Expert: Dianne M. Buxton - 3/14/2009

Question
Hi,
I am 15 and I have been dancing classical ballet for almost two years now. Although two years is not a long time my teachers have placed me in an advanced level class. It is not that difficult but I would like to take pointe. My teacher told me the key things were stretching my feet. I feel that this is not the only problem I am having. My question is: How do I improve my turnout and pirouettes? Along with stretching my feet and getting higher extensions?? When I do my pirouettes I fall out of my doubles or have a hard time holding my center, keeping my arms soft and staying up on my demi-pointe. Also how do I get my leaps to be balanced? Whenever I do a leap my front leg is higher than my back leg. It is very discouraging but I really want to dance on pointe. What are some more tips that could help me. Thanks so much.

Answer
Hi Achsah. The articles below will answer your questions! It's a fair volume of reading, but you seem dedicated and I think you will enjoy getting the information and working on all the technicals points discussed.

You definitely have the right idea - the better your technique is before you get into pointe shoes, the better you'll be on pointe.

http://balletshoesandpointeshoes.blogspot.com/2009/02/improving-basic-ballet-pos...

http://balletshoesandpointeshoes.blogspot.com/2009/02/develop-perfect-foot-muscl...

http://balletshoesandpointeshoes.blogspot.com/2008/10/use-of-theraband-for-balle...

http://balletshoesandpointeshoes.blogspot.com/2008/09/how-to-create-more-flexibi...

http://balletshoesandpointeshoes.blogspot.com/2008/08/how-can-i-improve-basics-o...

http://balletshoesandpointeshoes.blogspot.com/2008/05/how-to-improve-basics-of-p...

http://balletshoesandpointeshoes.blogspot.com/2008/05/how-can-i-improve-basics-o...

http://balletshoesandpointeshoes.blogspot.com/2008/02/dont-waste-time-learn-to-s...

http://balletshoesandpointeshoes.blogspot.com/2008/02/ultimate-ballet-line-arabe...

Feel free to ask other questions after you've read all this if you need to. All the best, Dianne