Expert: treivilo - 7/25/2009

Question
hi. I'm an advanced dancer at hawaii state ballet. Right now, my arch is pretty good. the problem that I'm having is that when I pointe my foot, the shank doesn't stay connected to my foot. I'm not sure if I'm explaining it right. But when I pointe my foot, It looks like I'm not pointing at all. Is there a way to possibly, mold the shank to my foot?

Answer
Hello Molly,

This is probably due to an either too long shank, or too hard shoes. You should try to use less hard shoes or split sole pointe shoes (like the Legende by Sansha), I think this should begin solving your problem.

Some dancers also put elastics above the foot to ensure the shank stays "connected" to the foot while en pointe, you may give it a try.

Regards,

Olivier