Expert: Dianne M. Buxton - 12/3/2008

Question
Hello,
I have been dancing for about 10-11 years now.
I can eaisly do plies and releves.
However, my teacher does not focus in pointe,
but I am very interested in starting. I think my ankles could be strong enough already because I can releve with weight on my big toe, no problem. But how do I know when I'll be ready? I was hoping I could be ready by the summer session starts, i'll be switching studios. Is there any thing I can work on throughout the year that could improve my ankle and leg strength?
Thank you,
Candice

Answer
Hi Candice. I'm not sure from what you've said that you have done a lot of ballet, unless that is what you mean by 10-11 years of dancing.

Dancing ballet in pointe shoes requires a strong intermediate level technique. I recommend that you ask your teacher what specifically you should work on to gain strength for pointe work. I suggest also, that you refrain from doing releves onto any degree of full pointe until you have pointe shoes.

There is one way you can practice by yourself, which is with The Perfect Pointe Book. It  is available at http://www.theballetstore.com The author, a dance medicine specialist, has put together a long progression of self-tests, and ballet exercises to help you progress to dancing in pointe shoes. She tells exactly which foot muscles to strengthen and how to do it.

The Perfect Pointe Book addresses posture, balance and turnout, as well as many basic ballet positions. If you use it as directed, you will improve in a precise and correct way.

If you decide to get this reference book (it's a download with photos and videos too), please feel free to ask me any further questions that you might have about what is in it.

All the best, Dianne