Expert: Dianne M. Buxton - 6/21/2008

Question
Hi,
I am starting pointe on Tuesday and I have a few questions...

1. How should pointe shoes feel? I just got some and got fitted, but they feel too small. My big toes are really squished and I feel like I am wearing a tennis shoe that is two sizes too small. But, the lady that was fitting me said that they were fine... Is it okay for my toes to be really squished or do I need to go back and try some more on?

2. I have a weak left ankle... what excersizes can I do to strengthen it?

3. My pointe on my left is not that great either... what can I do to strech it?

Thanks so much for all your answers.

Answer
Hi Natalia. Congratulations on starting pointe work!

I think you should try on some more shoes. Your toes should not be squished in pointe shoes. The shoes should be snug, meaning your toes may touch the end of the box. However, say if you do a demi plie, the toes should not be squished - because after five minutes, they will hurt a lot. On the other hand, the shoes should not be loose and slipping off. The width of the shoe matters a lot too. Try on various shapes and styles. Also, if you are going to wear padding, (and you are not a sissy if you do), wear it to try shoes on. There should be no strict rules or attitudes about padding - dancing in pain doesn't help anything, and can even lead to ballet injuries. (also there are no medals for bravery!).

It takes a few pairs of working in pointe shoes to get the one you like best. But you can still work in the shoes (unless they're too short) even if the fit is a little off. Padding, or toe levelers (padding to make up for an extra long toe) or toe spacers, if the big toe and second toe squish together a bit when you're not in pointe shoes, all help provide some comfort.

The stronger you are when you start pointe, the less you'll feel on the ends of your toes when you're up on full pointe. Getting exactly the right fit helps a lot, naturally, and you do your best.

I could go into more detail, but I have several articles at http://www.theballetstore.com some are in the blog area, and they describe in detail fitting, and breaking in pointe shoes (there is a video showing you how to break in pointe shoes in the videos section).. .and lots of articles on stretching and strengthening your feet for pointe work.

I also recommend The Perfect Pointe Book, which is linked on the front page of that same site. It has photos and videos, anatomy of feet, foot types, and lots of safe home practice routines. I think it is a manual that dance students can use for years. You will strengthen much faster with the right daily practice, and also with the right relaxation afterwards too. And I find that students who use The Perfect Pointe Book understand everything about what they are doing, in depth. It provides much more info than most teachers are able to teach in class.

I hope you have time for a long trip to the store! Don't let anyone rush you.

All the best! Dianne