Expert: Dianne M. Buxton - 12/8/2009

Question
Hello Dianne,

Was wondering if you could give me some ideas on how to make my technique slippers a bit more slippery when working on a marley floor. My slippers are special order from Bloch. I special orders these because of the shape of the suede pads on the bottom underside of the slipper, it provide's better balance for me. The problem is that when working on a marley floor, the suede patches make it very difficult to perform turns or glissades. Applying more force to the foot only serves to force the shoe to bunch and twist. Using water on the floor makes it dangerous for the others in my class during center work. What can I do?

Answer
Hi Brenda. I'm afraid I don't have an answer for you. Marley floors are just what they are. Unless you can glue a piece of fabric over the suede - something slippery (but not too slippery), that will stay without wrinkling. This would be an experiment and I have no idea how it would help.

It might be more fruitful to figure out why you cannot balance in normal soft shoes. Because if that is a problem, pointe shoes must be even harder for you, given that the soles are narrow and thick.

One good exercise for balancing is to stand on one foot and close your eyes. Your ankles are going to wobble and recover your balance as you challenge yourself this way.

Sorry I couldn't help with this. My personal guide is to fix the foot (leg, hip, posture etc.) rather than fix the shoe....to a degree anyway.

All the best, Dianne