Expert: Dianne M. Buxton - 11/22/2008

Question
Hi! I'm taking pre-Pointe at my dance school but I really want to go on Pointe. All my friends are on Pointe and I really don't want to get left behind and feel left out in my pre-Pointe class, but the person who owns the school won't let me go on Pointe. One of my friends said I should ask the director of the school if I could use pre-Pointe shoes. I was wondering if asking the director is a good idea. Also will pre-Pointe shoes help me to advance and become stronger? Oh and any other information on how I can advance and what I need to do to get on Pointe would greatly be appreciated :)
Thanks


Answer
Hello Sydney. Since I can't see you dance I don't know specifically what you need to improve in order for you to dance ballet in pointe shoes. I think you should ask your teacher what you need to work on.

If you want to improve faster on your own you could get The Perfect Pointe Book. The author's link can be found at http://www.theballetstore.com It has safe exercises to do at home, and self-assessment tests to mark your progress in getting stronger.

While pre-pointe shoes give your foot muscles an added resistance to work against, you can get strong without them, if you do the right foot exercises. The Perfect Pointe Book is designed to guide your technical work after you get onto pointe, as well as to prepare you for it. If your teachers think pre-pointe shoes would be good for you, then try them.

All the best, Dianne