Expert: Connie - 12/21/2006

Question
My college is putting on a production of "You Can't Take it With You" this spring.  One of the characters is supposed to be a ballet dancer.  I'm the theatre junkie with the most ballet experience so the task has fallen to me to investigate.  The director would like her to be able to wear pointe shoes and possibly pop up and shuffle for 10 seconds or so every now and then during the show.  The character is supposed to be a fairly bad dancer (but who's been taking many many years of lessons).  I'm not sure who will be playing this part yet, but do you think it would be possible to teach someone how to wear and (very briefly) walk/shuffle in a pair of toe shoes?


Answer
I would not worry too much about this.  If worst comes to worst all you'll have to do is work on strengthening your feet for a while.  You will probably be able to bouree (shuffle in ballet terms) as long as your feet are strong enough.  Maybe see a local ballet trainer for some help.
Hope this helps.  :)