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Ballet/Pointe shoes, feet and ankles.

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Expert: - 6/23/2009


Question
Hello Dianne, I have been dancing for 7years now, and I have just started pointe. I find it really hard to ride up onto pointe and for my feet to stay pushing over so I am on the very tip of my toes. My teacher says I need to do exercises to make my ankles more flexible. Could you recommend any? Also, with this problem, is it still possible to dance professionally? Thanks. Becki

Answer
Hi Becky. here's a link to an article which will give the information you need:

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

Yes, it is possible to dance professionally. Strengthening your foot muscles will help too:

http://balletshoesandpointeshoes.blogspot.com/2008/10/use-of-theraband-for-balle...   will give the right exercises

If you want some excellent home exercises to really get ahead with, you can find them at http://www.linkbrander.com/go/70655 it goes to the author's page for The Perfect Pointe Book and will tell you everything that is included in this manual.

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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