Expert: Dianne M. Buxton - 9/12/2011

Question
Hey(:
Okay well, I want to become a better dancer. I should go on Pointe next year, but I've only been dancing for 4 years, And ballet for 2. So I'm kinda nervous. I'm not the best dancer but I really want to get better. I'm 13 and I'm 5'9. My height makes me very awkward you see xD. But I have a problem getting high on releve, like my big toe isn't flexible enough. How do I change that? And how can I improve my flexibility, ankle strength, posture, pirouettes, and my core strength? Wow that was a lot of questions. But thanks for the help :).

Answer
Hi Ruth. Here is some information that will help you.

http://balletshoesandpointeshoes.blogspot.com/

You will see down the left sidebar of this blog many dance reference books or DVDs. These are all linked to dance education authors who have put very good products together. Lower down you will see a list of blog posts, as I have done my best to write many articles about doing ballet better, and I cover the material in these educational references, for those who cannot buy anything right now.

There are more than 200 blog posts on the site, but the ones I've listed there are detailed descriptions of ballet exercises, and they will give you some good tips.

http://ballettoeshoes.blogspot.com/2011/02/for-pointe-shoe-exercise-get-big-toe.   
is an article about strengthening the big toe...and you can stretch the big toe separately as well, and massage the big muscle underneath it. This way you will gradually feel more flexibility in its joint.

All the best! Dianne