Expert: Connie - 3/15/2011

Question
QUESTION: I've recently bought new pair of Grishko Maya I and it came with non-adhesive moleskin, which I've never worked with on pointe shoes before. Do you have any advice about how to put them on? I'm thinking of super glue or sewing it, but I'm afraid that sewing it will make it rip more easily, as I have experienced with drugstore adhesive moleskin. ^^ Thanks a bunch~

ANSWER: I would try wearing the shoes without the moleskin first, and then decide if you need or want it.  Is this the moleskin the covers the tip of the shoe?  In that case I think the best option would be to superglue it on.  Let me know if you need any more help!

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: thank you soooooooooooooooooooooooooooo muchhhh~ <3 I used superglue on it and it is working better than the drugstore adhesive type~! Thank youuu!! um... I also have another ballet related question. Recently, I've noticed that my calves have be getting sore after classes and have visibly become "bulkier". I know that it will be hard to tell if I've done something that has caused this without seeing me dance, but is there any "common" explanations or areas in dance where I could focus on more to see where I'm going wrong? I'd like to mention that I have quite a case of hyper-extension in my legs, if that helps... ><   
THANKS A BUNCH ! <3 ^^

ANSWER: The increased muscle in your calves is most likely due to you improving as a dancer and working on more difficult skills that require you to use your calves more!  Really ballet dancers are using their calves all the time!  I bet that they are "bulkier" only to you, but you could ask your teacher for his or her evaluation if it's bothering you.  My one word of advice would be to stretch your calves after class.  By gently stretching you can elongate the muscle, combat soreness, and prevent injury.  I hope this helps!

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: :O ohh.... I see. :) I can't thank you enough! Your advice is really helpful, thank you! :P I'm wondering if you know any information about how to store tutus and tutu care in general... I recently got a tutu (no bag) and I don't know how to keep it from wrinkling(?), how to clean it, and what I do when it gets folded/wrinkled. Thank you <3 :)

Answer
I'm glad I could help.  To store tutus you may want to buy a bag, like this one:  http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001GBKZPC/ref=pd_lpo_k2_dp_sr_1?pf_rd_p=486539

If you don't want to do this you could even store it in a trash bag.  I would hang it by the crotch on a hanger and put the bag over it.  If it gets too wrinkled hang it in the bathroom while you take a shower to steam the wrinkles out.  You can spot clean the tutu and wash them by hand.  You can also soak in the bathtub, but make sure there is no fabric or trim that will run.  You could also try dry cleaning.  Hope this helps.