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Ballet/pointe shoes
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Question
I'm getting mixed opinions about ballet pointe shoes. Our pediatrician says NO! The orthopedic doctor that sees my dad says NO! But my dance teacher says, "You're ready. You have 'good feet'." What advice do I listen to? I'm 11 years old and still growing!!! Can I damage my foot and ankles if I'm too young?
You will not damage your foot and ankles if they are strong and you truly are ready to go on pointe. Your teacher will start with strength building exercises and you will gradually progress. If you're feet are arched enough that you can lay a pencil on top of your pointed foot and it doesn't touch your arch then you have 'good feet' for pointe shoes. I believe that if your dance teacher says you're ready then you probably are.
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Connie
Expertise
I can answer lots about ballet, specifically the Vaganova syllabus. I'm still training, but both my parents were professional dancers, so most answers will be coming from them, not me. :) They're the experts. Obviously, questions about difficult technique, etc, would be better answered with someone else, but if you're just becoming interested in dancing, or are having problems with basic steps, like pirouettes or plies, then I may be able to help
Experience
I've seen ballet since the age of 0, because of my parents, and I am training to become a professional dancer now.
Education/Credentials
School.
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