arcuate. I love it !
Kitri- The Kitri is one of those ready-for-dance pointe shoes. Not only do the suede-covered toe boxes provide a bit of extra traction, they prevent that “shredded toe box” look.
The best part about these shoes is the insole. Described as a Flexy insole with maximum bend capacity, the chances of hearing that dreaded snap sound are greatly reduced.
Symphony 1- Can you hear the ballet music? You might if you are wearing beautiful pointe shoes with the inspiring name of Symphony 1.
Looking at the photo, the shoes appear to be low-profile tapered models. What do you think?
BBM Men’s Pointe
Men doing pointe work is a controversial topic, but whether we agree or disagree, many dancewear companies offer a male version in their collection.
The BBM men’s model is described as being made just for the masculine foot. It is a wider, reinforced shoe with leather soles and made of black satin.
Now that we have come to the end of the collection, we can celebrate adding another beautiful Italian brand to the sidebar. Hopefully with time and luck we can learn more about Bianca Buonandi and what inspired the creation of this brand.
For more, visit the BBM Danza pointe shoe page. You can also find BBM Danza on Facebook.
B.B.M. di Bianca Buonandi
Viale F. Balzano, 27 – 80059 Torre del Greco, Naples, Italy