Expert: Dianne M. Buxton - 12/8/2011

Question
Hi, iknow I may sound a bit dumb, but what do dancers mean when they say tapered feet. And is there a difference between tapered feet and tapered toes? Also, how can I tell if I have tapered feet/toes? I have recently been looking up Grishko pointe shoes, and I would want to try them on. However when I go to
My next pointe shoe fitting, people say that you should just let the fitter decide what to get you and trust in them. I'm probably going to bring my last pair of pointe shoes which were Bloch Synergy. Do you think that because I have a high arch that I could wear Grishko 2007s? And can you also give me the options of I have high arches but not tapered feet of what I could wear, or if I found out that I have high arches as well as tapered feet then what would be best for me?

Oh and one last thing; it's now the holidays for us ( like a 2 month Christmas holiday) and I was wondering what exercises I could do and what I should eat to keep fit. I think I get really lazy in the holidays, bit please help because  I want to be the best dancer that I can be. Thanks and sorry for the really long question... :)

Answer
Hi Bianca. Below is a link to an article about a certain foot type that you  may have, and it recommends a tapered shoe for that. See if this applies to you.

http://ballettoeshoes.blogspot.com/2010/09/ballet-toe-shoes-dancers-guide-to.htm

Another article on pointe shoes and getting exactly the right fit:

http://ballettoeshoes.blogspot.com/2011/04/dancers-ballet-tips-pointe-shoes-and.

Know as much about your foot as you can before you get fitted again.

http://balletshoesandpointeshoes.blogspot.com/2007/05/finding-exactly-right-fit-  more fitting tips, as well as a link to a site written by pointe shoe fitters.

a description of foot types: http://balletshoesandpointeshoes.blogspot.com/2010/09/pointe-ballet-shoes-sizing

Try on the shoes you are interested in, but also try on other brands as well. Don't be rushed, or let the fitter rush you. You are looking for a strong shank, in a shoe that meets all your other foot type/foot shape requirements. So you may end up with a tapered box, in a shoe with a goos strong shank. Try on several brands of such a shoe because they will feel a little different.

re vacation training: http://balletshoesandpointeshoes.blogspot.com/2008/06/how-to-stay-in-shape-and-k

Eat to keep fit? Fresh foods, lots of raw veggies in salads, lean proteins, and very little grains, pastas and potatoes. Minimal processed foods and minimal junk! Just common sense. I have a few blog posts about healthy oils and diet too. Here's a couple:

http://balletshoesandpointeshoes.blogspot.com/2008/10/you-cant-stand-green-veget

http://balletshoesandpointeshoes.blogspot.com/2010/11/muscle-building-foods-and-

http://balletshoesandpointeshoes.blogspot.com/2010/12/whey-protein-is-useful-for

Hope this isn't info overload!! All the best, Dianne