Brand Spotlight: Freed (including Chacott)

This British brand is known worldwide as the major supplier of pointe shoes to professional ballet companies.  Freed also produces dancewear for ballet academies across Europe. 

pronunciation	Freed = exactly as written, Chacott = Shuh- kott
website	freedoflondon.com
styles of dance included	ballet, pointe, jazz, hip-hop, ballroom, tap, character
types of items	shoes, bodywear, accessories, warm-ups, streetwear
country of origin	UK
price point	moderate to luxury
quality	very good
availability	Some availability in local dancewear stores in the US and abroad.  Chacott flagship stores in NYC and  other large cities worldwide.  Some items available on discountdance.com.  Full availability on official website.
sizing	pointe shoes: true to size (UK sizing—to convert from US street size, subtract 2 to 2.5).
Jillian’s top pick	Freed Studio II pointe shoes—the shape is generic and comes in 4 widths to accommodate many foot types.  A good introduction to Freed shoes for a budding professional.  (suitable for advanced ballet dancers only)
Jillian’s item to avoid	none to speak of