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Ballet/pointe ballet dancing

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Expert: - 3/23/2009


Question
when a ballerina is dancing on pointe are her toes curled under or are they straight my daughter seems to think that they dance on the ball of the foot can you please tell me the answer K Drakeford COVENTRY

Answer
Hi Keith. Here's how it would be correct.

On half pointe or three quarter pointe, in soft ballet slippers, the weight would be on the ball of the foot, and also evenly distributed on the other four toe joints as well.

When the foot is pointed at any time in soft ballet slippers, the toes should be lengthened, never curled.

In pointe shoes, the toes are also lengthened, not curled in the box of the pointe shoe. The habit of lengthening the toes should be taught right from the first ballet lesson, to strengthen the foot muscles accordingly.

Feel free to ask any further questions should they arise. All the best, Dianne.

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Dianne M. Buxton

Expertise

I can answer questions about ballet positions, ballet movements and ballet technique, pointe shoes and pre pointe exercise, mens training, ballet diet, general health issues related to dance, artistry, performance, modern dance, rehabilitation from injuries, and teaching ballet. I have taught ballet, choreographed, produced and directed dance companies. For any answers related to health questions I will offer my experience, and give references to information, but I also automatically include "see a professional".

Experience

dancer, ballet and modern, choreographer, dance teacher, artistic director, ballet mistress, producer

Organizations
I.S.T.D. Actra, Actors Equity

Publications
http://ezinearticles.com http://ballettoeshoes.blogspot.com http://streetarticles.com http://balletconnections.com

Education/Credentials
Graduate of the National Ballet School of Canada where I studied Cecchetti, Bournonville, Vaganova and Graham technique. Taught at the National Ballet School of Canada, York University, George Brown College and Harvard University.

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