As New York City Ballet’s Shoe Colorist, Tim Foster Brings a Niche and Needed Craft
The New York Times • • entertainment
Key Points:
- Tim Foster has been the full-time shoe colorist for New York City Ballet for 15 years, working in a small studio at the David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center.
- Most ballet shoes come in a standard pale pink, but Foster customizes them in a variety of colors to match the company’s diverse repertoire, such as canary yellow for “The Nutcracker” and powdery blue for “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.”
- His work requires precise color matching and careful application of paint to maintain the shoe’s feel and ensure the footwear blends seamlessly with dancers’ costumes and legs.
- Foster’s role is a specialized and essential part of the ballet production process, contributing to the visual continuity and artistry on stage.
