For instance, the Prince in Swan Lake wears heelless character boots. Heeled boots can be worn by both male and female dancers and reflect more accurately than the heelless version the designer's conception of the period in which the ballet takes place. Designers carefully research the period in order to reproduce clothing as authentically as possible for the stage. Character boots can come in all shapes, sizes, colours and heights, from ankle boots to thigh boots. Whatever is necessary to conform to the needs of the costume is used in the design of such boots.
Boots are an integral part of many character dances.
The mazurkas and czardas seen in Swan Lake incorporate a lot of heel clicking, so heeled boots are worn by both men and women for these dances. Character boots can also be decorated with elaborate designs and with gold applique and buckles, bows and ribbons. The Bournonville slipper, invented by August Bournonville, is worn by male soloists in all of the ballets choreographed by Bournonville. This slipper has a white V-shaped vamp in the front while the rest is black. Even people sitting at the back of the theatre are sure to notice these slippers which give the illusion of beautiful, long pointed feet.