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Ballet/pointe sheos

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Expert: - 9/27/2008


Question
I need some help strengthening my ankles for my pointe work because when I try and go up on my shoes I cant get all the way over on the box without bending my knees.. Is there any exercises I can do that will help

Answer
To strengthen your feet try doing 8 releves on each foot and then 16 on both.  Repeat this.
Also, theraband exercises are good for your ankles.  Flex and point, go side to side with a flexed foot, and then go side to side with a pointed foot.  Do about ten reps of each of these.
Ankle circles are also great.
Lastly, your shoes may not be broken in enough.  Make sure that the shank isn't to hard.  Don't be afraid to bend it pretty agressively.  
Good luck!

Ballet

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Connie

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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

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I've seen ballet since the age of 0, because of my parents, and I am training to become a professional dancer now.

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