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Ballet/Pointe shoes

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Expert: - 1/26/2010


Question
Dear Connie,

I've been en pointe for about 2-3 months now, and starting to go barre-less. My problem is just, that one of my big toes has started to bleed... Right next to my nail a wound have developed and it bleeds every time I've been dancing. I'm still able to dance en pointe, even though I'm about to tear up :(

I don't know if I should go see a doctor, cause I'm afraid that I won't be able to dance en pointe if I need surgery or such...


Looking forward to you answer
Mathilde

Answer
I'm not really qualified to give medical advice, but I would say STOP DANCING ON IT!  At least take of your pointe shoes for a bit.  Let your teacher look at it and determine how serious it is and if you should see a doctor.  Stopping for a week will not hurt your technique in the long run, and will prevent the injury from developing into something more serious that does require surgery or an extended leave of absence.  Just let it heal, and then you'll be able to get back to dancing!

Hope this helps!

Ballet

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Connie

Expertise

I can answer lots about ballet, specifically the Vaganova syllabus. I'm still training, but both my parents were professional dancers, so most answers will be coming from them, not me. :) They're the experts. Obviously, questions about difficult technique, etc, would be better answered with someone else, but if you're just becoming interested in dancing, or are having problems with basic steps, like pirouettes or plies, then I may be able to help

Experience

I've seen ballet since the age of 0, because of my parents, and I am training to become a professional dancer now.

Education/Credentials
School.

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