A dance shoe having an upper and an underfoot portion, the underfoot portion includes a sole shank, consisting of a relatively rigid structure, extending longitudinally in the shoe over at least a forefoot portion of the shoe and at least partially over a midfoot portion. The sole shank has at least one hinge with a unidirectional stop disposed widthwise in the sole shank. The sole shank covers at least the forefoot portion of the underfoot area and it locks to support plantar flexion and hinges to facilitate dorsiflexion of the foot. To facilitate en pointe movements, the sole shank may be coupled to a rigid distal part of the shoe, such as a toe box. The inventive subject matter is also directed to dance shoes, as well as the sole shanks themselves, and to methods of making the sole shanks and using the sole shanks in assemblies.